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The credit card crunch might be easing, but credit card companies are still cutting back on the credit card rewards. Some cards used to award bonus points after the first purchase but don’t anymore. Others are imposing stricter rules and fees upon redemption.

American Express Blue Credir Card scored top marks for its rewards program in a J.D. Power survey last fall, and experts cite this card as one of the best. It has no annual fee and provides up to 5 percent cash back on gas station, drugstore and supermarket purchases.

Best rewards credit cards in descending order:

Blue Cash from American Express
www.americanexpress.com
Balance transfers: 4.99% for life Purchases:
13.24% to18.24% After $6,500 spent in year, 5% back at supermarkets, gas stations, and drugstores; 1.5% all else.

Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards
www.capitalone.com
13.88% to 16.88% 1% back plus 25% bonus at year-end.

Chase Freedom
www.chase.com
14.24% to 23.24% Can choose between cash back and points. When reward reaches $200, you’ll get an extra $50 back.

Citi Dividend Platinum Select
www.citicards.com
Balance transfers: 0% for 12 months Purchases: 12.74% to 17.74% 2% back at supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations, and utilities; 1% all else. Maximum annual rebates: $300.

Citi Professional
www.citicards.com
14.24% 10,000 points on sign-up. 3 points/$1 spent at restaurants, gas stations, office-supply stores, auto rentals; 1 point/$1 all else. Limit 100,000 points/year.

Discover More Card
www.discovercard.com
10.99% to 17.99% 5% back in designated categories, like home or apparel, which change 4 times/year. 5% through shopping site; up to 1% all else.

Discover Open Road Card
www.discovercard.com
10.99% to 17.99% 5% back for gas and auto maintenance. 5% through shopping site; up to 1% all else.

First National Bank Omaha Gas Rewards
www.firstnational.com
Balance transfers: 1.9% for 15 months Purchases: 9.99% to 13.99% First 3 months, 5% back on gas, 3% thereafter; 1% all else.

The HSBC American Express® Card with Plus Rewards gives consumers 25% more rewards than the typical Rewards Card, and unlimited possibilities. Rewards range from cash back to travel to merchandise to gift cards.

http://www.hsbcusa.com/personal/credit_cards/default.html