The Upgraded Points Podcast

A lot just happened in the points and miles world. Citi added JAL Mileage Bank as a transfer partner with a 30% bonus through October 24, and it changes the math on how to use ThankYou Points for Japan and Oneworld bookings.

Hyatt officially ended its American Airlines partnership and announced a new one with Delta hours later. Chase Sapphire Reserve anniversary offers are live with up to $350 back on select purchases, some expiring as soon as October 16.

Alaska's Choose How You Earn feature is rolling out ahead of a January 1, 2027, start date. And Apple dropped the...

With just 3 months left in the year, now is the time to audit every credit card benefit, free night certificate, and elite status threshold before December 31 resets everything. In this episode, Chris and Katie go through the full end-of-year checklist for points travelers.

Annual credits expiring December 31 across Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Delta cards, Citi, Bilt, and Bank of America. Free night certificates tied to calendar year spend thresholds, hotel and airline elite status qualification deadlines, Southwest Companion Pass, and how to start planning now for a st...

Southwest is making some of the biggest moves the airline has seen in years. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down everything that's been announced, starting with Southwest's first-ever airport lounges debuting in late 2027 with at least 11 locations planned. The first four are Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville, and Chase is involved in the development, which means a new premium Southwest credit card is coming alongside them.

They also cover Southwest's growing list of international airline partners, now at 11 total after a new interline agreement with LOT Polish Airlines launched September 1, and what that actually means...

Cruises represent one of the most underutilized opportunities in the points and miles world. In this episode, Chris and Katie cover every way to earn more points on cruise bookings, the best credit cards for cruise spend, how to stack points through airline and hotel portals like Chase Travel and AmexTravel.com, and why cruise line credit cards almost never make sense.

Then the big question: can you actually book a cruise with points, and when does it make sense? They break down the value per point across Virgin Voyages, United Cruises, Marriott, and the brand-new Hilton...

We've been busy. Let’s get caught up together.

Chris and Katie cover a packed stretch of recent travel including Chris’ stay at the InterContinental Boston by IHG, Katie's American Airlines premium economy flights to Barcelona and Rome booked with Alaska Atmos Rewards points, a Kimpton Barcelona stay through Chase The Edit with a tourist tax surprise, a walking tour of Barcelona, a Vespa tour through Rome, and a Sun Princess cruise specifically planned around a solar eclipse that had other ideas.

Along the way, Chris tests CLEAR Concierge for the first time and breaks down...

Every points traveler has made mistakes. This episode is our honest debrief.

Before the main segment, Katie shares why Chris convinced her to get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, how she and her husband both got one on the same day, and why she's already finding it easy to justify the annual fee. Plus, a smart strategy for couples looking to align free night certificates.

Then Chris and Katie go through the points and travel decisions they genuinely regret. Not setting up two-factor authentication and getting an account hacked. Not realizing that points...

Everyone talks about which cards to get. This episode is about which cards we actually use and why.

Before the main segment, Chris and Katie share their latest travel updates, then conduct a full wallet audit, breaking down every card they carry across eight spending categories: travel and transit, dining and groceries, phone, utilities, internet, streaming, gas, and everything else.

Chris makes the case for keeping the Citi Prestige® Card in 2026, explains why the Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold Card don't make sense for someone living abroad, and walks through how hot...

The AA Executive Card just got a new name, a $100 annual fee increase, and a handful of new benefits. Chris and Katie both carry this card and break down exactly what changed, what's staying the same, what's being cut, and whether the math still works at $695 a year.

Citi and American Airlines Give the AAdvantage Executive Card New Perks and a Higher Annual Fee
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/aadvantage-executive-card-refresh-2026/

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Chase just opened their ninth Sapphire Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth, and we got an early look before it officially opened. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down everything inside the new DFW lounge, the first whiskey bar in the network, Texas-inspired food, a grab-and-go section, spa access, and a family room with local touches throughout.

Then they zoom out to cover the full Chase Sapphire Lounge network.

After this episode was recorded, changes to the Chase Sapphire Lounge policies were announced. Beginning August 15, 2026, Priority Pass members will no longer have once-per-year complimentary access to...

Amex just changed the rules for Centurion Lounge access, and we're breaking it down before diving into the main event. As of July 8, guests must be on the same flight as the cardholder, and layover visits are now capped at 5 hours before departure.

Then it's the Would You Rather: Travel Edition. Business class on a budget airline or economy on Singapore Airlines. Free room upgrade or free breakfast every stay. Perfect weather on every trip or never a flight delay again. 500k Chase points or 500k Hilton points. Chris and Katie go head-to-head across four rounds and...

