Many readers send me emails about “how to use credit cards and get maximum rewards“.  Believe it or not, this is a very difficult question to answer. Different people have different credit cards (or the ability to have different cards), different people have different preference on credit cards rewards (some like cash rewards, some like airline miles, and some like hotel points), and different people have different spending habits. So this is not a “yes or no” question and there is no unambiguous answer to this question. All you have to do is to look through all the major credit card issuers websites and find out those that best fit you. Of course, don’t forget to visit MyCardBlog.com from where you can find some great credit card tips and promotion offers.

Here I briefly introduce how I use my 12 credit cards:

1. Chase Freedom Visa Card. I use this credit card a lot because I can get 3% cash back from 5 categories (I have Chase checking account.) pre-determined by Chase. I use it to pay my cell phone bills from T-Mobile and Cable service fees from Comcast. I also use this card to buy groceries at Meijer, Schnucks, and other places (not include Wal-Mart). I also charge my lunch at subway, chick-fill-a, and other places noted as quick service restaurants. Sometimes I will also use this card at department stores like Macy’s, JCPenny, Sears or other stores. Chase Freedom Card takes about 70% of my monthly expenditures. This card is highly recommended. According to what I know, you can also apply for a second Chase Freedom Card even though you have one Chase Freedom Card on hand.

2. National City Everyday Rewards Visa Card. I have a review on this card. This is my first credit card and I like it very much. I usually use it to pay at the pumps from which I can get 4% cash back. I also use it a lot at some restaurants where I can’t get full 3% cash back from my Chase Freedom Card. Of course, I also use this card to buy movie tickets.

3. Starwood Preferred Guest Card from American Express. I use this card to buy electronics products from online merchants or local BestBuy, Circuit City, Office Depot, etc. I also use this card to rent cars and book hotels. The reason why I use this card to pay for electronics and car rentals is American Express is the best extra insurance provider and I trust American Express. I can usually get extended warranty for my electronics from this card. By the way, I get 20,000 bonus starpoints from this card and redeemed them as 2 $100 Amazon.com gift cards.

4. Discover Open Road Card. Sometimes I use this card at gas stations to get 5% cash back (or use National City Everyday Rewards Card). I use this card to buy some parts for my card at Auto zone or other places. I will also pay my oil change service fees with this card. This card is recommended to those with small cars (SUV is not recommended because there is $100 limit from which you can get full 5% cash back.).

5. Chase Amazon.com Rewards Visa Card. I only use this card when I shop around at Amazon.com. Previously this is a black card but it’s redesigned with blue color (see this post). They also add more redemption options.

6. Chase Sony Card. I use this card when there is a special promotion offer targeted to me. Otherwise, I will not use it.

7. Citi Dividend Platinum Select MasterCard. I used to use this card a lot. However, since I had the Chase Freedom Card, I never used it.

8. Household Bank Platinum MasterCard. I used to use this card a lot. But I’m not using it now. 1% and 2% seems no big difference to me.

9. Blue from American Express. I seldom use this card. I’m planning to switch this card to the Blue Cash from American Express.

10. WaMu Visa Platinum Card. Recently, WaMu sent me two same new credit cards and claimed that they have upgraded my card to the premier platinum protect card. I don’t know the difference between platinum protect card and normal platinum card. I don’t know why they sent me two same cards. I never used it. I use this card to monitor my credit score. I just hope they will not send me the third same card in the future.

11. Bank of America Rewards American Express Card. I seldom use this card. The rewards program from Bank of America is not so good.

12. A Credit Card from local credit union. One of my first credit cards. I’m not using this card now.

You might get some ideas on how to use your credit cards now.