We sit with credit card expert Jason Steele about what's happening behind the scenes in the industry. Jason shares how he went from tech work to becoming a respected credit card authority who writes for major publications and runs CardCon, the credit card industry conference.
We discuss:
- The "Coupon Book Problem" - Premium cards are becoming more complex with endless small benefits ($6 at Dunkin', $10 off wireless) that frustrate consumers. Jason explains why this creates space for simpler card offerings that deliver clear value.
- What Drives Card Choices - Discover why exclusivity and status perks (like early access to products or "skip-the-line" privileges) might be more powerful than cash back for attracting high-value customers.
- Will shopping for cards change in an AI future? - The conversation explores whether consumers are moving away from traditional comparison sites toward trusted influencers and whether AI could personalize recommendations based on spending patterns.
Also:
- Why metal cards might affect spending behavior
- How credit unions approach card benefits differently
- The power of word-of-mouth in card marketing
- What makes people share positive card experiences
And remember:
Jason conference — CardCon — happens May 6-8 in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Use code "TOASTER" for $50 off registration at cardconexpo.com.
Where to find Jason:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-steele/
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A word from our sponsor, Spinwheel:
Reduce friction in your lending application with just two fields—phone number and birthdate. Spinwheel’s APIs boost application rates by 20-30% while also providing real-time credit data and seamless payment processing. Want to see it in action? Connect with their Head of Growth for a demo!
https://spinwheel.io/partner/?utm_source=freetoaster&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=mar
A word from our sponsor, New Market Growth:
New Market Growth helps fintech consumer lenders generate explosive growth on affiliate marketing channels like Credit Karma, Experian Marketplace, LendingTree, and others. Affiliate marketing involves marketing & credit risk expertise, and NMG's founders bring this with 21+ years of lending experience and 8+ years experience as executive affiliate operators. If you'd like help planning or implementing your affiliate marketing strategy, email us at carlos@newmarketgrowth.com
Subscribe to the Free Toaster Newsletter: www.thefreetoaster.com/
Want to chat with Carlos Caro, our host? Find him at carlos@newmarketgrowth.com
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction and Guest Background (03:11) The Couponing Trend in Credit Cards (08:30) Opportunities for Credit Card Disruptors (13:17) The Value of Exclusive Rewards (18:08) Card Con Conference Overview (21:59) The Future of Influencer Marketing in Credit Cards (27:17) Doubts About AI Solutions (38:13) Content Strategies for Credit Card Issuers (42:31) Word of Mouth and Referral Bonuses (51:16) Concluding Thoughts and FarewellPopular Podcasts
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