Loyalty is a Level, Not a Legacy
Zillennials treat credit card loyalty like a game, not a contract. 71% report switching credit cards in the last year, specifically to access better travel benefits, such as no blackout dates, point multipliers, or access to experiences.
They’re loyal to experiences, status hacks, and shareable wins. A points program is only as good as the story it lets them tell, especially if it shows they have access to something their peers don’t.
Quote from the Tribe:
“My friend got a spa credit when she booked with her credit card, so I signed up the same day.”
Commercial Takeaway:
Hotel brands should borrow from what credit cards are learning. Make it clear how perks translate to travel upgrades or group-friendly experiences, and appeal to “status hacking” culture. Add referral loops and social reward triggers that encourage them to become your brand's advocate.
Message us to discuss how your approach compares.
About the MODIV Tribes Series
Since 2022, MODIV’s always-on Mindset® study has engaged more than 48,000 frequent travelers across 25 countries. Our mission: decode the why behind traveler behavior—so travel and hospitality brands can act smarter, faster, and with greater commercial precision.
Our Tribes series distills what hospitality leaders need to know—direct from the source. Each quarter, we engage Business Travelers, Luxury Travelers, Zillennials, and Meeting Planners through our proprietary Mindset® study, then translate what we hear into strategic insights you can use.
This isn't one-and-done research. Each quarter, we go back to a tribe to test sharper questions based on what you tell us you need to know. Got a question you want answered? We invite you to add your voice in the comments or reach out directly.
About the Zillennial Travel Tribe
This study reflects insights based on a blended qualitative and quantitative session with 133 travelers from 15 countries who are 19-33 years old and take at least three trips per year for business.