In the modern world, credit cards have become a basic necessity. Between the ease of using them for shopping, whether in person or online, and the necessity of having one in order to do simple things like make hotel and car reservations, it's difficult to impossible to go without one for long. So as long as you have to have one, you may as well be getting some benefit out of it. Different credit cards come with a vast array of rewards programs that can be redeemed for a variety of products and services, so check out the available options and get a card that actually feels rewarding.

If you have the travel bug, or frequently travel on business, you should consider getting a frequent flier credit card. These credit cards earn you air miles for the purchases that you make on your card and, depending upon the card sponsor, may even give you double benefits for spending at specific venues. Frequent flier credit cards can be sponsored either by a bank, or by an airline, and which type of card-sponsorship you chose can change the benefits you will get.

If you chose an airline-sponsored card, you will get benefits like air miles and airport lounge privileges, but only with your sponsoring airline, so you'll want to make sure it's an airline that travels in your area, and where you want to go. On the other hand, if you go with a bank-sponsored frequent flier credit card, you can use your miles with more than one airline.

The most important thing about using a frequent flier credit card is to watch the fine print. Most frequent flier credit cards come with heavy interest rates, so you only want to use this card for purchases you know you can pay off every month.

Flying isn't for everyone, and credit card companies know this, so there are lots of other options for people who want to enjoy credit card rewards close to home with both of their feet planted solidly on the ground. If you have a long commute, or frequently go on road-trips, you might investigate different gas rebate cards. Gas rebate cards give you cash rebates on the gas that you buy for a small percentage of the overall cost of your gas. Some even offer rebates on the oil you use to heat your home, or purchases that you make at applicable gas stations? convenience stores. The percentage of the rebate varies from card to card, but most of them will send you your rebate once a year in one lump sum so that you really see your savings.

As with the frequent flier credit card, though, it's really only worthwhile to get a gas rebate if you don't plan on carrying a balance. These cards typically come with higher interest rate for any unpaid balance, so only use your gas rebate credit card if you know you'll be able to pay it off.

Feeling like you might miss out on rewards because you aren't constantly on the move? There are options for you too! Different rewards cards offer reward points that can go toward anything from Broadway tickets to books. Entertainment cards are usually pretty benefit-specific, so you'll want to pick a card that offers you points at a place where you'll actually be interested in using them.

But always remember, the terms and conditions always matter more than the rewards you might get from a credit card, especially if you plan on carrying a balance. Free tickets to Cats aren't worth getting stuck with a bad interest rate on your debt.