This is the way. Get a couple good rewards cards, but treat them like a debit card. Don't spend money you don't have unless it's an emergency, and always pay off your balance before the billing cycle ends. You'll pay no interest and earn points for travel, statement credits, and more.

Start with a flat rewards card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash card. No annual fee and 2% back on all purchases, and if you pay your mobile phone bill with it, you get $600 towards replacing a broken or stole phone.

Once you've built credit, check out cards like Chase Sapphire Reserved which gives 3% on travel and restaurants/bars, and points are 1.5x when you book travel through Chase, so a $300 flight only costs $200 worth of points. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred gives 6% at supermarkets and on streaming services, and 3% at gas stations, and they often do promos with up to 10% cash back. As long as you pay your cards off every month and don't get hit with interest, it's free money just for buying the same things you always do.