I have also seen speculation (total speculation but makes logical sense to me) that in rolling out the 5% cashback card, Chase intentionally did it as an AARP one, as it expected it to be used by older applicants with more predictable levels of spending and who are less likely to engage in various rewards maximization strategies. AARP, of course, is not limited to people of any particular age, so, once word of the card got out, people of various ages jumped on it and then did whatever they could to maximize the promo.

I don't necessarily blame Chase for pulling the plug on this and other programs, although it also seems disingenuous to roll out enticing and unlimited promotions and to then start blaming and punishing people who maximize them for Chase's miscalculation.