Enter your estimated monthly spending in each category — dining, groceries, travel, gas, streaming, and general purchases. We calculate the total first-year value for every card in our database, including bonus category rewards, base rewards, sign-up bonuses, and subtracting annual fees. Cards are ranked by net first-year value.
Yes. We subtract the annual fee from total rewards to show your net value. A card earning $800 in rewards with a $550 annual fee shows a net value of $250 — which might be less than a no-fee card earning $500.
We use standardized cents-per-point valuations based on average redemption values: Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1.5-2.0 cpp, Amex Membership Rewards at 1.5-2.0 cpp, Capital One Miles at 1.0-1.5 cpp, and cash back at 1.0 cpp. These are based on transfer partner sweet spots and portal redemptions.
Our calculator includes the sign-up bonus amortized over the first year by default. For year-two-and-beyond comparisons, focus on the ongoing rewards value without the bonus — which we also show separately.
Start with estimates. The average American household spends roughly $500/month on groceries, $300 on dining, $200 on gas, and $400 on travel annually. For precise data, use our Spending Tracker to import bank statements.
Enter your estimated monthly spending by category to find which credit card earns you the most rewards.
Total: $2,000/mo · $24,000/yr
Restaurants, bars, takeout, delivery
Grocery stores, supermarkets, wholesale
Flights, hotels, car rentals, bookings
Gas stations, public transit, rideshares
Netflix, Spotify, concerts, movies
Amazon, general online retail
All other purchases
91 cards compared