Raccoon Daddy

This week on Stack Your Points, the crew answers listener questions about changing bank partnerships, whether inflation is the same as a points devaluation, premium card perks, and the future of lounges beyond airports. They also cover Citi's refreshed AAdvantage Executive card before diving into three larger discussions: earning interest on points balances, whether co-brand cards are becoming benefit cards instead of spending cards, and whether the points and miles hobby has become too focused on luxury travel over the destination itself.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro & Welcome

5:10 Listener Question: Which major airline or hotel loyalty program is most likely to switch bank partners in the next five years, and where could it end up?

13:04 Listener Question: If hotel cash rates increase 25% but award prices only increase 20%, was there actually a devaluation? A discussion on inflation versus points value.

18:54 Listener Question: Should banks build lounges beyond airports? Ideas include stadiums, entertainment districts, hotels, and expanding concepts like Capital One Cafés.

25:35 Listener Question: What earning categories would replace premium lifestyle credits? Designing the ideal no-frills, high-earning travel card.

39:03 Listener Question: If you switched entirely to cash back, which travel perks would you miss most? Would replacing those perks with cash cost less than annual fees?

44:13 News Round-Up: Citi refreshes the AAdvantage Executive Mastercard with a $695 annual fee, new benefits, updated Admirals Club access, and additional travel credits.

50:05 Topic (Matt): Should you be able to earn interest on your points balance? Exploring whether loyalty programs or banks could make idle points more valuable.

56:51 Topic (RJ): Are co-brand credit cards evolving into benefit cards instead of spending cards? As banks push travel portals while airlines and hotels encourage direct bookings, the crew discusses where co-brand cards fit into the future and whether revenue-sharing could bridge the gap.

1:10:35 Topic (Lani): Has the points and miles community become an elitist echo chamber? Inspired by Forbes' 2026 State of Travel report showing most travelers prioritize cheaper travel over luxury experiences.

1:26:16 Member shoutouts & Sign-off