The neurotic (and savvy) shopper has an armatorium of credit cards to choose from. One needs to pick the right credit card for the occasion.

I currently get 5% cashback on most purchases, 3% on most else, and then 2% on everything else.

I sure do have one fat wallet! How am I getting all this cashback?

First let me breakdown my cashback savings

• 5% cashback: gasoline, groceries, cellular plan, cable internet, computers (and related), groceries, office supplies, and utilities.
• 3% cashback: restaurants
• 2% cashback: everything else

These cashback rewards are courtesy of various institutions: American Express, Chase, Advanta, and Orchard Bank. I’ve kept an eye on the various credit cards throughout the years.

Unfortunately, most great card rewards programs are a thing of the past so you won’t be able to duplicate my current rewards. But you can probably improve what you have right now.

Here are the best options currently available

• American Express SimplyCash: Used to be better, but still offers 5% cashback off wireless service (i.e. AT&T wireless) and office supplies (i.e. Staples, OfficeMax, etc). The gasoline cashback has decreased from 5% to 3%
• Chase Amazon: Great if you shop at Amazon a lot. Currently has a 3 month promotion.
• Discover Card: I find this card pretty useful all around. Runs seasonal 5% cashback promotions.
• Orchard Bank: This gives me 2% cashback on all other purchases. This may have recently been discontinued, but might be available here.

TIP: How do you keep straight which credit card to use? Put a little masking tape on the back of the credit card and write what the rewards are.
__________________
Pro: Optimize your cashback savings on purchases
Con: Will decrease your credit score. Adds complexity to your personal financing.

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