Stack Your Points

In this episode of 'Stack Your Points,' the hosts conduct a year-end review of 2025, discussing standout credit card issuers, notable cards, and major events in the credit card industry. The episode highlights US Bank’s failures, Citi’s partnership with American Airlines, and Chase’s missteps with the Sapphire Reserve refresh. The hosts debate future potential refreshes for cards like the American Express Green and Chase Sapphire Preferred and predict which cards might get nerfed. They delve into the implications of the Discover payment network acquisition by Capital One and explore potential moves by other major banks. Speculations include the evolution of Bilts card lineup, cardless as Bilts next issuer, and strategies various banks may adopt in the constantly changing financial landscape. The episode also touches on macroeconomic concerns and their impact on credit card industry strategies. 00:00 Introduction and Year-End Review 00:28 Superlatives and Standout Issuers of 2025 01:25 US Bank's Troubles and Industry Reactions 03:42 Citi and American Airlines Partnership 06:07 Amex and Chase: Strategic Moves and Refreshes 19:16 Credit Card Strategies and Best Cards of the Year 24:41 Disappointments and Underperforming Cards 31:27 Best Credits and Easy-to-Use Benefits 44:46 Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards 45:05 Wells Fargo's Transfer Partners 46:14 Speculations on Wells Fargo's Future Moves 46:58 Comparing Travel Credit Cards 52:15 Bank of America's Unique Strategy 56:58 Citi's Strata Elite and Travel Strategies 01:05:44 Evaluating Airline Loyalty Programs 01:11:09 Credit Card Refresh Predictions 01:23:32 The Ultimate Modular Credit Card 01:25:02 Capital One's Strategic Moves 01:25:53 Hypothetical Bank Acquisitions 01:27:18 The Future of Payment Networks 01:35:57 Apple's Next CEO 01:40:36 Speculations on the Apple Card 01:45:37 Predictions for 2026 Credit Cards 02:00:19 Conclusion and Member Shoutouts

In this episode of Stack Your Points, the hosts delve into various aspects of the credit card and travel rewards space. The show kicks off with a discussion about the sudden collapse of the Mesa credit card program and its implications for cardholders. Lonnie shares his favorite Disney properties, emphasizing the unique charm of Aulani in Hawaii. The hosts also tackle listener questions, including tips for booking Disney vacations using DVC points, and share their best flight and hotel experiences of the year. Additionally, RJ discusses her recent travel ordeal and how best to handle significant flight delays. The episode concludes with each host's wishlist for future credit card offerings and bonus categories. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:37 - Mesa Credit Card Collapse 00:26:25 - Disney Vacation Tips and Tricks 00:38:01 - Best Flights and Hotel Stays of 2025 00:41:57 - Positive Changes in the Credit Card Space 00:43:43 - Favorite Small Credits 00:49:01 - Comparing Citi Strata Elite and Chase Freedom Unlimited 01:01:46 - Travel Delays 01:09:58 - Wishlist for Credit Card Issuers 01:18:35 - Bonus Categories We’d Love to See 01:24:31 - Final Thoughts and Member Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 01:13 Viewer Questions: Optimal Ways of Earning Points 05:21 Strategies for Maximizing Points 11:56 Mesa's Potential Airline Partners 18:37 Chase Sapphire Reserve Business Card Discussion 26:35 Future Credit Card Plans and Strategies 37:25 Evaluating the Value of Credit Card Points 42:14 Versatility of Membership Reward Points 43:09 Devaluation and Inflation in Credit Card Points 44:56 The Business of Points and Miles 55:04 Hilton Honors Adventures and Cruise Partnerships 01:03:42 The Value of Resy Restaurants for Amex 01:18:58 Inflation and Credit Card Multipliers 01:25:23 Final Thoughts and Membership Information   --- Check out SYP's website and join the Discord: StackYourPoints.com

00:00:00 - Introduction and Greetings 00:01:59 - Is Die hard a Christmas Movie? 00:10:34 - Fine Dining: Overrated or Worth It? 00:26:15 - PayPal and Points Strategies 00:33:01 - Ideal YouTube Video Runtime 00:51:25 - Chase Ultimate Rewards: Changes and Strategies 01:15:12 - News 01:19:03 - The Apple Card: Challenges and Changes 01:52:44 - Planning and Timing for Holiday Shopping 02:07:49 - Luxury vs. Marketing: Personal Preferences 02:31:05 - 2026 Credit Card Strategies and Predictions 02:44:38 - Final Thoughts and Membership Highlights

