How we make money at MoneyCompass is a question every reader deserves a straight answer to. Furthermore, MoneyCompass earns revenue primarily through affiliate commissions when readers apply for or purchase financial products through links on this site. Moreover, understanding how we make money helps readers evaluate our recommendations with full context. Because transparency is a core value of MoneyCompass, this page explains every revenue source in plain English. In addition, knowing how we make money clarifies why certain products appear in our guides and how editorial decisions are made independently of revenue relationships. However, affiliate commissions never determine which products receive positive reviews — only independent research does. Therefore, how we make money never conflicts with our commitment to honest guidance. For regulatory context see the FTC Endorsement Guidelines and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The Short Answer
MoneyCompass earns money when readers click affiliate links and are approved for or purchase financial products. The financial institution pays us a commission — you never pay more. Our editorial recommendations are made independently of these relationships.
Our Revenue Sources
Credit Card Affiliate Commissions
When you click a credit card link on MoneyCompass and are approved for the card, we may earn a commission from the card issuer. Typical commissions range from $50 to $300 per approved application depending on the card.
Partners may include: Chase, American Express, Capital One, and others
Investment Platform Commissions
When you open an account with an investment platform through our links, we may earn a commission. These are typically flat fees per account opened rather than a percentage of assets.
Partners may include: Betterment, Wealthfront, Acorns, Personal Capital
Budgeting and Financial Tool Commissions
When you subscribe to budgeting apps or financial tools through our links, we may earn a commission or a percentage of the first payment.
Partners may include: YNAB, Monarch Money, and others
Banking and Loan Lead Commissions
When you submit a loan inquiry or open a banking product through our links, we may earn a lead or referral commission from the lender or bank.
Partners may include: LendingTree, Credible, Chime, and others
Insurance and Tax Software Commissions
When you purchase insurance or tax software through our links, we may earn a commission from the provider.
Partners may include: PolicyGenius, SelectQuote, TurboTax, H&R Block
Our Editorial Independence Commitment
- Affiliate commissions never determine which products are recommended
- Products that pay higher commissions do not receive better reviews
- Products with no affiliate program are not excluded from our guides
- Every recommendation reflects independent research on features, fees and suitability
- Marcus Hale only recommends products he would consider for his own family
Questions? See our Affiliate Disclosure and Privacy Policy for more detail. Contact us at our contact page with any questions about our revenue relationships.