This is a tough question. There are several types of cards:

a. Cards that offer broad redemption offers, but a low number of points per $

- SPG AMEX
- AMEX Green/Gold/Platinum
- Diners Club

These cards usually offer 1 point per $. You can get 1.25 points per $ on these cards through special offers. You can redeem points on airlines, hotels, and merchandise. These cards have annual fees, but also come with benefits that you may appreciate.

b. Cards that offer a high number of points per $, but limited redemption offers. Citi is the best of this breed right now:

- Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards
- Citi Platinum American Express
- Citi Professional Card
- Citi Chairman AMEX
- Citi Driver's Edge
- Citi Premier Pass

Take a look at Citi Premier Pass, Citi Premier Pass Elite, Citi Pro, and Citi Platinum American Express. Many people carry one of each of these cards. All of them come with initial bonus points, i.e. 10,000 or more.

Points in this program cannot be transferred to hotels or airlines. However you can redeem them for tickets through Citi.

My personal favorites in this program are Citi Professional and Citi Platinum AMEX.

c. Cards that offer cash back.

Many people would rather have cash. Consider AMEX Blue and Fidelity Investment Rewards. This is a tough one because there are so many cards and the best card really depends on what you spend your money on.