Matt and His Crystal Ball

Matt and RJ are back for a two-host episode of Stack Your Points, with Lani out this week. This episode is all about predictions, Amex and Resy, the New Zealand Amex Platinum, Chase Freedom Flex product change weirdness, what to do if you cannot travel for a year or two, and whether boutique and independent hotel stays deserve more attention in the points world.   0:02 Introduction Matt and RJ kick things off with Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar, Dr. Pepper Cream Soda, Pepsi Prebiotic Cherry Vanilla, and brief condolences to the USMNT after their World Cup exit.   2:51 Should Amex Add Resy Multipliers? Coder asks whether Amex should do more with Resy beyond statement credits. Should Amex add elevated earning rates at Resy restaurants, or let cardholders redeem Membership Rewards at better value through Resy?   17:11 New Zealand Amex Platinum: 2X Everywhere vs. 5X Flights Coder also asks whether Matt and RJ would take the New Zealand Amex Platinum setup over the current U.S. Platinum, especially with a flat 2X multiplier, lounge access, and a Resy-style credit.   24:51 First Half 2026 Surprises and Second Half Predictions Keith asks what shocked us in the first half of 2026, what the best card or program change was, and what we expect for the rest of the year. Topics include the Attune card discontinuation, Citi Custom Cash changes, Sapphire Preferred refresh, Amex Green rumors, Freedom card predictions, Hyatt possibilities, Bilt, and Wells Fargo.   35:33 What If You Could Not Travel for 1 to 2 Years? DDAF asks how our points strategy would change if travel suddenly came off the table. We talk about transferable points, cash back, local hotel credits, shopping portals, and why you may not want to completely rebuild your setup.   39:44 Why Is the Chase Freedom Flex a Mastercard? DiamondRyce asks how the Freedom Flex ended up as a Mastercard while the rest of the Ultimate Rewards earning cards are Visa, why product changes into the card have become an issue, and whether long-term product change restrictions could become more common.   44:34 RJ’s Topic: Fix the Credit Card Industry, Pick 2 of 5 RJ gives Matt five common credit card community gripes and asks him to pick two to fix: 1. 1. 1. Statement credits become use-anywhere category credits 2. Annual fee increases require clear practical benefit increases 3. Bonus category tracking becomes automatic and transparent 4. Retention offers become standardized and visible 5. Welcome bonus eligibility is shown before applying Matt picks use-anywhere credits and welcome bonus transparency. RJ picks use-anywhere credits and visible retention offers.   50:10 Matt’s Topic: Are Boutique and Independent Hotel Stays Worth It? Matt asks whether the points community should spend more time looking at boutique and independent hotels, including programs like Journey Rewards and Stash Rewards. We talk about why these hotels get less coverage, whether cashing out points makes sense, and where cash back fits into the conversation.   1:00:44 Closing Submit your questions at stackyourpoints.com, in Discord under #Ask-SYP, or through the Contact Us form.