For the longest time, I had been using a Bank of America rewards based credit card.  There were many redemtion options on this guy.  Generally, you could redeem for giftcards for fewer points than redeeming cash.  While you would earn 1 point for every dollar spent, rewards were quite expensive.

Recently, I switched to the no hassle card from Capital One.  They offer 2% cash back on gas and groceries, and a straight 1% on everything else.

So far, its been better than expected.  We do our grocery shopping at Walmart.  (Bring on the hate Walmart crowd, hey they got the low low prices)  While Walmart obviously sells more than groceries, and the card is only supposed to give 2% cash back on groceries and 1% on everything else, there must not be a way to differenciate the different items.  The result?  2% cash back on everything at Walmart.  A nice little surprise!

The card also has online offers to earn points faster.  Lots of places you arlready shop offer bonuses both online and in store.  Not a bad gig.

Overall, I’ve earned a few $100 cash back checks.  You can also redeem the points for a simple statement credit.  I like to take the check and toss it in my Roth or other savings account.

Overall, the card is a good deal if you pay the balance off monthly.  Nothing like free money!