In this episode of Stack Your Points, Matt and co-hosts RJ, Craig, and Lani discuss their travel strategies, credit card keep or cancel plans for 2026, and what they're not looking forward to in the credit card YouTube space. They also express gratitude for the community and highlight quick paths to achieving status in travel programs. Additionally, the team covers recent developments in the credit card space, such as Chase's new policy on the Ink cards and United's new surcharges on last-minute flights. Tune in for insights and tips on maximizing travel rewards and navigating the upcoming holiday travel season.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:46 First Question: Gardening and Credit Cards 20:04 Next Question: Guest Creators 27:05 Chase's 5/24 Rule and Future Predictions 39:21 Ultimate Premium Travel Cards 01:02:54 Hilton's New Diamond Reserve Status 01:08:47 The Sonder Bankruptcy 01:14:13 Insane Welcome Offers: Sustainable or Not? 01:52:58 Favorite Travel Snacks 01:59:34 Final Thoughts and Membership Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 03:40 Viewer Questions: Niche Spending Categories 12:54 Discussion on Female Creators in the Credit Card Space 29:09 Hypothetical Chase One World Card Features 39:54 Hypothetical Credit Card Discussion 41:37 Chase and Airline Alliances 47:13 Credit Card Setups and Strategies 58:45 Rakuten and Competing Portals 01:10:27 Bilt Cards 2.0 and Marriott's Sonder Issue 01:24:07 Exploring Mortgage Reward Points 01:25:08 The Business Strategy Behind Reward Points 01:25:58 The Future of Payment Platforms 01:28:01 The Evolution of Built's Reward System 01:32:19 Overrated Credit Card Features 01:33:00 The Lounge Experience Debate 01:43:13 The Reality of Travel Upgrades 01:49:35 Maximizing Credit Card Benefits 01:57:16 The Sapphire Reserve Refresh Controversy 02:07:10 The Importance of Staying Informed About Card Changes 02:09:43 Traveling with Physical Limitations 02:11:07 Traveling with Mobility and Sensory Issues 02:18:10 Challenges for the Deaf Community in Airports 02:23:55 Travel Tips for Neurodivergent Individuals 02:39:07 Luxury Travel Gear Essentials 02:47:28 Final Thoughts and Member Acknowledgements

00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:30 - Ranking Premium Card Credits 00:30:05 - Middle Ground in Credit Card Usage 00:44:39 - The Role of Referral Links in the Creator Ecosystem 01:12:14 - Personal Travel Horror Stories 01:24:57 - Tight Layovers and Airport Adventures 01:34:37 - News Roundup: Quick Updates 01:42:33 - Hotel vs. Airline Free Agency 02:00:05 - Scam Protection on Credit Cards 02:13:47 - Simplifying Your Credit Card Strategy 02:23:08 - Final Thoughts and Membership Salute

00:00:00 - Welcome 00:05:15 - Credit Card Spend Requirements 00:27:38 - Speculation on Future Credit Card Nerfs 00:44:42 - Fun with Song Requests 00:48:42 - What We Do on Flights 01:00:15 - Business Card Siblings 01:08:10 - News 01:14:01 - Travel Mistakes and Lessons Learned 01:44:16 - The Psychology of Credit Card Preferences 01:59:25 - Open Source Approach to Credit Card Development 02:18:33 - Personal Credit Score Utilization 02:30:33 - Closing Remarks

00:00:00 - Introduction and Greetings 00:01:24 - Needed Co-Branded Business Cards 00:07:21 - Estate Planning for Points and Miles 00:21:11 - Favorite Airlines for International Travel 00:35:08 - Travel Companions: Who Would You Choose? 00:49:37 - Hotel Loyalty Programs and Status 01:06:55 - Citi’s New Credit Card and Avoiding Lawsuits 01:26:28 - Financial Wellness and Credit Card Strategies 01:47:55 - YouTube Creators We’d Love to Meet 02:03:36 - The Future of Travel Portals 02:29:21 - The Closing 

00:00 Introduction and Greetings 02:47 Viewer Questions: Custom Credit Card Designs 07:24 Viewer Questions: Changing Perspectives on Credit Card Portals 14:15 Viewer Questions: Best Non-Premium Credit Cards 20:02 Viewer Questions: Top Credit Cards Under $1500 33:34 Viewer Questions: Deciding to Keep or Refresh Credit Cards 35:59 Evaluating Credit Card Points and Benefits 37:26 Changes in Credit Card Policies 38:01 Chase Sapphire Reserve Updates 40:29 US Bank Altitude Reserve Changes 41:06 Amex and Apple Marketing Strategies 42:59 Chase's Future Credit Card Plans 49:02 Hotel Brand Preferences 51:52 Pre-Authorization Tools and Their Importance 01:00:59 The Case for Modular Credit Cards 01:09:39 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:24 - The State of the Creator Community 00:32:20 - Ecosystem for Long Term Travel 00:45:56 - Hotel Preferences and Avoidances 01:01:34 - Favorite Redemption Stories 01:09:38 - Controversial Food Takes 01:22:54 - Rakuten and Built Partnership Leak 01:35:48 - One Card Lifestyle Debate 01:51:00 - Importance of Status in Travel 02:11:48 - Non-Travel Loyalty Programs 02:31:59 - Travel Day Troubleshooting Tips 02:47:38 - Final Thoughts and Self-Promotion

