My 5 Credit Card Predictions for 2025

[@thejokerspeaks]

1. The Platinum will offer pop-up lounges at Wal-Mart over the holidays, plus select Subways in New York and LA. 2. BILT will get into payday loan and bailbondsman processing, plus country club and golf dues. 3. US Bank will enter the travel game by peitioning the new administration to privatize Amtrak. They will offer it has a transfer partner and start an alliance with rails around the world.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Haha! I love these. I can totally see these happening, although as crazy as they sound! On point - nice predictions Joker!

[@threepointonefour607]

Why not? You get Walmart+ for free on their “high end” platinum card

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Can't wait to see which of these come to fruition! You and I have a lot of predictions in common, so we're in this together 😆

[@TheCreditFrog]

Same here Spencer! It's going to be an interesting 2025. Appreciate you bro!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

@@TheCreditFrog I appreciate YOU! Happy New Year brotha 🎉

[@L_____E_______IT]

@@SpencerJohnsonOfficialhi bae ❤

[@wanderingdoc5075]

I believe the new change across the board is that $200 - 300 AF will be considered low tier, and $350 - 700 AF will be considered mid tier (previously mid and high).

[@TheCreditFrog]

I agree. Ugh, $200 low-tier is disgusting.

[@soapa4279]

Amex needs to just be more stringent on Platinum approvals, and stop handing them out like candy

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, I think that's also part of the problem.

[@soapa4279]

@@TheCreditFrog Yup, plus all the ones you mentioned they've tried already, overcrowding still an issue. But if they made the Platinum more exclusive (as it should have been) maybe we get less 20 year olds with $20K salaries going to lounges just to pretend to be rich for their social media.

[@josephsantangelo2801]

Totally agree. It should be harder to get.

[@Olafdaschneemann]

Nah, they’re making EASY $$$$ off what, 60-80% of cardholders?

[@soapa4279]

@@Olafdaschneemann Yeah of course lol, it benefits them.

[@iankm1]

Thanks Stan. Hope you have a good day.

[@TheCreditFrog]

You're welcome Ian! You as well, and have a happy new year!

[@shawn.credit]

I’m canceling my Amex Platinum this March, flying is expensive even if convenient and I don’t plan to travel during 2025. I have my C1 Venture card giving me discounts through Hertz for car rentals which is WAY cheaper than air travel so I will utilize this. Other than lounge access which I won’t be using the Amex Platinum is a bust, I will be keeping my Amex Gold and Amex Business Gold for the long term though! I have a few new Amex additions I want to focus on mainly the Hilton Surpass and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy along with the Blue Cash Everyday. If I see the Amex Platinum makes sense in the future and the AF isn’t ridiculous I will reapply. I did readd the Amex Business Plum to my wallet since I will be letting go of the Amex Platinum. I look forward to seeing what Citi and C1 have up their sleeves this year for premium cards.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, I think that's where we're going where some people will keep the Platinum and some people will keep the Gold. A lower percentage will keep both because of the high annual fees. Nice that you have the C1V for some mid-range travel benefits. I've always wanted to apply for the Plum card, but I don't really have a use for it right now since my YT business doesn't do a lot of inventory purchasing or similar purchasing. Would be a fun card to experiment with! All eyes are on Citi and C1 to see what they do!

[@jimmyjames6492]

No more AF increases 😭😭😭 Thanks for the info + video!

[@TheCreditFrog]

😭😭😭 I know. Sad panda. It's not going to happen until it happens, but it's definitely going to happen at some point.

[@keyKEYAdventures]

It’s just apart of the game! Unfortunately

[@joephillips5594]

Skyclub lounges dont seem to face the same overcrowding, so Amex could find a way to keep delta reserve cardholders at only the skyclub, and/or allow Amex platinum cardholders access to skyclub lounges on any flight. Simply increasing the AF on the Platinum card won't help much with overcrowding issues in the centurion lounges.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Oh, that's interesting. Hopefully the SkyClubs stay not so full right now. I agree though Joe, increased the annual fee isn't going to help with overcrowding issues!

[@ryanarnold4790]

Great vid as always. 40% is pretty good at guessing with no insider’s knowledge

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! Yeah, I guess that's one way to look at it 🤣

[@exclusivelymatt]

Going by history, we will likely see the announcement of revamped benefits and AF of the Platinum around July, but not see the AF increase until January 2026. With that said, based on the lower than expected increase on the Gold, I suspect we will see the same for the Platinum. My guess would be an increase to 800 to 825, and perhaps a cap on the flight Multiplier. I wouldn't be surprised to see a RESY benefit added as well.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, a Resy benefit may be something that's highly probable. They do want to make the Platinum more of a lifestyle card so this is right up their alley. While I think it may be more realistic to have an $800ish annual fee, I think they'll go big with a larger annual fee, maybe more statement credits - hopefully better, but I'm not holding my breath!!

