How We Rank Cards
Our rankings are based on a consistent scoring methodology applied to each card's actual terms โ not advertising relationships.
The Short Version
We score cards on value, cost, and fit โ 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 score higher in their category rank higher. Compensation from issuers does not affect ranking position.
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 Rankings
- Whether we have an active affiliate relationship with the issuer. Cards without affiliate links are still ranked on merit.
- The size of the commission we earn if you apply. All affiliate commissions are treated equally in our editorial process.
- Advertiser requests or feedback about their card's position.
- How much traffic a card's listing page receives.
Data Sources
Card terms are sourced from issuer websites and affiliate network data feeds. We maintain automated daily syncs to detect rate and fee changes, and we review material changes manually before publishing.
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.