I get 6% back on all grocery and drug store purchases with my AMX. 3% back on gasoline/diesel and 1% back on everything else. I get this back in CASH. No points or BS programs. When that cash amount gets over $50 I call and they credit it to my account. Over the course of the year it works out to HUNDREDS of dollars.
Credit cards should only be used IF you are going to pay them off EVERY month. Like I do.
My company does the same thing with all airline and other business purchases. They get back thousands of dollars each year.
I get similar cash back and discounts from card companies and retailers. In reviewing credit card use I nearly forgot the most important part you mentioned. You’ve got to pay the statement balance every month! On time! Or else forget about using credit cards completely.
That 6% back is partially covered by the 3-4% Processing fees Charged by Amex to those who even process those cards, and that 4% always gets passed onto you, whether or not they admit it upfront or not.