Scoring Methodology — ByTheMath
How every product is scored: APY weight, flexibility, minimum deposit, and data verification.
Overview
Every deposit product and credit card tracked across the ByTheMath network receives a composite score from 0 to 100. Products are ranked by this score, not by a single metric like APY or rewards rate alone. A product with a slightly lower APY but no minimum deposit and a short penalty window can outscore one with a higher APY and a $10,000 minimum.
HYSA scoring
High-yield savings accounts are scored on three factors. The APY score uses a competitive market range calibrated quarterly — a product at the top of the current range earns 100, at the floor 0.
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| APY | 70% |
| Minimum deposit accessibility | 20% |
| Withdrawal flexibility | 10% |
CD scoring
CDs are scored on APY, early withdrawal flexibility, and minimum deposit. The flexibility score is based on the early withdrawal penalty in days of interest.
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| APY | 60% |
| Early withdrawal flexibility | 25% |
| Minimum deposit accessibility | 15% |
Early withdrawal penalty scoring: No penalty = 100, 60 days = 80, 90 days = 75, 150 days = 70, 180 days = 65, 270 days = 60, 365 days = 35, over 365 days = 25.
HSA provider scoring
HSA providers are scored on three factors reflecting long-term account value rather than just cash APY.
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Fees (monthly fee, fee waiver threshold) | 40% |
| Investment quality (brokerage access, fund menu, minimum) | 35% |
| Usability (mobile rating, debit card, employer integration) | 25% |
Credit card scoring
Credit card scoring methodology is published on YourBestCards.com/methodology/. Cards are scored on rewards value, welcome bonus efficiency, annual fee justification, and category-specific benefits.
Data sources and verification
APYs and product terms are sourced directly from each institution’s public website. An automated scan system rechecks source pages on a rolling schedule and flags possible changes for review; a scanner flag alone never changes a published rate. Each change is confirmed against the institution’s own site before it is published, and each product shows the date its rate was last verified (apy_as_of). Products not re-verified within 7 days are flagged internally for a recheck.
What we do not score
We do not score based on brand recognition, advertising spend, customer reviews, mobile app ratings, or any factor not directly related to the financial terms of the product. We do not accept payment to influence rankings.
Score range calibration
The competitive APY range is reviewed quarterly. If market rates shift significantly, we recalibrate and recalculate all scores. Recalibration dates are logged on our corrections pages.