DiscoverThe Free ToasterE022 - Jason Steele, Credit Card and Award Travel Expert
E022 - Jason Steele, Credit Card and Award Travel Expert

E022 - Jason Steele, Credit Card and Award Travel Expert

Update: 2025-04-09
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We sit with credit card expert Jason Steele about what's happening behind the scenes in the industry. Jason shares how he went from tech work to becoming a respected credit card authority who writes for major publications and runs CardCon, the credit card industry conference.


 


We discuss:



  1. The "Coupon Book Problem" - Premium cards are becoming more complex with endless small benefits ($6 at Dunkin', $10 off wireless) that frustrate consumers. Jason explains why this creates space for simpler card offerings that deliver clear value.

  2. What Drives Card Choices - Discover why exclusivity and status perks (like early access to products or "skip-the-line" privileges) might be more powerful than cash back for attracting high-value customers.

  3. Will shopping for cards change in an AI future? - The conversation explores whether consumers are moving away from traditional comparison sites toward trusted influencers and whether AI could personalize recommendations based on spending patterns.


 


Also:



  • Why metal cards might affect spending behavior

  • How credit unions approach card benefits differently

  • The power of word-of-mouth in card marketing

  • What makes people share positive card experiences


 


And remember:


Jason conference — CardCon — happens May 6-8 in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Use code "TOASTER" for $50 off registration at cardconexpo.com.


 


Where to find Jason:


LinkedIn


https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-steele/


 


*****


A word from our sponsor, Spinwheel:


 

Reduce friction in your lending application with just two fields—phone number and birthdate. Spinwheel’s APIs boost application rates by 20-30% while also providing real-time credit data and seamless payment processing. Want to see it in action? Connect with their Head of Growth for a demo!



https://spinwheel.io/partner/?utm_source=freetoaster&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=apr




A word from our sponsor, New Market Growth:


 

New Market Growth helps fintech consumer lenders generate explosive growth on affiliate marketing channels like Credit Karma, Experian Marketplace, LendingTree, and others.



Affiliate marketing involves marketing & credit risk expertise, and NMG's founders bring this with 21+ years of lending experience and 8+ years experience as executive affiliate operators.



If you'd like help planning or implementing your affiliate marketing strategy, email us at carlos@newmarketgrowth.com



 


Subscribe to the Free Toaster Newsletter:



www.thefreetoaster.com/


 


Want to chat with Carlos Caro, our host? Find him at carlos@newmarketgrowth.com

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E022 - Jason Steele, Credit Card and Award Travel Expert

E022 - Jason Steele, Credit Card and Award Travel Expert

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