Credit cards
How to evaluate a credit card offer.
Card welcome offers and rewards can be valuable, but interest, fees, and eligibility rules make card comparison different from bank bonus math.
1. Spend Without Debt
Only count welcome value if you can meet the spend requirement with purchases you already planned and pay the statement balance in full.
2. Annual Fee Drag
Subtract the first-year annual fee from the headline welcome value. Credits and perks count only if you would actually use them.
3. Point Value
Cash is straightforward. Points and miles need a conservative valuation because redemption value varies by program, transfer partner, route, and availability.
4. Eligibility Rules
Issuers may limit bonuses based on current cards, prior card ownership, recent bonuses, application velocity, or creditworthiness.
5. Credit Impact
A card application usually involves a hard credit pull. Opening and closing cards can affect credit age, utilization, and future approvals.
References used for this guide
Last checked: May 28, 2026.
Related next steps
Compare card offers only after subtracting fees and confirming the required spend fits purchases you already planned.