Credit cards that want to pay you cash to sign-up

If you've been getting weary from the cat-and-mouse games with credit card issuers, you'll be pleased to hear that you may finally have the upper hand--at least when it comes to four credit cards. These credit card issuers are so anxious for your business that they're willing to pay you to sign up for their cards.

Sound too good to be true? Well, take a look at these four offers and see if they don't put a smile on your face.

#1: Chase Freedom® Visa - $100 Bonus Cash Back

You earn a $100 cash back bonus after you spend $799 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account. Specifically, you receive 10,000 bonus points, which can be redeemed for a $100 check. These purchases have to be "qualified transactions," which include purchases, balance transfers and checks used to access your account. Cash advances are not a qualified transaction.

This card has no annual fee and boasts a pretty good rewards program that features rotating categories. The downside of this card is that if you don't have excellent credit, you might get stuck with a high APR.

#2: Chase Sapphire Preferred^SM Card

With this card, you get $250 cash back after you spend $3,000 within the first three months of opening your account. Yes, that's a lot of money to spend in three months and that's who this card is meant for--big spenders who have an above average income. Again, these purchases need to be "qualified transactions" (purchases, balance transfers and checks used to access your account). Cash advances don't count.

The $250 also translates into 25,000 bonus point, and if you prefer, you can use the points for a free flight. Note that the ticket value is only good up to $312.50 and if you use their toll-free number, you're charged a $20 service fee. Book your ticket online to avoid this charge.

There's an $85 annual fee, but it's waived for the first year. You need excellent credit for this card and you get a 12.24 percent variable APR, which is pretty good for a rewards card. Another perk is the 24/7 dedicated customer service.

#3: Discover® More® Card - $100 Cashback Bonus®

This card offers a $100 cash bonus after you make $500 in purchases within the first three months of being approved. This bonus, according to Discover's online disclosure statements, is applied within eight weeks.

This card has a fairly good rewards program, but you need to read the terms and conditions carefully so you don't miss out on reward points. For instance, you have to sign up for the 5 percent cash back program that offers rewards in rotating categories. On the plus side, rewards have no expiration date.

There's an introductory zero percent APR and it lasts for six months. The regular APR ranges from 11.99 to 20.99 percent variable. If you have excellent credit, you might qualify for a good rate. But if not, you could be looking at a high rate with this card.

#4: Chase SapphireSM Card

You get $100 in rewards after you spend $500 on purchases (that are not returned) within the first three months of opening your account. If you're big on travel and customer service, this might be a good choice for you. The rewards program offers 2X points earned on airfare and hotel accommodations booked through Ultimate Rewards.  This card also offers 24/7 Dedicated service advisors and premium travel and purchase protection benefits.

This card is meant for consumers with excellent credit and above average income.  Additionally, if you use their toll-free number to book, you're charged a $20 service fee. Book your ticket online to avoid this charge.  There is no annual fee for this card.

Watch out for the fine print

Now, there are two important things to note about all of these offers. First, these offers are for first-time cardholders and new accounts.

Second, carefully read the terms and conditions for these offers when you get your card in the mail. Yes, the fine print is tiny and extremely boring, but if you don't read it, you might lose out on the bonus due to a technicality, otherwise known as "gotcha" language. The basics are online, but almost all of these issuers state that you'll receive more "details" in the mail. So read the stuff that shows up in your mailbox and you'll not only get your bonus, but also keep the upper hand.

Important Note! The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we can not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by any company mentioned in this article. Opinions expressed here are author's alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company. This site may be compensated by companies mentioned in the article through advertising, affiliate programs or otherwise.