00:00:00 - Introduction 00:05:28 - The $5 Million Grail Question 00:15:26 - Choosing Credit Cards for International Travel 00:28:42 - Are Credit Cards Addictive? 00:56:22 - Choosing the Right Airline for You 01:18:49 - YouTube Content Preferences 01:35:39 - Balancing Wants and Needs in Credit Cards 01:57:47 - Positivity in the Credit Card World 02:25:31 - Subscription Models for Credit Card Benefits 02:57:42 - Final Thoughts and Membership Acknowledgements

00:00:00 - Introduction and Greetings 00:01:35 - Credit Card Changes for Travelers 00:20:21 - The New Amex Platinum Card 00:55:15 - The CSR vs. Amex Platinum 01:16:00 - A CSR Fix? Maybe? 01:25:13 - Measuring a Card Refresh 01:44:30 - Positive Refresh Criteria 02:04:20 - Card Refresh Strategies 02:14:04 - Keep, Cancel, Acquire | CSR and Platinum 02:29:00 - Final Thoughts and Membership Highlights    

00:00:00 - Introduction and Banter 00:05:56 - Overlooked and Underrated Cards 00:18:54 - Lounge Competition: Too Many Players? 00:31:07 - Powerball Dreams: What Would You Do? 00:52:41 - Loyalty to Airlines: Is It Worth It? 01:20:18 - News 01:32:10 - Evaluating Credit Card News 01:46:03 - Tech Gadgets and Travel 02:06:30 - Favorite Sock Drawer Cards 02:15:56 - Is Loyalty a Two-Way Street? 02:33:24 - Wrapping Up and Member Highlights

00:00:00 - Welcome and Introductions 00:05:07 - Traveling with Credit Cards 00:21:33 - Point Stacking Tips and Tricks 00:33:23 - Traveling with Kids: Expectations and Realities 01:02:22 - Lifetime Status Goals and Challenges 01:16:07 - Etiquette for Points and Miles at Family Dinners 01:31:56 - The News! 01:53:43 - Travel Hacking vs. Frugal Travel 02:10:49 - Credit Card Credits: Flexibility vs. Restrictions 02:27:54 - Passing on Costs and Consumerism 02:51:25 - Cryptocurrency and Credit Card Rewards 03:02:42 - Closing Remarks and Membership Highlights

00:00:00 - Welcome 00:04:32 - Managing Multiple Ecosystems 00:23:08 - Chase Portal Problems 00:46:43 - Wells Fargo Too Easy? 01:08:52 - Expat Wallet Strategies 01:21:26 - Fidelity Card and Transfer Partners 01:25:16 - Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Program 01:31:17 - The Easiest Travel Hack: Asking for Hotel Upgrades 01:48:25 - Travel Etiquette: How to Avoid Being a Jerk 02:09:09 - Wishlist Items for Credit Cards 02:24:27 - Travel Tips and Essentials 02:44:19 - Shoutouts and Closing Remarks

00:00 Introduction and Updates 03:06 First Listener Question: Bank Lounges 26:15 Second Listener Question: Personal vs Business Cards 32:08 Favorite Amex Platinum Credit 42:18 Choosing a Catchall Card 49:02 Investing in Travel Luggage 01:12:20 Credit Card Debt and Refreshes 01:24:50 Bank Terms and Customer Expectations 01:37:09 Shoutouts and Membership Information

00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:26 First Viewer Question: One-Time Points Scenario 10:07 Credit Card Marketing: Best and Worst Stories 26:15 Scenario: Only Two Credit Cards Allowed 40:43 Understanding Marketing in the Credit Card Community 42:10 American Express and Capital One Authorized User Fees 44:10 The True Cost of Free Travel 46:46 Rejecting the $75,000 Spend Requirement 50:30 Designing the Ultimate Credit Card 01:02:25 New American Express Marriott Business Cards 01:18:21 Critique of the Bevy and Brilliant Cards 01:19:33 Priority Pass and Global Entry Benefits 01:20:04 Annual Fees and Card Comparisons 01:21:27 Speculations on Future Card Changes 01:22:55 Marriott's Marketing Strategies 01:28:47 Ideal Marriott Bonvoy Redesign 01:34:11 Improving Marriott's Customer Service 01:51:18 Final Thoughts and Credit Card Advice 02:00:17 Membership Highlights and Conclusion --- Check out SYP's website and join the Discord: StackYourPoints.com  

00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:44 - Hard Inquiries and Credit Cards 00:07:21 - Bank of America Preferred Rewards 00:17:43 - Credit Card Fees and Benefits in 2025 00:36:23 - Refreshes = Nerfings? 00:50:42 - Building a Travel Strategy with Credit Cards 01:08:24 - The Impact of Citi and AA Partnership 01:30:03 - Unexpected Ways to Use Points and Miles 01:41:11 - Credit Card Market Trends 01:53:17 - Over-Seriousness in the Credit Card Community 02:09:14 - Final Thoughts and Member Acknowledgements --- Check out SYP's website and join the Discord: StackYourPoints.com