You have seen them advertised on your television. Likely, you have gotten their solicitations in your mailbox. Your neighbor has one and he just got a brand new gas grille for free! So, what am I talking about? Cash back credit cards, of course. Millions of consumers are making the switch over from plain credit cards to cash back cards. They have learned that a game can be played that guarantees that they will be a winner. Do you know how to play the cash back game? If not, read on for some helpful tips that can help you get started down the road to free money.

So, you think that there aren't free things in life, right? Well, in the case of cash back credit cards there are. You just need to know how to play the game.

For starters, there are a few rules for you to remember. If you carefully follow these rules you can profit handsomely and come away with money...not just a few dollars, but hundreds of dollars annually…even more. All for just using your cash back credit card!

Rule #1 – You have to be in it to win it. Yes, your card must be a cash back card in order to accumulate points that can be redeemed for money. Many credit cards offer rewards or other “come ons” to get you to use your card, but not too many give you money back. You can choose one of the numerous cash back credit card deals offered online to begin playing the game today.

Rule #2 – To maximize potential earnings, you must charge everything. That's right, in order to receive the most points – redeemable for money – you must get in the habit of charging all of your purchases. Not just clothing and not just household items. Charge your gas, your groceries, your visit to Burger King, you name it. The more your charge, the quicker you accumulate points. The more points you accumulate, the more money back in your pocket.

Rule #3 – Pay off your cash back credit card monthly. Okay, so there is a catch! In order to make this type of card work for you, you need to pay off your balance every month. If you don't, then the points you accumulate will easily be offset by interest charges and then some!

Rule #4 – Redeem and have fun. Yes, sooner than you know it, you will have accumulated enough points to redeem for money. Once you hit the threshold you want [check your credit card provider's redemption book] you can cash your points in for money or receive it as a credit toward your current balance. Either way, you have money in your pocket!

Do cash back credit cards sound too good to be true? They can seem as if they are, especially when you know that no one gives away free money without a hitch to it. What the credit card companies do to give money back to you is to set aside some of the money they collect from merchants and turn around and give that money to you. Merchants win because you buy their product, credit card providers win because you use their card and they get merchant fees with every purchase you make, and you win because you chose the correct card. A true win-win-win situation for everyone, but you must be “in it, to win it” in order to reap your reward. You'd be surprised how many people do not play “the game” or they break the rules, costing them money in the long run.

Like your neighbor enjoying his free $450 Weber grille, you can be a winner too. Select the right cash back credit card today and you'll soon be enjoying your free money too!

Copyright 2006 Ed Vegliante.