The truth is that the cards with the best, biggest and flashiest offers also come with annual fees typically between $75 - $95, but sometimes up to $450 or more. Some cards will waive that fee for the first year you own the card, though, and others have no annual fee at all. The key to finding the right card is finding the best mix of rewards for t

Many airline-branded credit cards promote the ability to take some type of dream trip using the miles from a bonus opportunity. Some of these offers may work out in your favor, but its important to note that some carriers are a bit stingy on ability to cash in miles.

Of course, this is just the beginning (it is, after all, a "beginner's" guide). If you're willing to spend the time and brainpower, you can make sure you're spending and gaining points in the most efficient manner. This isn't necessary for most of us, but here are a few advanced tricks for making sure youre getting the most out of those miles: Get