Editorial Policy

Content standards

CardPilot content should help users understand rewards structures, annual fees, intro APRs, welcome bonuses, cash back, travel points, issuer terms, and the limitations of comparison models. Pages should be written in complete sentences, avoid filler, and link to related CardPilot resources where helpful.

Content should avoid saying a user will qualify, will be approved, will save a specific amount, or will earn rewards with certainty. Preferred language includes may, could, estimate, compare, and verify with the issuer.

Research and updates

Card data may be manually researched from issuer pages, public terms, and product disclosures. CardPilot periodically reviews rewards rates, fees, credits, perks, welcome bonuses, APR language, category caps, and issuer links.

Because issuers can change terms frequently, CardPilot cannot guarantee that every detail is current at the time a user reads a page. Users should verify details directly with the issuer before applying.

Methodology and independence

Recommendation rankings are based on the formula described in the Recommendation Methodology. Inputs can include annual fee, rewards categories, caps, bonus categories, statement credits, perks, point valuations, redemption assumptions, and user preferences.

Compensation, if any, should not override user fit, educational value, or the model's output. Ads are not recommendations and should remain visually separate from card recommendations, issuer links, comparison cards, and apply-style CTAs.

Affiliate and advertising disclosure

CardPilot may earn compensation when users click or apply through certain links. This does not guarantee approval and does not change the need to verify terms with the issuer.

If affiliate relationships are active, CardPilot should disclose them clearly. Display ads may appear only on substantial public educational content pages and must not be placed where they could be confused with card recommendations or issuer offers.

Frequently asked questions

Can compensation affect rankings?

Compensation, if any, should not override user fit, educational value, or the recommendation methodology.

Are ads credit card recommendations?

No. Ads are advertising inventory and are separate from CardPilot's educational content and recommendation outputs.

Is CardPilot really free?

Yes. CardPilot is 100% free. There are no accounts, paywalls, or premium tiers. The full calculator and every recommendation is available to everyone.

Does CardPilot affect my credit score?

No. CardPilot only does math on your spending. We never request a credit pull or share your information with issuers. Applying for a card on the issuer's website is a separate action that may affect your score.

Is this financial advice?

No. CardPilot provides educational comparisons and estimates. It is not financial, legal, tax, credit, lending, or banking advice, and it does not guarantee approval. Always verify terms with the issuer before applying.