Attention shopping savers! If you ever wondered how reward points programs really work—or don't work—here you have all the answers, fine prints, and even advice to become a reward points ninja. All clearly explained in a neat graphic.

Click image to enlarge

Hmmm, it looks like our beloved Best Buy has a lot of fine prints asterisks. But do I really care? I like the conclusion on how it really works: You get a "free" toaster oven after spending $24,000 on purchases, and by then "the thrill is gone" because you "realize the game is fixed from the beginning. Time to find better ways to save, like buying less stuff."

I can't agree more. All praise Jess Bachman—one of our favorite infographics designers. [Mint.com]