Reality Index
We compare advertised card value with realistic value recovered after annual fees, statement-credit breakage, redemption friction, and interest drag.
Default segment
Occasional traveler
A few trips per year, some portal use, moderate dining and grocery spend.
Annual spend
$36,000
Top modeled card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Advertised
$750
Realistic net
$921
Reality score
123%
Interest drag
$0
Rewards
$1,125
Credits used
$240
Perks used
$120
Annual fee
-$395
Friction
-$169
Credits are haircut by segment behavior; they are not counted at 100% unless the segment supports it.
Advertised
$1,550
Realistic net
$455
Reality score
29%
Interest drag
$0
Rewards
$750
Credits used
$338
Perks used
$175
Annual fee
-$695
Friction
-$113
Credits are haircut by segment behavior; they are not counted at 100% unless the segment supports it.
Advertised
$1,200
Realistic net
$300
Reality score
25%
Interest drag
$0
Rewards
$750
Credits used
$283
Perks used
$175
Annual fee
-$795
Friction
-$113
Credits are haircut by segment behavior; they are not counted at 100% unless the segment supports it.
Homebody cash-back user
Mostly grocery, dining, gas, and online spend with little paid travel.
Occasional traveler
A few trips per year, some portal use, moderate dining and grocery spend.
Frequent domestic traveler
Monthly domestic travel, meaningful portal or airline spend, and steady dining spend.
Premium travel optimizer
High travel spend, lounge value, transfer partners, and active credit tracking.
Small-business owner
Heavy general and travel spend, but credit recovery depends on admin discipline and clear expense tracking.
Balance carrier
Carries a revolving balance; rewards are tested against interest drag first.