Enter how much you spend a month in each category listed below. To calculate this amount, refer to your last three credit card statements. Write down all the credit card purchases you’ve made corresponding to each category; then add them up, and divide that number by three. Use these numbers to fill in each category, then click “Calculate”.
Understanding the Results
The calculator will provide you with two blocks with results generated from your input data. Your results would have considered any sign-up bonuses you would receive and the annual fee you’d pay.
First Year Results
Your first-year results show you what to expect for the first 12 months of owning the card. They include:
- Sign up bonus. The one-time incentive to open and use the card. It would be subjected to certain limitations, as described by your credit card agreement.
- Annual fee. What you’ll pay to use the card. It is charged once a year to your credit card statement.
- Spending reward. The amount that you could potentially earn each year based on how much you spend in each category monthly. It does not include either the sign-up bonus or the annual fee.
- Total Net Reward. The real value of your annual cash back Total Net Reward = Spending Reward + Sign-up Bonus – Annual Fee. Its value can be diminished if you don’t pay your credit card balance in full each month.
- Real cashback The total net reward displayed as a percentage. You can use it to compare between cards and select the card with the biggest percentage.
Consecutive Years Results
This tells you what you can expect after the first year, using almost all the same metrics. (The sign-up bonus would not be used.) It uses the same calculations as the first year.
The Bottom Line
The card to choose would give both the highest total net reward and highest real cashback percentage. This would indicate that you’re getting the most benefits from the card. Don’t forget, this calculator is to only show what you could possibly earn from your rewards credit card. The amount you’ll earn is dependent on several factors, including how you manage your credit card account.