Welcome-bonus reality check
Subtract annual fees, unplanned spending, and estimated interest from the headline bonus.
Open calculator →Buy Decoded money desk
Calculate the value.
Ignore the sales pitch.
A large bonus can still be a bad deal if it causes extra spending, interest, or an annual fee you cannot recover. Put your own numbers into the offer.
Five practical calculators
Start with the decision you are making.
No application links are required to use these tools. Inputs stay in your browser. Results are educational planning estimates, not individualized financial advice.
Annual-fee break-even
Count only credits you will naturally use and rewards earned above a no-fee alternative.
Open calculator →Balance-transfer payoff check
Compare transfer fees, promotional months, monthly payments, and current-card interest.
Open calculator →Cash back vs. points
Use your spending and a conservative point value instead of a travel-blog headline.
Open calculator →Compare two card offers
Normalize two offers by bonus value, fees, usable credits, rewards, and required spending.
Open calculator →The rule that matters
Rewards do not beat interest.
- If you expect to carry a balance, compare debt cost before rewards.
- Do not create spending solely to earn a bonus.
- Value credits at what they replace—not their advertised face value.
- Confirm current APRs, fees, eligibility, and deadlines directly with the issuer.