Which credit card is right for you?

• Position: Evaluating reward credit cards

Consumers now can get credit cards that will earn free airline tickets; a rebate toward a car or computer; dollars-off coupons toward toys, shoes, other retail items, or long-distance telephone time; help pay for tax-return preparation; give back cash; and put money into an annuity.

They are being used to pay for groceries, fast-food lunches, and even movies, but do these rebate, reward, or enhancement credit cards provide real value? Is it possible to get something for nothing? Which provide the best deals? If you don't use a credit card, should you now? Or if you do use one or more cards that don't offer such services, is it worth switching?

If you are in good financial shape and already use credit cards in a responsible, disciplined fashion, switching to a reward card could be worth it. According to the Institute of Certified Financial Planners, reward cards are worthwhile if:

* You can charge a lot. People who rack up big charges each month benefit the most from reward cards. This is mainly for two reasons: Some cards charge annual fees of $50-60. If it takes you three or four years to earn a free airline ticket because you don't use the card enough, you will have paid $150-240 toward the ticket in annual charges. Second, you need to earn enough within a specified time to take advantage of the offer. Airline cards, for example, often require the free mileage to be used within three years.

* You...