Our picks are independent and reader-first. We may earn a commission through affiliate partnerships with card issuers, but that never affects which cards we feature or how we rate them.
Every recommendation is based on what delivers real value for everyday spenders. To do this, we built a proprietary, data-driven scoring system.
For all the credit cards reviewed on this site, we assess their rate and score across six core pillars and six special features, scoring each on a 0–100 scale. These scores are weighed differently depending on the card category.
These scores evaluate the inherent features of the card itself.
Metric | Description |
|---|---|
Luxury Perks Score (LS) | A weighted score evaluating high-end status benefits like Priority Pass™ lounges and dedicated concierge services. |
Travel Perks Score (TS) | A percentage based on how many of 16 standard travel benefits and protections a card offers. |
Redemption Flexibility Score (RF) | Measures how easily you can use your rewards across loyalty programs. |
Earning Simplicity Score (ES) | Evaluates how much friction is involved in earning your rewards. |
Long-Term Net Asset Value Yield Score (LTAVS): The true “keeper” value of a card without a welcome bonus. We calculate the annual reward dollar value, add statement credits you will actually use, subtract the annual fee, and divide by total spend. This is the single most important score for long-term credit card management.
Welcome Bonus ROI Score (ROIS): The efficiency of sign-up bonuses. We take the net cash value of the bonus, subtract the opportunity cost of the minimum spend required, and divide by the spend requirement.
Net Balance Transfer Savings score (NBTS): We calculate total interest avoided minus the balance transfer fee for a benchmark $5,000 balance originally held for the intro APR duration at the national average APR of 21%.
Intro APR Duration (IAD): Longer promotional periods let you split payments into smaller chunks.
Regular APR Score (RAS): This score compares the card’s average APR after the 0% rate runs out to the benchmark 21% APR.
Underwriting Score (UWS): Scores the type of underwriting as a function of its impact on your full credit report when you apply.
Credit Score Eligibility Score (CSE): Measures how hard it is to be approved based on your current credit score.
Minimum Deposit Score (MDS): We penalize cards that require minimum security deposits.
Once all individual scores are computed, the final score is a weighted average using the category-specific weights detailed in the sections below.
Because the dynamic scores require real spending data, we anchored our baseline ratings to a standard user. Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, in 2024, the average American household spent $78,534 across 14 distinct categories.
(Image source: BLS)
According to the Federal Reserve, 35% of that spending ($27,486) is charged on credit cards.
(Image source: Federal Reserve)
We used this information (rounded up to $30,000 in annual credit card spending) to create a data-backed Model Spender Persona who splits spending proportionally across those 14 categories and uses only 50% of the value of all statement credits and other benefits.
The same cannot be done for a standard business spender since businesses vary too widely, so we used an arbitrarily small business spending $120,000 per year on a business credit card.
While your personal spending may vary, this fixed baseline ensures every card is graded against the exact same standard, making our comparisons completely objective.
Contact Me
Should you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out.
Phone: 845-263-4470
Email: jacob@jbayerwealth.com
