How ProofLabs Makes Money

Short version: affiliate commissions. When you click a link to a credit card on this site and get approved, I may earn a commission from the card issuer. This is how I keep the site running and the content free.

Here's what that means — and doesn't mean — for you.

What Are Affiliate Commissions?

When I link to a credit card application page, that link contains a tracking code. If you apply and are approved through that link, the card issuer pays ProofLabs a referral fee.

You pay nothing extra — the card terms, APR, and rewards are exactly the same whether you apply through my link or go directly to the issuer's website.

Does This Affect My Rankings?

No. My rankings are based on net annual value to you — the math I show in my methodology. Commission rates vary between card issuers, and I don't factor them into rankings.

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Tyler's Tip
Real example: the Costco Anywhere Visa is my #1 pick for gas. It's not a particularly high-commission card. But it gives 4% back on gas, and that math wins. I'd rather recommend the right card and earn your trust than recommend the wrong card and earn a slightly bigger commission.

If the best card for a category has no affiliate program at all, I still recommend it and link to the issuer's site directly. You'll see <!-- TODO: affiliate link --> comments in my code — those are cards where I haven't set up affiliate tracking yet, but I'm recommending them anyway because they're the best option.

What Types of Products Earn Commissions?

  • Credit cards — Commission when you're approved for a card through my link
  • Savings accounts — Some HYSA providers pay for account sign-ups
  • Investing platforms — Some brokerages pay for new account referrals
  • Rakuten — I earn a referral bonus when you sign up through my link (and you get a bonus too)

What Does NOT Earn Commissions?

My strategy guides, methodology breakdowns, and educational content don't directly earn commissions. They exist to help you make better decisions — which builds trust, which means you're more likely to use my affiliate links when you're ready to apply. It's a long game, and I'm fine with that.

The Bottom Line

I make money when you make good financial decisions through my links. Our incentives are aligned: the better my recommendations are, the more you trust me, the more likely you are to apply through my links. If I start recommending bad cards for higher commissions, you'll leave and I'll earn nothing.

That's why I show my work on every recommendation. You can check the math yourself.

Questions? Contact me.