A loyal reader sent a comment about FICO scoring (see Jan. 24 column) in which he noted his insurance company has begun to rate clients’ policies according to their FICO scores. Mr. R. also questioned the wisdom of paying off a credit card and then closing the account.

While this doesn’t seem like conventional wisdom for responsible consumer spending, today’s economy says it’s the way to go. I advise hanging on to a long-standing credit card and charging only a very few items per year; of course, it goes without saying the best credit cards for this purpose are the low or no-fee cards.

With that in mind and with the knowledge that all aren’t created equal, how do we determine the best card for our individual use? In checking www.bizrate.com and “The Credit Repair Handbook” by John Ventura, I discovered the following:

n American Express Blue Card claims the top titleholder from experts and consumers alike. Not only is the Amex card great if we maintain a zero balance, but also if we like to rack up rewards.

Actually, whether paying off the account each month or carrying a balance, a percentage of spending gives cardholders as much as five percent on everyday purchases when we use the Blue Cash card. Moreover, you can earn cash back even faster at the places you might frequent the most, such as supermarkets, gas stations and drugstores.

n CapitalOne No-Hassle Miles Card is the best for cashing in credit card miles, according to Tim Winship, travel expert at www.frequentflyer.com. and author of “Mileage Pro: The Insider’s Guide to Frequent Flyer Programs.”

Not only does the program have no blackout dates and seat restrictions, you can fly any airline, anywhere, anytime, and your miles never expire. (Caution: CapitalOne isn’t a no-fee card and, if you let expenses mount and don’t pay off the account each month, you may need to use those miles to fly you home from debtors prison.)

n Orchard Bank’s Secured MasterCard is one of the better programs to establish or rebuild credit in your name. The first year’s annual fee is waived, and the card comes with a 7.90 percent variable purchase APR.

Sherri Goss, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Atlanta vice president, advises against quick-fix credit repair offers that are usually big scams, including high-fee unsecured cards. Orchard Bank, on the other hand, allows a person to manage his or her account 24/7, sends e-mail alerts to remind the consumer of the upcoming due date, and gives you the choice of when during the month to pay your bill.

After a year of consistent payments, the bank upgrades you to a premium card.

Tax Tip: Business, medical, and moving cents-per-mile deductions increased for income tax relief. As of July 1, 2008, business driving mileage deductions went from 50.5 cents to 58.5 cents. Medical and moving driving deductions improved to 27 cents (from 19 cents for the first half of the year).

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Her Consumer Watch column appears on Saturdays in the Business section of the paper. An expanded version is at www.timesfreepress.com under Local Business. E-mail her at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com