If you pay off your balance every month and use your credit card for everyday purchases, congratulations, you've mastered the credit-card game. For you, the most important question is, "What's in it for me?" The answer: Plenty— if you have the right card. There are hundreds of reward credit cards that earn you cash rebates, free flights, hotel stays, and meals all over the country. Because the perks are virtually endless, choosing the right card requires careful thought. You'll need to weigh the annual fee versus how much you charge each year and what rewards you'll earn.

KEEP IN MIND: Most reward cards grant one mile or point for every dollar you charge and you'll typically need 25,000 to earn a free airline ticket. So, be sure to look for a card that offers easy-to-earn bonus miles or points, such as an extra 10,000 miles for signing up.

If you'd rather not keep track of points, consider a bare-bones, no-fee credit card. AFBA Bank (800-776-2265), First USA (800-955-9900), and Wachovia (800-241-7990) all offer decent rates on fee-free Visas or MasterCards. Or you can always try haggling with your bank over your existing credit-card terms. You just may be able to grab a lower rate or convince your lender to waive the annual fee. "The companies don't like to admit it, but employees do have leeway in making deals," says Pam Lewis of InsideFlyer magazine. Lewis suggests calling customer service, telling the representative that you're thinking of switching to a new card, and asking, "What's the best deal you have?" If you don't like the answer, hang up and call back. You're likely to get different results from different representatives.