[@bakayaroh1]

As a Canadian in the US card game I am eyeing the new premium Alaska Airlines card. Seeing how most of my daily spend will be outside the US I look forward to getting 3X back on “foreign spend”

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@bakayaroh1 That will be absolutely amazing for you!!

[@alanwu3678]

Great content! Do you have tools to help track and monitor points and miles utilization for all your credit cards accounts to stay on top of balances especially when booking trips? Thank you.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! I’m old school so I use an Excel spreadsheet that I update once a month. Not the prettiest, but it gets the job done!

[@KillianRed]

Good info.. but why the weird split second pause between cuts to a new point? Sound keeps going, but you freeze, like its stutters or something.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Just the way the video editing goes!

[@ctcristo]

A thousand bucks for platinum AF. Wow. They would be really testing the limits of their coupon book strategy. Even the most fervent Amex fan boys would have to pause and swallow hard.

[@TheCreditFrog]

It's not a thousand. It's $995. It's only three digits, not four, so it's cheap! 🤣

[@DCGEMINI202]

I hope they do it!! $1200

[@DugrozReports]

If US Bank never brings back the USBAR, that could be a benefit for those of us that got it before it was grandfathered. 3x mobile wallet, RTR, and PP passes (inc. restaurants) for a net fee of $75 per year will become more and more valuable over time with inflation. Hopefully, they keep it but kind of "forget about it," much like the Ritz Carlton card. :)

[@TheCreditFrog]

Absolutely! SO happy that we have the USBAR Dugroz! It's still a main card in my setup, but hopefully they bring the card back. It's too bad that others can't get it at this point. Of course, if they bring it back, it may come with some changes which would probably end up being a nerf instead of an upgrade so I have mixed feelings too.

[@docsays]

I predict the plat AF will rise to about $865. But less than $900. The last increase went from around $550 to $695

[@TheCreditFrog]

But inflation. Maybe they'll give us more statement credits to justify an even higher increase! I guess we will see!

[@412foto]

No Apple card predictions, huh? Still great content as usual

[@TheCreditFrog]

Haven’t really kept up with card tbh

[@romineckok.9724]

problem with Platinum Card is that people who shouldnt have it do have it. They never or barely use it and just use coupons to get back AF. All that so they can "enjoy" Centurion lounge 1-2x/year. Increasing AF but adding more coupons wont help to stop overcrowding because people again just use coupons to justify AF. Only way to help with overcrowding is to get rid of some coupons so people cant get back full AF and lets say Platinum card will cost them $300-400/year they will cancel it.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, they may have to go with a very high annual fee and actually make the Platinum card exclusive .. or create a new product between Platinum and Centurion, which is les likely. There's definitely a lot of people with the Platinum card now, and I'm sure Amex is super happy about that, but if it's no longer an exclusive product if everyone can get it!

[@gwvaio]

People enjoying the lounges twice a year aren’t the problem.

[@romineckok.9724]

@@gwvaio of course they are. They open platinum card (sub) and spend just enough to claw back $695 AF otherwise they dont use it. And more and more people will open it because they see "its working" and thats why lounges are overcrowded most of the people dont spend on that card and Amex making all these changes and adding coupons to forcing them to use it. Once Platinum Card costs you $300-400/year because there are no coupons to use to get back AF people will start to cancel it.

[@kevinliu8668]

Didn't CSR removed the restaurant portion on the PP?

[@TheCreditFrog]

They did. So yes, they "changed" the card, but that's not what I meant 🤣

[@newagain9964]

CSR was nerf bad. And they still have the audacity to charge that crazy AF. They could have ez put a travel portal credit on card as they figure stuff out.

[@SuperMrgentleman]

I wonder if the Smartly card will get killed or nerfed. 4% back just isn't sustainable and at some point US Bank is going to do the math and decide people parking index funds there isn't cutting the mustard.

[@gabrielavila2884]

100% going to be nerfed. The swipe fees, interest earned on credit card balances, and fees earned from mutual funds/other products will not be enough to cover the 4% awards. They will probably cap the amount or copy what Robinhood did. The Robinhood card does not give 3% on everything anymore. It is inconsistent.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, they will probably nerf it at some point. I mean, US Bank nerfed a lot of their cards already this year! I hope it lasts a long time though. US Bank Smartly is a very good card right now!!

[@Polo1928-v2e]

You have to have 100k with US Bank or invested with them.

[@newagain9964]

Of course it’s getting nerfed. 2026 for sure. Maybe even late 2025

[@app1mxh]

I missed out on US Altitude Reserve. Didn't apply in time. Should I get the BoA Elite or Sapphire Reserve? I have Platinum Honors. I already have the Cap X.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Depends on what you’re looking for. If you want Sapphire lounges and 1.5X UR redemption option go CSR. Otherwise BofA PR Elite is a nice catch-all option if you want a cash back option vs your C1VX!

[@app1mxh]

@TheCreditFrog Thank you! Can you please confirm that BoA Elite does Priority Pass restaurants? I contacted BoA, Priority Pass, and Visa Infinite. They all couldn't answer.

