The ugly truth about credit card points

If you’re like most Americans, you probably have a credit card that offers rewards such as points, cash back, or miles. Credit card rewards programs are extremely popular: Nearly seven in 10 Americans use at least one rewards-earning card. Many people even have multiple cards. But what you might not know is how those rewards are paid for. No, it’s not the credit card companies—it’s the person in line behind you at the corner store who used cash to pay for their items. Vox’s Emily Stewart (@emilystewartm) explains.

References: 
Read Emily’s story here.

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This episode was made by: 
- Host: Adam Clark Estes (@adamclarkestes)

- Producer: Sofi LaLonde (@sofilalonde)

- Engineer: Paul Mounsey

Support Recode Daily by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’re like most Americans, you probably have a credit card that offers rewards such as points, cash back, or miles. Credit card rewards programs are extremely popular: Nearly seven in 10 Americans use at least one rewards-earning card. Many people even have multiple cards. But what you might not know is how those rewards are paid for. No, it’s not the credit card companies—it’s the person in line behind you at the corner store who used cash to pay for their items. Vox’s Emily Stewart (@emilystewartm) explains.

References: 

Read Emily’s story here.

Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

What do you want to learn about on Recode Daily? Send your requests and questions to [email protected]. We read every email! 

Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Recode Daily by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was made by: 

- Host: Adam Clark Estes (@adamclarkestes)

- Producer: Sofi LaLonde (@sofilalonde)

- Engineer: Paul Mounsey

Support Recode Daily by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices