Our credit card reviews methodology at The Smart Investor is designed to help you make informed financial decisions by examining each card’s core features, costs, and value.

We thoroughly assess factors such as interest rates, fees, rewards, and usability, covering cards from our partners as well as other leading options:

• Comprehensive Card Evaluation: We assess various factors like fees, interest rates, and rewards for each credit card to provide a well-rounded view. Our evaluations cover both partner companies and other available card offerings to ensure a broad perspective.
• Category-Based Recommendations: Cards are selected based on specific categories and needs, such as travel, cash back, or balance transfer. This approach helps identify the best card options tailored to financial goals and preferences.
• Focus on Cost and Rewards: We prioritize interest rates, especially for cardholders who carry a balance, and examine the types of rewards (points, miles, or cash back) each card offers. This ensures users understand the true value of rewards and potential costs.
• Accessibility and Usability: We evaluate each card’s usability, including features like acceptance criteria, ease of checking credit scores, and customer support. Cards that cater to a wide range of credit profiles and simplify card management receive higher consideration.
• Customer Satisfaction: Customer reviews are taken into account to gain insights into real-world cardholder experiences. 
• Options for All Credit Levels: We prioritize cards with premium benefits for high-credit-score applicants and low-fee cards for those with lower credit scores to support financial improvement and accessibility.