But here’s the catch: you need to pay your bills on time, and in full. Credit card companies are giving you free money because they are banking on you not paying your bills on time. If you are late or delinquent with payments then you will pay a high interest rate on the balance. Then the credit card companies win, and your free money plan has actually cost you.

If you can play by the rules, and only buy what you can afford, then you will be rewarded. Many of the credit cards I’ve seen offer 1% back on most purchases, and 5% back on groceries, drug stores and gas… that can really add up. If you spend $1,000 a month on groceries, you would get back $600 a year! Another $200 a month in gas gives you $120 back. You can see how this could really add up.

If you rather not have the cash, then join a points program. You can use the points to buy that sought after flat screen TV or dream vacation to Tahiti. American Express probably has the most well-respected and trusted points program since the points never expire. My wife and I paid for most of our honeymoon using American Express points.

Here’s a little secret: many business credit cards give you back more money and more points than personal cards. If you have a business, even a home based one, you may want to apply for a business credit card and use it for personal charges. I won’t tell.

Here’s a few things I get paid for on a regular basis, just for using my credit cards:

• Groceries
• Dining
• Drugstore items
• Gas
• Doctor’s office
• Public Transportation
• All Online purchases
• Charity donations
• Netflix
• Cell Phone bill

Remember, don’t go crazy buying things you can’t afford just to get some cash back. But if you need to buy something, and you can afford it, why not get paid in the process? They say it’s better to give than receive, but tis the season to do a little bit of both.  If you need a new Cash-Back Credit Card, visit the Fiscal Sanity Credit Card search.