Last updated: November 11, 2026
Credit card offers change often, and the “best” card depends on how you’ll use it. This page explains how we compare cards for our lists, what each factor is worth and how we keep the information current.
What we look at
| Factor | Weight | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Value for typical spending | 35% | Rewards on a realistic U.S. household budget, after the annual fee, including category caps, rotating categories and how easy rewards are to redeem. |
| Costs | 25% | Annual fee, regular APR range, balance transfer and foreign transaction fees, and penalty APR. |
| Intro offers | 15% | Length of any 0% intro APR period, the transfer fee during it, and welcome bonuses with their spending requirement. |
| Approval and fit | 15% | The credit range the card is generally designed for, and whether it fits the need the list is about (for example, balance transfers or building credit). |
| Protections and extras | 10% | Benefits that matter day to day, such as purchase protection, credit score tools and the issuer’s customer service. |
For a balance transfer list, the intro period and transfer fee carry more weight. For a rewards list, ongoing rewards and the annual fee matter most. We also show the math, such as what a card earns or costs on a sample budget, so you can check our reasoning.
Where our data comes from
- Card terms published by each issuer on its own card pages, pricing and terms disclosures, and rewards program rules.
- Federal Reserve data on average credit card interest rates.
- CFPB guidance on card fees, disclosures and consumer rights.
Each card table shows the date the terms were checked. Offers can end or change without notice, so confirm the terms on the issuer’s application page before you apply.
How often we update
We review card lists at least monthly and whenever a major issuer changes a featured card’s terms. Updated lists show a new “Rates and terms checked” date above the table.
What we don’t do
- We don’t accept payment from card issuers to include or rank a card. If we add partner links in the future, they’ll be labeled, and the cards will still be judged by these criteria. See our Advertising Disclosure.
- We don’t review every card on the market, and we can’t promise you’ll be approved; issuers make that decision.
- Our picks are general comparisons, not personal advice. If you carry a balance, a low APR usually matters more than rewards.
Questions or a correction? Tell us through our contact page. Read more in our Editorial Policy.
Related: Best Cash Back Credit Cards · Balance Transfer Cards · Credit Card Interest Calculator · Credit Utilization Calculator