Privacy Policy

1. Who we are and scope

ClearValue Cards (“ClearValue Cards,” “we,” “our,” “us”) is an independent editorial and comparison publisher of credit-card reviews and recommendations. We are not a bank, credit-card issuer, lender, or financial advisor, and we do not issue cards, extend credit, or make approval decisions. When you use our match tool and click out to our partner CardRatings or a card issuer, any application, approval, terms, and account are entirely between you and the issuer. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share information when you visit clearvaluecards.com and interact with our content (collectively, the “Services”).

Our Services are intended for U.S.-based adults. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18.

2. Information we collect

Because we are a publisher rather than an issuer, we do not collect credit-card applications, Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, income documentation, or underwriting data. Any card application you complete goes directly to the issuer on the issuer’s own site (or that of our partner CardRatings), not to us. We collect:

• Identifiers you provide — such as your email address and any name you supply if you subscribe to a newsletter, submit a comparison-tool preference, or contact us.
• Internet and device activity — browser type, device identifiers, pages viewed, referring URL, session duration, approximate geolocation derived from IP address, and information collected through cookies, pixels, and similar technologies.
• Comparison-tool inputs — non-sensitive preferences you enter into our card-matching and comparison tools (for example, spend categories or a desired card type). These are used to generate on-page suggestions and are not applications for credit.
• Communications — the content of emails or messages you send us and your communication preferences.
• Inferences — derived signals about content interests and card fit used to improve our recommendations and measure content performance.

3. Sources of information

• You directly, when you subscribe, use a tool, or contact us.
• Cookies and analytics providers operating on our website.
• Our affiliate partner CardRatings, which may report back whether a click-out from our match tool resulted in an application or approval so our compensation can be attributed.

4. How we use your information

• Operate, maintain, secure, and improve the Services.
• Measure how our content and comparison tools perform.
• Generate on-page card suggestions from the preferences you enter.
• Attribute affiliate compensation when you click out to CardRatings from our match tool.
• Send newsletters or updates where you have subscribed (you can unsubscribe anytime).
• Detect, prevent, and respond to fraud, abuse, or security incidents.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.
• Aggregate or de-identify information for analytics and research.

9. Data retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to provide the Services, comply with our legal, tax, and recordkeeping obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Internet and device activity is typically retained for up to 24 months. Subscription and opt-out records are retained for as long as we maintain a relationship with you and for the period required to demonstrate compliance. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or de-identify it.

10. Information security

We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. No method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Children’s privacy

Our Services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, please contact us and we will delete it.

12. Third-party links and services

Our Services contain links to third-party websites, including our partner CardRatings and the sites of card issuers, that we do not operate. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third parties. When you click out to CardRatings or an issuer, that company’s own privacy policy governs the information you provide there. We encourage you to review the privacy practices of any third party before sharing personal information.

13. International users

Our Services are operated in the United States and intended for U.S. residents. If you access our Services from outside the United States, your information will be processed in the United States, where data-protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

14. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy on this page and update the “Effective” date above. Your continued use of the Services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.