Methodology / version 0.1

Useful before it is persuasive.

Southern Ledger is built to help an Australian reader make a decision with verifiable information, not to manufacture a universal winner.

Our decision sequence

  1. Define the use case. Paying in full, carrying a balance, travel, rewards and low cost are different decisions.
  2. Use local definitions. We distinguish purchase rate, annual fee, comparison rate and interest-free days.
  3. Trace material claims. Rates, fees, eligibility, rewards and limits need a current source and verification date.
  4. Show the trade-off. A reward is not free if its fee, interest or conditions outweigh the value for the reader’s scenario.
  5. Keep uncertainty visible. Missing or conflicting information is labelled, not filled with an estimate that looks like a fact.

What we do not do

We do not accept issuer commissions, paid placements, affiliate links or sponsored rankings. Google AdSense is the only planned advertising model, and ads must remain visually separate from editorial recommendations.

We do not promise approval, savings or a universally “best” card. Every comparison is limited by market, date, evidence and repayment behaviour.