Reward Credit Cards

These card are called reward credit cards because they feature either cash back or a rewards program. So each time you use your Rewards Program Credit Card, the card company will "reward" you with cash back incentives and rebate programs.

Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Credit Card

The Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Credit Card features a low 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. There are lots of rewards to choose from with the free rewards program, and you won't have to wait forever to get them. In addition, earn 5 reward points for every dollar you spend at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations. Apply for the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards credit card by filling out an online application.

• 0% APR* on balance transfers for 12 months
• $50 gift card – Redeem 5,000 bonus points after first purchase**
• 5 reward points for every $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations; 1 point for every $1 on all other purchases***
• No annual fee and FREE rewards program*

RATES AND FEES 0% APR on Balance Transfers for 12 months with no Balance Transfer fee. No annual fee. Regular APR 11.99% REWARDS 5,000 Bonus ThankYou Points after purchase Categorized monthly statements Price Protection Program 10% savings on gift certificates $0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges—you are never liable for unauthorized purchases Personal information protected by our Privacy Promise Citi® Photocard option available BENEFITS SHOPPING - With merchandise and retail rewards, all the best brands are right at your fingertips. DINING - With terrific dining rewards, it's one delicious choice after another. Yummy! TRAVEL - Time to get out of town? Our travel certificates can help you get up and go.

* See the online Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards credit card application for details about terms and conditions of offer. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty.

http://www.citibank.com/us/cards/cardserv/diamond/index.jsp

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3 tips: Maximizing cards rewards

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- There will be no more double-reward points from American Express, according to a recent announcement. And one expert we talked to said it's only a sign of what's to come in reward- card programs.

We'll give you the lowdown on what you need to know about reward programs and sorting through all those credit card solicitations.

Cut through the clutter

When it comes to reward cards, there are generally three types of programs: point-based programs, like the one from American Express, cash-back programs, and, of course, frequent flier reward cards.

Everyone gets pitches for reward cards. And we mean EVERYONE. Even pets! Last year over 6 million credit card solicitations were sent out. You alone probably received about 72 offers.

Point-based programs, which let you accumulate points with your purchases and choose your reward through a catalog, are being scaled back.

Meanwhile, more card issuers are offering bigger cash-back rebates for everyday items such as groceries or toothpaste.

For most people, cash-back cards are the way to go since they just don't charge enough to get a free airline ticket - in most cases, you'll have to spend $25,000 a year to earn a domestic flight.

Plus, with the trouble the airline industry has been in, airlines are more likely to raise fees and restrictions on when you can fly.

Get a magnifying glass

Point-based programs aren't such a great value, either, since items in reward catalogs are usually way overpriced, according to Curtis Arnold of CardRatings.com. "If you spend $10,000, you'll get 10,000 points. But in the end, if you're only getting a toaster oven, you're getting shafted," he says.

Yes, it's all in the details. With cash-back cards, you may have to spend a certain amount annually before you get the advertised rebate. In some cases, that can be over $6,500 a year. And beware of caps! There may be a limit to how much you can get back. In some instances, you may be limited to $300 a year.

You also need to get the details when it comes to redeeming your points. Cards may give you a timeline to cash in points. And sometimes you'll have to pick up the phone and call the company to get your rebate check.

Also, don't forget that issuers can change their policy at any time to increase fees or limit rewards with only 15 days' notice.

Tools for negotiation

The credit card industry pays up to $200 to acquire a single customer. In other words, the ball is in your court.

If you have a reward card, or are in the market for a card, you may be able to eliminate some fees by negotiating with your issuer. About 75 percent of cards have some kind of reward program, according to Ben Woolsey of CreditCards.com. So these cards are competing hard for your business.

"Almost anything the consumer doesn't like, they can request relief and card issuers are fairly flexible because it costs so much to acquire a new customer," says Woolsey.

To do some credit-card comparisons of your own, check out some of these Web sites: CardRatings.com, CreditCards.com and CardWeb.com.

http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/09/pf/saving/toptips/

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