Comparison & methodology · Prototype hub
How Choose.Creditcard
could compare credit cards.
This sub-hub on Choose.Creditcard explains – in prototype form – how cards might be compared once real issuer data and compliance checks are in place. It focuses on documentation, transparent scoring and conflict-of-interest handling. Everything here is illustrative and educational only.
What this methodology page is for
- Showing how a documentation-based comparison model could be structured.
- Explaining which data points actually matter for travel, rewards, technology, protections and costs.
- Making affiliate relationships and potential conflicts visible in plain language.
- Providing a single reference that other hubs like /travel/ and /rewards/ can link back to.
What this page is not
- It is not a legally binding description of how any current product is ranked.
- It is not personal financial advice or a recommendation to apply.
- It is not exhaustive – local regulation and lender policies always come first.
- It is not a replacement for issuer documentation or key information documents.
This page does not describe any live ranking engine. Terms like “score”, “weight” and “dimension” are used for illustration only. Any future live comparison will be clearly labeled and backed by documented, country-specific criteria.
Prototype comparison pillars
In a later phase, this methodology will be adapted per country and per product category, and surfaced through interactive tables on / and hubs like /travel/, /rewards/ and /technology/.
Structural & comparison resources in The CreditCard Collection
These links go to other structural microsites in The CreditCard Collection. They show how comparisons, disclosures and legal text could be organised across the network. All are independent, prototype educational pages – not issuer marketing.
CompareCC.Creditcard
Structural prototype for comparison tables and filters used across the network, including neutral language and clear labeling of affiliate placements.
External microsite · table layout reference
Fin.Creditcard
Conceptual hub for modern payment features (virtual cards, tap-to-pay, crypto, AI). Used as a reference when building technology-focused comparison dimensions.
External microsite · tech & structure
Privacy / Terms / Disclaimer
The legal cluster (privacy, terms, disclaimer, disclosure and policies) supports the comparison methodology with clear wording around independence and data use.
External microsites · legal backbone
Guides & education
The /guides/ section will host longer-form explainers on APR, credit scores, protections and travel, all of which will link back to this methodology hub when they reference comparison tables.
Internal Choose.Creditcard hub · educational only
Example: Country-specific methodology
Placeholder for future pages that adapt this methodology to specific markets (for example EU, US or UK), where local regulation and disclosure rules differ.
To be replaced with real, documented country pages.
Example: Audit & verification log
Placeholder for a future log page describing when comparison rules were updated, by whom, and how external experts or auditors may have reviewed them.
Prototype only · shows intent to track changes over time.
Prototype comparison dimensions
This table shows how different comparison dimensions could be defined in a documentation-based model. The descriptions, examples and relative weights below are illustrative only and do not represent a live scoring engine.
| Dimension (prototype) | What it describes | Typical data sources | Example hubs that use it | Illustrative importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FX & payment fees
Foreign use & everyday costs
|
How much it costs to use the card abroad or in foreign currencies, including FX markups, cash withdrawal fees and surcharges. | Issuer pricing lists, fee tables, cardholder agreements, FX footnotes. | /travel/, /cashback/ | High for travel-focused comparisons. |
|
Protections & insurance
Coverage depth & conditions
|
Which protections are included (travel, purchase, rental car, extended warranty), plus key limits, exclusions and claim processes. | Insurance booklets, benefit guides, summary of coverage PDFs. | /protections/, /benefits/ | High for family & premium use-cases. |
|
Rewards & earn structure
Points, miles, cashback
|
How points, miles or cashback accrue across categories, including caps, expiry rules and redemption options. | Rewards program T&Cs, earn-rate tables, airline/hotel partner lists. | /rewards/, /loyalty/ | High for rewards comparisons; medium elsewhere. |
|
Technology & app experience
How the card works day to day
|
Support for virtual cards, tap-to-pay, wallets, controls (freezing, changing limits), alerts and security features. | Issuer feature lists, app store descriptions, technical documentation where available. | /technology/, /crypto/ | Medium to high depending on user profile. |
|
Credit profile & limits
Who the card is designed for
|
Typical eligibility, how limits may change over time, and how the card fits into building or rebuilding a credit history. | Product sheets, eligibility criteria, lender FAQs. | /card-types/, /student/, /credit-score/ | High for starter & rebuild use-cases. |
|
Cost vs. perceived value
What you give up vs. what you get
|
Relationship between annual fee, FX fees and perks such as lounges, insurance and status – expressed in neutral, scenario-based examples. | Combination of fee tables, benefit guides and calculated example scenarios. | /benefits/, /travel/, /cashback/ | Central to many comparisons, but always scenario-based. |
Independence, data quality & conflicts of interest
1. Data collection & verification
In a full version of Choose.Creditcard, all comparison data would be taken from primary documentation: issuer PDFs, pricing lists and benefit guides. Each fact would be timestamped, with a clear note of when it was last checked and which country or region it applies to.
2. Affiliate links & paid placements
If an issuer ever pays a commission, this will be clearly marked (for example on a button label). The intent is that paid status never changes the underlying comparison. Non-paying cards should still appear and be described using the same criteria.
3. Scope & limitations
The CreditCard Collection is independent, but still limited: it cannot see your full financial situation or provide advice. This methodology hub is designed to show how comparisons could be made if you choose to use them – always alongside issuer documents and, if needed, professional advice.