Cash-back credit cards

When you buy something with cash, you're missing a great opportunity to earn rewards and build your credit history with a credit card. I used the Citi Dividend Platinum Select MasterCard for a few years, but when the cash back for gas and groceries dropped from 5% to 2%, I started looking around for a better deal.

My best finds are my current Chase cards. For everyday purchases, I use the Chase Freedom Visa. This card gives you 1% cash back for all purchases, and 3% in the 3 categories in which you spent the most for that month. These categories include groceries, gas, movie rentals, phone bills, department stores, and theaters, among others. To persuade you to build up your rewards, if you save up $200 in rewards (rather than requesting a check each time you've earned $50), they'll throw in an additional $50!

For gas and real (non-fast-food) restaurants, I use a Chase BP Visa. It gives 5% cash back on all purchases at BP, and 2% on dining. Those percentages are doubled for your first 2 months as a bonus.

My advice: apply for a card that works for you and start earning cash, miles, or whatever rewards you prefer.