Released: May 18, 2007

Don’t fall for first rewards card you see

Source: Christine Dugas, USA Today

So many rewards credit cards are in use today — around 490 million, give or take, separated into countless flavors — that it can leave you dizzy.

There are the traditional travel-rewards and cash-back cards, of course, that have long appealed to millions. Increasingly, card issuers have also zeroed in on more specific niche groups — from art lovers and fashionistas to homeowners and environmentalists.

Before you grab the next glitzy offer that comes your way, it’s vital to think carefully about whether it truly serves your needs. Some rewards cards can be misleading, especially if you neglect to study the fine print.

“Doing a little comparison shopping on the front end goes a long way,” says Curtis Arnold of CardRatings.com. “Because there are thousands of offers out there, odds are you’re going to find one that perfectly matches what you’re looking for in a rewards card.”

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