Stack Your Points

00:00:00 - Hello and Welcome00:03:12 - Tourism Challenge00:11:44 - Hotel Credit Card Strategies00:25:48 - In-Flight Experiences00:35:36 - Anticipated Card Refreshes00:47:49 - Deciding Which Hacks to Share01:12:08 - What Direction Are Banks Moving?01:32:40 - Mid-Tier Cards vs. High-End Cards01:55:18 - Bilt’s Leadership and Trust Issues02:26:59 - Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

00:00:00 - Start00:06:14 - Discussion on Points Devaluation00:24:38 - Future Plans for 202600:34:23 - Choosing the Next Credit Card00:45:39 - Emergency Points Transfer Strategy00:56:18 - The Value of the Sapphire Reserve Card01:28:09 - Using Credits and Points Effectively01:40:38 - Favorite Trips Funded by Points and Miles02:00:08 - Navigating Corporate Ethics02:25:12 - Amex Gold Card: Keep or Cancel?02:37:34 - And We’re Out

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 Review00:28 Superlatives and Standout Issuers of 202501:25 US Bank's Troubles and Industry Reactions03:42 Citi and American Airlines Partnership06:07 Amex and Chase: Strategic Moves and Refreshes19:16 Credit Card Strategies and Best Cards of the Year24:41 Disappointments and Underperforming Cards31:27 Best Credits and Easy-to-Use Benefits44:46 Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards45:05 Wells Fargo's Transfer Partners46:14 Speculations on Wells Fargo's Future Moves46:58 Comparing Travel Credit Cards52:15 Bank of America's Unique Strategy56:58 Citi's Strata Elite and Travel Strategies01:05:44 Evaluating Airline Loyalty Programs01:11:09 Credit Card Refresh Predictions01:23:32 The Ultimate Modular Credit Card01:25:02 Capital One's Strategic Moves01:25:53 Hypothetical Bank Acquisitions01:27:18 The Future of Payment Networks01:35:57 Apple's Next CEO01:40:36 Speculations on the Apple Card01:45:37 Predictions for 2026 Credit Cards02:00:19 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 - Introduction00:01:37 - Mesa Credit Card Collapse00:26:25 - Disney Vacation Tips and Tricks00:38:01 - Best Flights and Hotel Stays of 202500:41:57 - Positive Changes in the Credit Card Space00:43:43 - Favorite Small Credits00:49:01 - Comparing Citi Strata Elite and Chase Freedom Unlimited01:01:46 - Travel Delays01:09:58 - Wishlist for Credit Card Issuers01:18:35 - Bonus Categories We’d Love to See01:24:31 - 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
 
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00:00:00 - Introduction and Greetings00:01:59 - Is Die hard a Christmas Movie?00:10:34 - Fine Dining: Overrated or Worth It?00:26:15 - PayPal and Points Strategies00:33:01 - Ideal YouTube Video Runtime00:51:25 - Chase Ultimate Rewards: Changes and Strategies01:15:12 - News01:19:03 - The Apple Card: Challenges and Changes01:52:44 - Planning and Timing for Holiday Shopping02:07:49 - Luxury vs. Marketing: Personal Preferences02:31:05 - 2026 Credit Card Strategies and Predictions02:44:38 - 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 Introductions00:46 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 Features39:54 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 - Introduction00:04:30 - Ranking Premium Card Credits00:30:05 - Middle Ground in Credit Card Usage00:44:39 - The Role of Referral Links in the Creator Ecosystem01:12:14 - Personal Travel Horror Stories01:24:57 - Tight Layovers and Airport Adventures01:34:37 - News Roundup: Quick Updates01:42:33 - Hotel vs. Airline Free Agency02:00:05 - Scam Protection on Credit Cards02:13:47 - Simplifying Your Credit Card Strategy02:23:08 - Final Thoughts and Membership Salute