[@TheCreditFrog]

As far as I know, they still should! But I personally can’t confirm since I haven’t gone to one using this PP yet.

[@app1mxh]

@TheCreditFrog I was just approved for the Elite today. They only pulled my Experian. Will let you know more about lounge access when the card arrives. Apparently, the benefits department couldn't tell me any information without an account number. I found that weird.

[@chrisschneider4226]

I doubt the Plat goes above 900, but would love to be wrong.

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@chrisschneider4226 You may be right, but the only way is up!

[@chrisschneider4226]

@ it just seems to me they live tge annual fee revenue, and are promising investors double digit growth.

[@SYS-ky7zk]

My Prediction 1. C1 will continue Surprise/Shocking tactics with Credit card Approval Process! 😆😆😆😆 2. Once Amex Platinum revamps/raise AF, Chase will do something with CSR card and raise AF

[@TheCreditFrog]

Capital One - always up to shenanigans! Chase definitely needs to improve their CSR!!

[@OfficialEricGao]

Dreading the Platinum Card being increased to $995, that'd be insane 😮‍💨

[@TheCreditFrog]

It's coming! You'll see..

[@shawn.credit]

If you travel tons it might make sense but it’s mainly a 1x otherwise with some credits. My Amex Gold is a workhorse and will remain in my wallet.

[@DCGEMINI202]

I hope it does. Lounges are way to crowded

[@anthonychen6237]

Exactly the same card in Taiwan already cost 1200 USD for many years and with LESS benefits compared to the US version!

[@TheCreditFrog]

@ omg that’s gross!

[@WhiteoutSnowy]

If it’s gonna have 995 AF then sub better be impressive like 250k instead of 100-120k

[@TheCreditFrog]

I agree. Something’s gotta give!

[@RyanRichMD]

Getting out of Platinum this year. It’s a glorified coupon book with nothing but hoops to jump through. No thanks.

[@TheCreditFrog]

For sure! If it doesn't work for you, time to pull the plug and save $695!

[@DCGEMINI202]

Its just not a card for u

[@L_____E_______IT]

Hi Stan. Maybe you’ll finally enter the matrix in 2025?! Please acknowledge

[@TheCreditFrog]

Maybe! You never know when I'll take the red pill!

[@jaysonpadilla9588]

My predictions 1. Amex Platinum - AF Increase and new coupon book credits ( and may change existing credits to be harder to use) 2. Amex Green - a refresh of the card plus an annual fee of $250 3. Citi Strata Elite - but i don’t think they will add AA as a transfer partner or even access to AA Admiral Lounge. 4. Hyatt may introduce dynamic pricing to their hotels .

[@TheCreditFrog]

Interesting one on #2. I didn't think of that, but yeah, the Green also hasn't been refreshsed in some time so that's something to think about! I hope Citi adds AA as a transfer patner, but I don't predict it will happen in 2025. Hyatt dynamic pricing would be super sad for a lot of Hyatt fans!

[@colinyuhl9339]

Dynamic pricing for Hyatt would utterly destroy Chase. Would love to see it happen just to watch the world burn when people can’t get ez 2cpp anymore.

[@newagain9964]

I can see Citi pts transferring to AA..but only for limited time randomly or semi randomly every yr. Def no lounge access.

[@newagain9964]

@@colinyuhl9339well…chase does have United and SW. That’s something. 😂.

[@johnkohl2652]

Amex grows that AF - I am instantly out.... (but won't be surprised to see it happen)

[@TheCreditFrog]

It's happening! Only question is when.

[@peterchen205]

I'm just wondering whether Amex will choose an annual fee that ends in 95, 25, 50, 75, or 00

[@TheCreditFrog]

95. Maybe 75.

[@newagain9964]

Kabbalah bro.

[@gibranespinoza6603]

Not gonna lie, was already planning on downgrading my Platinum card to a $55 traditional green card early next year but if the Platinum card's AF goes up to $1K, I would actually be tempted to keep it for at least one more year. My biggest complaints about the Platinum card is that the card has lost a lot of its luster due to it now being braindead easy to get (all you really need is a 590+ credit score, a pulse, and $695) and the Centurion lounges always being overcrowded. By hiking it up to nearly $1K, its my hope that it really culls the herd and we see a massive drop off of cardholders and returns the card to a more exclusive status.

[@TheCreditFrog]

It's true. To get a Platinum, all you need is a pulse. A good credit score is questionable, but at least a nearly $1k annual fee will give people some pause when they apply for it. Amex is loving all of this though, I'm sure. So many signups and new members. The issue is that I'm not sure even a $1k annual fee will make people drop the card. It would have to be an almost Centurion-like AF for people to be like whoa! no way am I getting this card! We'll see what Amex does though. Hopefully they give us better credits that are yearly, but that will never happen, but I can just hope haha

[@DaIton-]

1st

[@TheCreditFrog]

Congrats Dalton! You are FIRST 🥇🏆