This is the Asterisk Episode

Matt and Lani break down the latest in points, miles, and credit cards — including whether American and Alaska will ever put award availability behind a paywall, if Pays could become a bonus category on your favorite cards, and which transfer partner additions would actually move the needle.

They also tackle listener questions on whether points and miles are still worth it, which cards they'd never cancel (and which ones are on the chopping block), and react to Samsung's new Galaxy Card.

Plus: Lani brings the airport etiquette hot takes, and Matt asks — when does a card benefit stop being worth the hassle?

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro

1:05 – Q1: How long till American and Alaska join Delta, United, Hyatt and IHG in making more awards available or at a cheaper price to their loyalists and/or credit card holders? -SJDP1234

10:10 – Q2: Could you see Paze becoming a category for some cards?
Example: Chase Freedom Unlimited giving 2x on Paze transactions and 1.5x on everything else.
The CSR getting 1.5x or the VentureX getting 2.5x when you pay with Paze???  Citi Nights for 7x when you pay with Paze. -Keith

18:04 – Q3: In light of Citi (probably) getting JAL, outside of the big 3 airlines, are there any transfer partners that if they were added to a program, would drastically change your opinion of the program. - Coder

24:43 – Q4: How would you respond if someone asked you this?  "Are points and miles still worth it?" - DDAF

28:49 – Q5: What card is a never-cancel for you, and what card is one that you can’t wait to cancel? - Calderds

If I may piggyback, is there a unicorn card that is no longer available that you had a chance to get but didn't? The Unobtainium, if you will. - Richie

37:23 – News: Samsung Galaxy Card

43:23 – Topic: Airport Etiquette & Pet Peeves: What are the absolute worst habits that people do at the airport and within lounges.
Rule 1: Kids are off limits
Me: 3+ plates of food at at the lounge, taking phone calls on speaker, stopping in the middle of hallway or walking aisle, or ghost walking your suitcase, people that do not take all their stuff/electronics out of their pockets in line

54:32 – Topic: What is the line where a benefit is no longer worthwhile for you?

1:06:54 – Outro