How the credit cards are evaluated and rated

Basically, our ratings and evaluations are based on what the credit card product has to offer to cardholders and the overall cost to the cardholder for using the credit card. Credit cards that offer numerous benefits and services at a low cost to the cardholder generally receive higher ratings, while credit cards that offer limited benefits at a high cost to the cardholder generally receive lower ratings.

The Overall Rating and Benefit Rating system are based on a point system used by our editors. The point system allows our editors to provide an accurate method in comparing credit card products within the same card category. Though each category differs on how points are distributed, all cards are given fair and unbiased evaluations. Posted below is a sample of our Overall Rating system:

Overall Rating	Benefit Rating
The Overall Rating is basically our viewpoint on how valuable the credit card is to the cardholder as compared to other credit cards within the same category.	The Benefit Rating represents the additional benefits and services offered to the cardholder. Standard card benefits are also taken into consideration.

• High Ratings 
• Low APR (purchases and/or cash).
• No annual fee.
• Unique benefits and/or services.
• Limited restrictions for rewards.
• Low fee for reward program.
• Special product / service discounts.

• Low Ratings
• High APR (purchases and/or cash).
• No grace period.
• Two-cycle average daily balance.
• High annual fee (with no benefits).
• Limited, or no benefits.
• High application fees.

• Quality of customer service.
• Penalty fees (i.e. late fees, over-the-limit fees, etc.).
• Internet account related services.

• Only similar credit cards are compared* - Each credit card is only compared to other credit cards in the same category*. In other words, we would not compare a secured credit card to that of a unsecured platinum credit card.

• The final decision is yours to make - It is important to note that our ratings are based on our rating system, it should not be the only factor in deciding which credit card is right for you, as some credit cards may be better suited for some individuals, than for others. Therefore, we strongly suggest visiting the credit card issuer's web site for additional information or to answer specific questions you may have about a particular credit card.