Overview

It can be daunting to find, compare, and then apply for the best reward credit cards. Credit card issuers offer dozens of competing cards and their reward structures for cashback, frequent flier miles, and points are a complex mix of tiers, limits, categories, and earning percentages.

The Credit Card Tune-Up calculator makes all of that easy. Just plug in how much you spend each month in the box on the right, press the Recalculate button, and you'll be presented with a list of recommended cards sorted from best to worst by your expected first-year annual reward (minus any annual card fee). All reward types (i.e. miles, points, cashback) are converted into dollars for an easy apples-to-apples comparison.

If having more than one credit card and using each card for its strengths will earn you a greater annual reward, then those best combinations are shown in the columns labeled "Best N-Card Combo". As long as using another card will earn you even more rewards, the calculator will keep looking for you all the way up to "Best 3-Card Combo".

Usage Tips

• Only the "Total you spend per month" field is required, but entering your spend by category can make a difference of hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars. Since there is no "Other" category, don't worry about having your category spends add up to your total spend; the calculator figures out your "Other" spending for you.
• To apply for credit cards or read the terms and conditions, just click on the card name link or "Apply Now" button. Applying for credit cards through our links help support this web site at no cost to you.
• For a detailed explanation of any credit card, category, or reward amount, hover your pointer over that item.
• To exclude a credit card from the "Best N-Card Combo" results (those with amounts highlighted in green), check its checkbox in the "Omit Card?" column and press the Recalculate button.