Rewards vs Interest Calculator
A cashback card and a 0%-intro-APR card aren’t competing on the same axis — one pays you for spend, the other saves you interest on a balance. See which wins for your numbers.
Rewards vs Interest Calculator
Cashback rewards card vs. 0%-intro-APR card — which is the better deal for your monthly spend and payment habits?
Cashback rewards card wins
- Estimated annual cashback
- $540
Illustrative estimate only. Reward rates, APRs, intro periods, and fee structures vary by issuer and your creditworthiness — this doesn’t account for annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or bonus-category spend. Always review the full Schumer Box on any card you’re considering.
Ready to see which cards fit?
Compare cashback and 0% APR cards head-to-head, or take the quiz to find your match.
FAQ
If I always pay in full, does the intro-APR card ever win?
No. If you never carry a balance, interest never applies, so a flat-rate cashback card always comes out ahead — it's earning rewards on spend that would otherwise cost you nothing extra either way.
What if I carry a balance for only part of the year?
The calculator assumes the intro-APR card's 0% window applies for the months you set, then reverts to the standard APR for any months left in the year. A longer intro window relative to how long you'll carry a balance favors the intro-APR card more.
Why does the result say 'too close to call'?
When the dollar difference between the two paths is small (under about $50/year at your inputs), the calculator flags it as a toss-up — at that point, other factors (which card's ongoing terms you prefer, annual fees, etc.) should decide.
This calculator is for general education, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter and standard month-by-month amortization; your actual interest depends on your issuer’s balance-calculation method, compounding, and the exact APR, fees, and terms of your card, which vary by issuer. Confirm current numbers with your card issuer before making a decision. ClearValue Cards earns compensation solely through our CardRatings partnership, paid when a reader clicks out to CardRatings from our match tool.