Frequently Asked Questions

PointsCompare analyzes your spending patterns and compares the rewards you would earn across multiple credit cards. We focus on maximizing the value you get from everyday purchases by recommending the best cards for your specific spending habits.

Our calculations are based on the current reward rates published by card issuers. We update our database regularly to ensure accuracy. The actual rewards may vary slightly based on specific terms and conditions of each card, such as promotional periods or spending caps.

Absolutely. PointsCompare does not store any of your spending information. All calculations are performed in your browser, and no data is sent to our servers. We never ask for sensitive information like credit card numbers or account details.

Almost never. Earning and redeeming are two different steps. 5x means five points per dollar spent, but what those points are worth when you cash them out is set separately by each rewards program, and it ranges from about half a cent to over two cents.

Five points per dollar at half a cent each is 2.5% back. The same 5x at two cents is 10%. That is why we show an earn rate and a redemption value as separate figures on every card page, and why our calculator ranks cards on what their points are worth as cash rather than on the multiplier. The longer version is on How It Works.

PointsCompare earns affiliate commissions when users apply for credit cards through our links. This allows us to provide our comparison tool for free. These affiliate relationships do not influence our card rankings or recommendations, which are purely based on mathematical calculations of rewards value.

Our current tool focuses solely on rewards optimization. We don't factor in credit score requirements or approval odds in our recommendations. We recommend checking your credit score and researching card requirements before applying for any credit card.