NerdWallet's Star Rating Methodologies

NerdWallet's Star Rating Methodologies

At NerdWallet, we believe in transparency. That's why we share things like how we make money — and how we rate products. NerdWallet's star rating methodologies meet strict editorial guidelines and take into account dozens of data points that affect consumers and small-business owners. 

Ratings are determined by experienced writers, editors and researchers. In addition to NerdWallet, their work has appeared in The New York Times, The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Yahoo Finance and other national and local media outlets.

Methodologies by topic area are below. For questions about specific ratings, please reach out to the appropriate member of our editorial team.

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Star rating methodologies by topic

Ratings methodology for direct lender auto loans.
Ratings methodology for aggregator auto loans.

Ratings methodology for banks and credit unions.
Ratings methodology for domestic and international money transfer providers.

Ratings methodology for credit cards.

Ratings methodology for estate planning software.

Ratings methodology for home security systems.
Ratings methodology for home warranties.
Ratings methodology for full-service moving companies.
Ratings methodology for container and DIY moving companies.
Ratings methodology for solar panel installers.

Ratings methodology for auto insurance.
Ratings methodology for home insurance.
Ratings methodology for life insurance.
Ratings methodology for Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).
Ratings methodology for pet insurance.
Ratings methodology for renters insurance.

Ratings methodology for brokers.
Ratings methodology for cryptocurrency platforms.
Ratings methodology for cryptocurrency wallets.
Ratings methodology for online financial advisors.
Ratings methodology for robo-advisors.
Ratings methodology for real estate investment platforms.

Ratings methodology for mortgage lenders.

Ratings methodology for personal loans.
Ratings methodology for buy now, pay later plans.
Ratings methodology for cash advance apps.

Ratings methodology for accounting software.
Ratings methodology for business bank accounts.
Ratings methodology for payment processing providers.
Ratings methodology for payroll software services.
Ratings methodology for point-of-sale systems providers.
Ratings methodology for small-business insurance.
Ratings methodology for small-business loans.

Ratings methodology for student loan origination.
Ratings methodology for student loan refinance.

Ratings methodology for tax software.

Ratings methodologies for airlines and airline rewards programs.
Ratings methodologies for hotels and hotel rewards programs.