Rewards Credit Cards Question

[WillyBrandt]

So once I finish paying off my debts--I'm hoping 9 months from now--I'm thinking of trying to make most of my purchases (over a few bucks) on a single credit/charge card.

I have some friends who do this and saved up enough points to get a free (well, "free") airline ticket to Thailand.

Do people here do this? Does it work out well?

Do you have any recommendations? I was thinking the AmEx Delta SkyMiles one. . .

[unblock]

1. if you care about your credit score,

not that it's a huge factor, but your credit score will be slightly improved if you put a single purchase on each card each month and pay it off each month. then put the rest of your purchases all on your rewards card.

the credit score algorithms prefer to see that you can use cards responsibly, rather than simply not use them.

the other factor to consider is not to run your rewards card balance above 50% of your credit limit. that's where you start losing points for having too much debt. this is true even if you pay off your reward card each month.

these are not huge factors, but they can make a difference. if you're close to applying for a mortgage or a car loan, it probably matters more than the rewards would. otherwise the rewards might matter more.