How we evaluate credit cards at CashBackBunny
We rank credit cards using one goal: maximize real-world value for your spending profile. That means net rewards after fees, realistic point values, and low friction. We explain tradeoffs early so you can decide fast.
Principles
Our pages are built for fast decisions. We keep the same structure across categories so you can compare quickly. We surface fees, restrictions, and “who should skip this” early.
- Realistic assumptions. We use conservative point values and explain them.
- Net value first. Annual fee, credits, and caps matter as much as earning rates.
- Low friction wins. Rotating categories and complex redemptions lower real value for most people.
- Risk control. If you carry a balance, rewards usually lose to interest costs.
Simple rule
Pay in full each month. If that is not realistic, start with low-interest options and skip rewards-first cards.
Our scoring model
We score cards across a few consistent buckets. We adjust emphasis by category so a cashback card is not judged like a premium travel card. The goal stays the same: highest value for the right user.
What “net value” means
We look at the value you can realistically extract over a year, not just a signup headline. That includes annual fees, credits that are easy to use, category caps, redemption rules, and typical spend profiles.
Example (simple math)
Card A: $95 fee, earns ~$240/year for your spend, has $0 usable credits. Net value: ~$145.
Card B: $0 fee, earns ~$170/year. Net value: ~$170. Card B wins for most people.
How we value points and miles
Point values depend on how you redeem. We do not use aggressive “best-case” valuations as a default. We prefer conservative baselines that match what most people can actually redeem without heavy optimization.
- We treat cash-out options as a floor when available.
- We value transfer partners using ranges, not a single inflated number.
- We call out when value requires effort, flexibility, or availability.
- We separate “headline value” from “expected value.”
What you will see on our pages
We state assumptions. If a card only beats cashback when you redeem a certain way, we say it clearly.
APR and interest risk
If you carry a balance, interest charges can wipe out rewards fast. Our guides prioritize “avoid interest” behavior and explain APR in plain English. Rewards are a bonus, not a reason to borrow.
How we keep pages accurate
Credit card terms change. We review key pages regularly and update when we see material changes in fees, benefits, earning structures, eligibility rules, or major offers.
- Trigger-based updates: fee changes, new caps, benefit removals, offer changes.
- Consistency checks: same scoring logic across categories.
- Clarity checks: tradeoffs visible above the fold, not buried.
Corrections
If you spot an error, use your Contact page and include the card name plus the section with the issue. We prioritize factual corrections.
Editorial independence
CashBackBunny is independently published. We may earn compensation from partners when you apply through certain links, but compensation does not set our conclusions. Our goal is to recommend the best fit for the user profile, using consistent criteria.
What we do not do
We do not claim a single best card for everyone. We do not hide fees or restrictions. We do not assume premium travel redemptions by default.
Sources and references
We rely on primary sources whenever possible, including issuer pages, cardmember agreements, and official program terms.
- Issuer websites and official card terms (fees, APR ranges, rewards rules).
- Rewards program terms for points and miles (earning, redemption, restrictions).
- CFPB consumer resources on credit cards and interest concepts.
- FTC guidance on affiliate disclosures and advertising transparency.
Affiliate disclosure
CashBackBunny may receive compensation when you apply through certain links. This compensation may impact where products appear on the site, but it does not change our goal: help you choose the right card for your profile using consistent criteria and clear tradeoffs. Terms and offers may change. Always verify details on the issuer’s site.