We keep full editorial control. Our read of the numbers is our own and isn't for sale: a partner can't pay us for a better assessment, or to be told to switch when you shouldn't. StandWatch is founder-funded today and designed to be kept free through clearly disclosed advertising and affiliate partnerships as partners sign. Compensation may affect which partners we're able to feature, but it never changes the honesty of the numbers we show you. You always choose whether to click.
We built StandWatch because the military community deserves a straight answer, not a sales funnel dressed up as advice. This page explains exactly how we decide what to show you, so you can trust the call you get.
What the call is based on
When you enter your number, we compare it against two things: a publicly sourced market average (for example, the Freddie Mac national mortgage survey via FRED), and any tracked partner offer we have traced to a published source (partner offers appear as partners sign). If a tracked offer is below your target, we say so and show you a link. If none meets your target, your Watch stays active and keeps monitoring. That's driven entirely by the numbers.
What we consider when matching you to a partner
When we do surface a partner, the match may consider: your state or service area; the product category you asked about; whether the provider is appropriately licensed; whether the provider currently offers military-relevant pricing or terms; the details you entered; and whether the provider is in the StandWatch partner network. We present partners using these neutral criteria.
What we do NOT do
We do not rank or label any provider "best," "top," or "recommended" because they pay us, and a partner cannot pay us for a more favorable assessment or to be recommended when the numbers don't support it. Our editorial judgment is not for sale. For mortgage and refinance providers specifically, we do not accept any fee in exchange for referring you or for steering you to one lender over another. Mortgage advertising relationships are structured separately from ordinary affiliate programs: StandWatch does not intend to accept compensation contingent on referrals, applications, approvals, loan amounts, or closed loans, and these agreements and placement practices are subject to separate legal and compliance review.
How we're paid
StandWatch is founder-funded today. As partners sign, StandWatch may receive clearly disclosed compensation from them. That compensation should never be read as a government endorsement, VA approval, or a guarantee that a provider offers the best terms for your situation. The service stays free to the military community either way. Our coverage is not exhaustive; other providers may offer better terms, and you should always compare multiple offers before choosing.
You're always in control
We never hand your information to a partner as a "lead." When a partner can beat your number, we show you a link and you decide whether to click. Nothing is shared with a provider unless you choose to contact them yourself.