How Credit Cat picks your card.
We compute estimated annual value across your spend, after caps, minimums, and exclusions. No magic.
Card data last reviewed 2026-06-15
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The model
How rewards are calculated.
Cashback and miles work very differently, so we keep them on separate tracks. We never compare across them. You tell us whether you want cashback or miles, and we rank within that choice — dollars for cashback, miles for miles.
Cashback cards
Each card pays a different rate per spend category, and most cap how much you can earn each month. Some cards only pay the bonus rate once your total spend clears a threshold — we check that before applying it to your numbers.
Miles cards
Each card earns a different number of miles per dollar. We add up the miles you'd earn across your spend, after caps and minimum-spend rules — and we leave them as miles. We don't convert to dollars, because what those miles are worth depends on how you redeem them.
The ranking
How recommendations are ranked.
We run every card on Credit Cat against your spend. For cashback cards, we add up what you'd earn back per year after caps, minimum-spend rules, and any excluded categories. For miles cards, we add up the miles you'd earn per year. Within each choice — cashback or miles — picks are sorted by total annual return.
Assumptions
What we assume.
- Cashback and miles stay separate — we don't convert miles into dollars or compare across them. You pick which you want; we rank within that choice.
- Annual fees aren't counted against a card unless a fee-waiver condition is met.
- We take your spend exactly as you tell us — we don't smooth it across months or guess at seasonal swings.
- We don't include supplementary cards or welcome bonuses.
Limitations
What we don't include.
- Promotions and sign-up bonuses change too often for us to factor in reliably.
- Where T&Cs are ambiguous, we go with the conservative reading.
- Card perks (lounge access, travel insurance, concierge) aren’t included — we focus on what you earn back in cash or miles.
Disclaimer
Estimates, not advice.
Everything you see on Credit Cat is an estimated value based on your stated spend. Numbers are not guaranteed earnings — your actual cashback or miles will vary with how you spend, whether minimum-spend thresholds are met every month, and any T&C changes the bank makes after our last review date.
Credit Cat is not a financial adviser, and nothing on this site is financial advice. Please read the bank's terms and do your own research before applying for a card.
Freshness
When this data was last looked at.
Card data is reviewed periodically. Latest review: 2026-06-15.