We are in a moment where the Top 10% continue to remain strong, and the Bottom 10% have seen the most significant increase in their wages. I like to think of this as a moment where the edges are defining the next leg of the credit cardjourney. I touched on this idea in “Strength at the Edges,” and today we build on it.

The Amex Platinum Refresh is setting the tone. That said, the center, prime and mainstream cashback are helping set the pace. And finally, the other edge, subprime, reveals where the next wave of product design may emerge.

My goal is to identify the signals that matter so you can connect them to your reality.

Fulcrum Question: If status is the spark and cashback is the engine, what keeps customers with you?