About CardIQ

CardIQ is a free credit card comparison tool built around one idea: your best credit card depends on your spending — not the average American's.

Most comparison sites show static "best cards" lists ranked by the site's affiliate commissions, not by what's actually best for you. CardIQ is different: enter your real monthly spending and the calculator instantly ranks every card by how much cash it puts back in your pocket — after fees.

How we make money

We're transparent about this: CardIQ earns a commission when you click "Apply" and get approved for a credit card. These commissions are paid by card issuers and affiliate networks — they don't come from you, and they don't change your card terms or rewards rates.

Our rankings are calculated purely by math — rewards earned minus annual fees, for your specific spending inputs. We do not accept payment to place any card in a higher position.

Our methodology

• ✓Rewards are calculated category by category using each card's published earn rates
• ✓Points and miles are valued at standard redemption rates (Chase UR: 1.25¢, Amex MR: 1.25¢, Capital One: 1¢)
• ✓Welcome bonuses are included in first-year value only, at their estimated cash equivalent
• ✓Net annual value = annual rewards earned minus the annual fee
• ✓Cards are ranked by first-year value by default; ongoing value is shown separately

What CardIQ is not

CardIQ is not a bank, lender, or financial advisor. We do not process credit card applications — we link to card issuers' official application pages. Nothing on this site constitutes financial advice. Credit approval depends on your individual creditworthiness.