FAQ
How CardRewards ranks cards, why affiliate payouts don't set the order, and what the numbers include
How does CardRewards rank cards?
We rank cards by the value they can generate for a specific category, merchant, or travel goal. That includes earn rates, point transfer values, annual credits, and annual fees instead of relying on generic “best card” lists.
Do you recommend cards because of affiliate payouts?
No. CardRewards is designed to rank cards by estimated user value, not by affiliate priority. A card can appear near the bottom of the list if the math is weak for the query, even if it is a popular affiliate offer elsewhere.
Can I search by merchant instead of category?
Yes. You can search for merchants like Costco, Starbucks, Marriott, Uber, or Delta and CardRewards will resolve the query to the closest spending category, issuer scope, or exact card lookup before ranking results.
Do you include annual fees in the rankings?
Yes. Annual fees are part of the value model. A premium card can rank below a no-fee card if the credits, lounge access, transfer value, and earn rate do not justify the fee for the query you entered.
Why are some cards missing from a result set?
Results are filtered by eligibility, active program data, and relevance. Some routes also hide very thin recommendation sets from search engines so that low-quality pages do not dilute the site.
Is CardRewards financial advice?
No. CardRewards provides research, comparisons, and estimated value calculations for informational purposes. You should review issuer terms, eligibility rules, and your own financial situation before applying for any card.