A misleading Google search usually isn’t more than an inconvenience — but according to a new case study, it can also hit your wallet.

Consumer finance site WalletHub analyzed Google search results for “best 0 APR credit cards” and found that following the recommendations at the top of the page can cost searchers hundreds of dollars:

Relying on top-ranked sites costs consumers an average of $341.
Trusting credit card company recommendations on page one costs about $216.
Following Reddit’s “Best Options for 0% APR Right Now,” which appeared first, costs about $568.
Choosing the worst first-page option could cost $616.

“Google results have gone so far downhill, they’re practically underwater, and it’s costing people a lot of time and money,” said WalletHub CEO Odysseas Papadimitriou.

Bigger Than Credit Cards

While the study focused narrowly on APR credit cards, WalletHub Managing Editor John S. Kiernan argued the findings reflect a broader issue: the overall decline in Google search quality.

He pointed to a 2020 decision to place Google’s ad team head in charge of Search, which blurred the line between maximizing ad revenue and delivering quality results. “It seems like the ad-driven side is outweighing the focus on consumers,” Kiernan said.

Google Pushes Back

Google dismissed the report as flawed.

“Our systems connect people with useful, original content from across the web so they can make informed decisions,” spokesperson Davis Thompson said. He added that Google holds financial queries — known as “Your Money or Your Life” searches — to especially high standards, sourcing from reliable outlets.

Declining Value for Users

Critics say users feel the difference.

“People are forced to wade through more ads before seeing organic results — and too often still can’t find what they need,” said Danny Goodwin, managing editor of Search Engine Land. He added that rising search volumes may reflect people having to dig harder for answers.

Still, experts agree Google’s dominance is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Its search engine remains the default on iPhones, Chrome, and countless other products — making it both familiar and convenient.

“Google was the best search engine, and in some ways still is,” said Near Media’s Sterling. “But people mostly stick with it out of habit.”

Could AI Change the Game?

Some see disruptive AI tools as the only real threat.

“Only truly disruptive AI-fueled software or devices could erode Google’s dominance,” said Keyni’s Navarre. “Ironically, Google’s own AI may end up reshaping its market position as much as any competitor.”

Bottom Line

WalletHub’s study shows just how much consumers can lose — up to $616 — by trusting the top search results when looking for the “best” 0% APR credit cards. And while Google defends its systems, critics argue that ads and algorithms increasingly prioritize revenue over reliable information.

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