Transparency

Affiliate Disclosure

Last updated: January 6, 2026

We believe in complete transparency about how Card Curator makes money. Here's everything you need to know about our affiliate relationships.

The Simple Truth

Card Curator is free for users and always will be.

We earn money when you apply for credit cards through our referral links and get approved. This is called affiliate marketing, and it's how we keep our service free while helping you optimize your rewards.

You pay nothing extra. You get the same signup bonus, annual fee, and terms whether you apply through our link or directly from the bank.

How Affiliate Marketing Works

Step-by-Step Process:

You find a card: Our AI recommends a credit card based on your portfolio and spending patterns

You click "Apply Now": When you click our referral link, you're taken to the bank's website with a tracking code

You complete the application: You fill out the application directly on the bank's secure website (not ours)

You get approved: If approved, you receive the card with the same signup bonus and benefits advertised

We receive a commission: The bank pays us a one-time commission (typically 30-90 days after approval)

Important: This costs you nothing extra

Banks budget for customer acquisition costs regardless. By using our links, you help keep Card Curator free while getting the exact same offer you'd get directly from the bank.

Who We Partner With

We have affiliate relationships with major credit card issuers and networks, including:

Chase (Ultimate Rewards credit cards)
American Express (Membership Rewards cards)
Citi (ThankYou Points cards)
Capital One (Miles cards)
Bank of America (Travel Rewards, Cash Rewards)
Other major banks and card issuers

Not all cards are affiliate links. Some cards in our database don't have referral programs, but we still include them in recommendations if they're optimal for your portfolio.

Editorial Independence

Our recommendations are unbiased

Here's our promise: Commission amounts do NOT influence our recommendations.

AI-Driven Recommendations

Our AI analyzes YOUR cards, YOUR spending, and YOUR goals. It doesn't know which cards pay us more. Recommendations are based purely on optimization math.

No Sponsored Placements

We don't accept payment to rank cards higher or feature specific cards. All rankings and comparisons are based on actual card benefits and user value.

Non-Affiliate Cards Included

We recommend cards even when they don't earn us commissions. If a card is optimal for your situation, we'll recommend it regardless of affiliate status.

Educational First

Our learning center provides honest, comprehensive education about credit card rewards - not just sales pitches for specific cards.

Commission Transparency

While exact commission amounts vary and are subject to confidentiality agreements, here's general guidance:

Premium travel cards: Typically higher commissions ($100-200 range) due to high annual fees and customer value
No annual fee cards: Generally lower commissions ($50-100 range)
Business cards: Often similar to personal card commissions
Payment timing: Commissions are usually paid 30-90 days after account opening

Key point: We only earn commissions on approvals, not clicks or applications. This aligns our incentives - we want you to apply for cards you'll actually get approved for and benefit from.

What We Don't Do

✗ We don't sell your personal information to banks or third parties
✗ We don't let commission rates influence recommendation algorithms
✗ We don't accept payment for "featured" or "sponsored" card placements
✗ We don't hide non-affiliate cards from recommendations
✗ We don't recommend cards you shouldn't apply for just to earn a commission
✗ We don't share your Card Curator account data with banks (they only see that you came from our site)

Your Choice

You're never obligated to use our affiliate links. You can:

Apply directly through the bank's website instead
Use our free tools and recommendations without clicking affiliate links
Compare offers across multiple sites before applying
Use Card Curator purely for tracking and optimization without applying for new cards

If you do choose to use our links, you're helping keep Card Curator free for everyone. We appreciate your support!

Additional Disclosures

Credit Card Issuer Discretion

Card issuers have sole discretion over application approvals. We don't guarantee approval or specific outcomes. Approval depends on your credit score, income, existing credit, and the issuer's criteria.

Offer Terms May Vary

While we strive to keep card information current, signup bonuses and terms can change without notice. Always review the current terms on the issuer's website before applying.

Not Financial Advice

Card Curator provides informational recommendations, not professional financial advice. Consider your personal financial situation and consult a financial advisor for major decisions.

FTC Compliance

This disclosure complies with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements for affiliate marketing transparency under 16 CFR Part 255.

Questions About Our Affiliate Relationships?

We're happy to answer any questions about how we earn money or how our recommendations work.