Credit Card Rewards Calculator
Find the best credit card for your spending habits. Compare the Amex Gold, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and flat-rate cashback cards side by side to see which one puts the most money back in your pocket.
Adjust your monthly spending to see real-time results with first-year bonuses and ongoing annual value
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How Credit Card Rewards Work
Credit cards earn points or cashback on every purchase, with bonus multipliers in categories like dining, groceries, and travel. Premium cards charge annual fees but offer higher earn rates and perks that can far outweigh the cost for the right spender.
Points vs. Cashback
- Points (MR/UR): Transferable to airline and hotel partners for potentially higher value (2+ cents per point)
- Cashback: Simple 1-1.5% back with no effort required and no transfer partner complexity
- Welcome Bonuses: Large one-time point bonuses that can be worth hundreds of dollars in the first year
- Annual Credits: Some premium cards offer dining, travel, or streaming credits that offset the annual fee
Choosing the Right Card
- High Dining/Groceries: Amex Gold shines with 4x earning in both categories plus $240 in annual credits
- Travel Focus: Chase Sapphire Preferred offers strong travel multipliers with a lower annual fee
- Low Spend: A no-fee flat-rate cashback card avoids annual fees that eat into rewards at lower spending levels
- Net Value: Always calculate net value (rewards - fees) not just total points earned
Important Information
This calculator provides estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual rewards values depend on how you redeem points. Point valuations assume optimal transfer partner redemptions and may vary. Welcome bonus amounts and annual fee amounts are subject to change. Always review the latest card terms on the issuer's website before applying. We may receive compensation when you apply through our links.
Your Privacy Matters
This calculator runs entirely in your browser. No personal or financial information is collected, stored, or transmitted. Your data stays on your device.
Credit Card Reviews
Read our expert reviews of the cards featured in this calculator.