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
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