1. Data sources
- Issuer and partner pages for fees, rewards, caps, and redemption ratios.
- Independent aggregators for discovery, not scoring.
- Lounge coverage sourced from loungeaccess.in datasets.
Transparency Report
Methodology & Assumptions
CardWise combines issuer‑verified data with first‑principles math to estimate the real value of each card. This page documents how rankings are calculated.
Data window
2. Spend allocation
- 70% of spend is allocated to your chosen categories.
- 30% is treated as base‑rate spend.
- Spend is distributed evenly across selected categories.
3. Rewards value
- Cashback uses a point value of 1.
- Points default to ₹0.25 unless a card specifies a higher transfer rate.
- Pro mode uses best redemption rates when available.
4. Caps & milestones
- Monthly or category caps reduce projected rewards.
- Milestone bonuses are applied if spend thresholds are met.
- Fee waivers are applied if issuer conditions are met.
5. Scoring logic
Net value
Estimated annual rewards − annual fees.
Context fit
Boosts for your category mix, lounge usage, and forex frequency.
Reality checks
Penalty for negative net value or mismatched priorities.
6. Limitations
Issuers change benefits without notice. Some categories and merchants require specific payment modes. Always verify terms before applying.