Fioney Review Methodology Fioney Review Methodology

Fioney Review Methodology

Our goal is to provide readers with the best possible information to help them determine whether an app, card, account, etc. is a good fit for them.

Fioney reviews a number of products and services ranging from FinTech apps and cashback tools to credit cards and banking accounts, as well as small business software and services. For many, we’ve assigned ratings to help readers better understand our overall thoughts. These ratings can change over time as these services evolve or as the landscape shifts around them.

Since launching in 2015 (rebranding in 2023), Fioney has reviewed numerous applications, accounts, and products. Given this experience, our reviews are thoroughly researched and put the products in the context of what else is available in the market. Moreover, reviews are regularly updated as changes to the core products are made.

Why You Can Trust Fioney: Disclosures and Acknowledgments

At Fioney, our reviews come from hands-on experience with the products and services. In the rare instances where a feature or service cannot be personally tested, this is clearly disclosed in the review itself. Additionally, where applicable, the word “overview” may be used instead of “review” when the information shared comes from another source and not from direct experience with the product.

Fioney does not currently accept sponsored review posts and all opinions shared are solely those of the author. While Fioney does maintain some affiliate relationships, these are also clearly disclosed to readers and do not have any influence on our reviews or ratings.

What Our Ratings Mean

Broadly speaking, our ratings indicate overall sentiments about a product or service. These can be interpreted as such:

  • 5 stars: An excellent option with numerous upsides.
  • 4 stars: A great pick with a minor flaw or two.
  • 3 stars: A good option that either has some key downsides or falls short of other available products.
  • 2 stars: A severely flawed product that shows promise or has at least one stellar feature.
  • 1 star: Not recommended

In addition to a numerical rating, each review includes a list of pros and cons to give consumers a better idea of what the reviewed item has to offer. Furthermore, a summary paragraph can help readers determine whether a certain product or service is right for them even if our reviewer was bearish.

Rating Factors

While our reviews and ratings remain highly subjective, there are a number of factors that are considered when giving a grade. Some examples include:

Banking accounts:

  • Fees
  • APY/Rewards
  • Requirements for earning APY
  • Features
  • Ease of use

Credit card:

  • Rewards
  • Annual fee
  • Redemption options and rates
  • Benefits and perks

Cashback portals:

  • Retailers available
  • Rates offered
  • Cashout threshold
  • Ease of use

Other:

  • Fees/value proposition
  • Ease of use
  • Features
The "Email" field is empty, you must enter some text to proceed.The text you entered in the "Email" field appears to be invalid, please edit it and try again
Get the Latest News Delivered to Your Inbox
Small Business News

FedEx Announces Winners of 11th Annual 2023 Small Business Grant Contest

by Kyle Burbank
Nearly three months after the entry period ended, FedEx has announced the winners of its 11th annual Small Business Grant Content. This year's event saw more than $300,000 in funds going to a variety of small businesses across the nation. Last month, the company revealed 100 finalists, with that list now being narrowed down to just 10 winners. This year's grand prize winners included KindVR, The Cupcake Collection, Up In...
Summer app
FinTech News

Student Loan Benefit FinTech Summer Raises $6 Million

by Fioney Staff
For years, student debt has been one of the most talked about financial topics. What's more, while the debt itself has become a major part of many Americans' lives, discussion of student loans has become political due to efforts to forgive certain loan repayments. However, while we wait for resolution on that front, a FinTech that brings student debt benefit solutions to employers and consumers has raised a new round...
H-E-B and Central Market  credit cards
Credit Cards

Imprint Launches Credit Cards from H-E-B and Central Market 

by Fioney Staff
The FinTech Imprint is partnering with the popular Texas-based grocery chain H-E-B for a pair of new rewards credit cards. This week saw the launch of the H-E-B Visa Signature Credit Card as well as the Central Market Visa Signature Credit Card. With these two (nearly identical) options, customers will be able to earn rewards on groceries and beyond. First, both versions of the card earn up to 5% back on select...
Melissa Urban holding a Ness card
Credit Cards

Health and Wellness Rewards Card Ness Partners with Whole30

by Fioney Staff
In recent years, several unique rewards cards have come to market. These include offerings from FinTech startups as well as brands looking to do something special for their loyal fans. On that note, a recently-announced rewards credit card offering is now working with a popular brand to introduce new benefits for customers. This week, the Ness Card (which is issued by The Bank of Missouri) unveiled a new partnership with...
Choice Privileges Select Card
Credit Cards

Choice Hotels, Wells Fargo Debut Choice Privileges Select Card

by Fioney Staff
With spring well underway and the summer travel season now just around the corner, Choice Hotels and Wells Fargo have unveiled their latest co-branded credit card offering. Today, the two companies announced the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard. Carrying an annual fee of $95, this card will serve as the premium option in the hotel brand's new lineup. Looking at the Choice Privileges Select, it offers a mix of rewards categories....