How We Rank Cards
Our editorial scores are based on a consistent methodology applied to each card's published terms, features, costs, and intended use case.
The Short Version
We evaluate cards on value, cost, and fit, weighted by category. A no-annual-fee cash back card is scored differently than a premium travel card because they serve different needs. Cards that receive stronger editorial scores may be featured more prominently within their category.
CardCompareHub may earn compensation from card issuers, affiliate networks, and other partners. Compensation may affect how and where offers appear on the site, including their order, but advertisers do not control our editorial scores, written reviews, ratings methodology, or conclusions.
Scoring Factors
Rewards Value
We estimate the annual rewards value based on typical U.S. household spending patterns โ roughly $1,500/month across groceries, gas, dining, and general purchases. We use the card's published earn rates and redemption values, not optimized strategies.
Annual Fee
We subtract the annual fee from estimated rewards value to arrive at net annual value. A card with a $95 fee must demonstrate at least $95 in clear, attainable annual value to score positively on this factor.
Sign-up Bonus
We value sign-up bonuses based on the bonus amount minus the realistic cost to meet the spend requirement. We do not assume maximum redemption value unless the path to that value is straightforward.
Intro APR
Cards with 0% intro APR periods on purchases or balance transfers score higher in categories where carrying a balance is a likely use case (e.g. balance transfer cards, low-APR cards).
Ongoing APR
We note the APR range. Variable APRs that skew high relative to the card's category are flagged. For travel and rewards cards aimed at people who pay in full, this factor carries less weight.
Card Benefits
Travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, lounge access, and other benefits are counted where they are clearly documented and not buried in terms. We do not assign speculative value to benefits that require filing claims or that most cardholders are unlikely to use.
Credit Required
Cards are grouped by the credit profile they target. We do not compare a secured card against a premium travel card โ they are ranked within their own tier.
What Doesn't Affect Our Editorial Scores
- Advertisers cannot pay to receive a favorable review.
- Advertisers cannot require us to change our rating methodology.
- Advertisers cannot edit our written conclusions before publication.
- Advertiser feedback does not override our review of published card terms.
- Traffic to a card listing page does not determine its editorial score.
Data Sources
Card terms are sourced from issuer websites and affiliate network data feeds. We use automated data feeds and periodic manual reviews to detect rate, fee, and offer changes.
Despite these processes, published terms may not reflect the most current offer. Always verify rates, fees, and bonus terms directly on the issuer's website before applying.