At TravelCardInsider, we believe in evaluating every travel credit card through a clear, unbiased lens. Our mission is to demystify complex perks, highlight real costs, and spotlight unique benefits—so you can confidently pick the card that best aligns with your travel style and goals.

Our Rating Method

We’ve developed an advanced, multi-factor rating system covering everything from everyday earning rates to real-world user experiences. Each card’s final score (0–10) comes from weighted category ratings:

• Rewards & Earning Potential (30%): Points per dollar, bonus categories, sign-up offers.
• Travel Perks & Protections (25%): Lounge access, insurance, baggage perks, statement credits.
• Fees & Overall Value (20%): Annual fee, foreign transaction fees, how quickly you offset costs.
• Redemption Flexibility (15%): Transfer partners, booking ease, dynamic vs. fixed rates.
• Customer Experience & Support (10%): Issuer reputation, mobile app, dispute resolution.

By scoring each category from 1–10 and applying the percentages above, we generate a final composite score. This transparent approach reveals each card’s strengths and weaknesses, so you see exactly where it excels or falls short.

Transparency & Integrity

While we may receive compensation if you apply for a card through certain links, we never let affiliate partnerships skew our ratings. Our editorial process prioritizes honest reporting of each card’s features, ensuring you can trust our final verdict.

We regularly revisit and update each card’s score if major changes occur—like new rewards structures, lounge expansions, or changes in redemption policies. That way, you’ll always find the most accurate, up-to-date information on TravelCardInsider.

Example: How a Score Is Calculated

Suppose a hypothetical card scores:

• Rewards & Earning: 8/10
• Travel Perks & Protections: 9/10
• Fees & Overall Value: 7/10
• Redemption Flexibility: 8/10
• Customer Support: 8/10

Factoring in the weights—30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, and 10%—we sum the weighted scores to produce an overall rating (e.g., ~8.2/10). This final figure provides an at-a-glance snapshot, while category breakdown shows you exactly why it earned that score.