Elite status sounds glamorous until you do the math. In this episode, Chris and Katie dig into whether airline and hotel elite status is actually worth chasing in 2026, pulling in honest and often conflicting takes from across the Upgraded Points team.

Lori makes the case for low-level Oneworld status abroad. Ryan thinks most airline status is overrated. Ben says it depends on your situation. Jamie says status isn't worth it until it really is.

Plus, a giveaway winner shares how a Hilton Be My Guest certificate landed her a room at the newly renovated Waldorf...

Most U.S. travelers are familiar with Virgin Atlantic but have no idea what Virgin Red actually is or how it connects to the broader Virgin ecosystem. This episode fixes that.

Katie sat down with Andrea Burchett, Chief Loyalty Officer at Virgin Group, for a deep dive into the program that ties Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Voyages, and Virgin Hotels all together under one points currency. Virgin Red's inaugural Points Index report found that 77% of members used points to book a vacation they otherwise wouldn't have taken, and redemptions jumped 18% year over year. So the program is clearly...

Hawaii is one of the most rewarding points destinations out there, but hotel prices vary wildly depending on which island you're on and where you stay. In this episode, Chris and Katie go island by island through Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and Oahu, breaking down the best steal and splurge hotel options at each one with real cash prices and current points costs.

From the Hampton Inn Maui North Shore at 65,000 Hilton points to the Grand Wailea Waldorf Astoria at 110,000, the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort at under $500 a night to the Grand Hyatt Kauai, the...

Booking your first international award flight feels overwhelming until you understand the process. In this episode, Chris and Katie break it down into 4 repeatable steps that work every time, regardless of which airline you're flying, which points program you're using, or which cabin you're booking.

Before the main segment, Chris shares how moving to Brazil 16 years ago got him into points and miles, and Katie talks about one of her first big international redemptions, a round-trip to Tanzania and Kenya on Ethiopian Airlines business class for 176,000 United miles and just $78 in taxes and fees.

Then...

The Chase Sapphire Preferred just launched a 100,000-point welcome offer, and we're showing you exactly what to do with it. Chris and Katie walk through 6 real trip examples built around 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, with real redemption rates, real flights, and real hotels, so you can go book it yourself.

Hawaii on Southwest with Hyatt nights in Waikiki. Walt Disney World at a Deluxe hotel. A Caribbean getaway at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Puerto Rico. An all-inclusive in Puerto Vallarta. Four nights in Panama City. City escapes to Chicago and Denver. Brazil in business class...

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card just got its biggest refresh in years, along with a 100,000-point welcome offer! That's a lot to unpack.

Before the main segment, Chris covers a major Choice Privileges devaluation that hit Japan hard, with some properties jumping by as much as 200% in points cost overnight. Katie shares a W Seattle stay booked through Chase The Edit, what worked, what didn't, and whether it's worth rebooking this year.

Then it's the main event. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a new limited-time offer, new earning categories including 3x on gas, EV...

Alaska Airlines just completed its first-ever flight to London, and Katie was on board in business class. In this episode, she breaks down the full experience, from two Seattle airport lounges to the brand new suites product on the 787-9 Dreamliner, full doors, Filson bedding and amenity kits, Salt and Straw ice cream sundaes at 35,000 feet, and an honest take on everything from the food to the sleep experience.

She also shares a first look at the stunning new Admiralty Arch Hotel in London, a review of the One Aldwych Hotel in Covent Garden bookable through Chase...

Summer 2026 is here, and award space is already thinning fast. If you haven't booked yet, you're not too late, but the window is closing. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down five tips you can act on right now to lock in your summer travel before the best options disappear.

Plus, Chris shares how his family made the most of a trip to Universal Epic Universe and whether it's worth it as a multi-generational vacation.

You might think you're using your Chase points correctly. You're probably not.

Before we get into it, Chris shares how his Alaska Airlines account got hacked, what happened, and the steps everyone should take right now to protect their points. Katie recaps a weekend in Montreal, including an inaugural Air Canada flight from Columbus, a stay at the W Montreal, and why the city deserves way more attention from points travelers.

Then it's the main event. Chris and Katie break down the 5 biggest mistakes people make with Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

If you...

Hilton recently made some significant changes to its loyalty program, so we went straight to the source. Brad Anderson, Vice President of Hilton Honors, joins Chris and Katie for a full breakdown of everything new, including the brand new Diamond Reserve elite tier, what the Confirmable Upgrade Reward actually means for loyalists, and how Hilton is lowering the barriers to existing status tiers without taking anything away from current members.

We also cover new hotel openings, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and AutoCamp partnerships, the future of Hilton Honors credit cards, and what earning and...

Wells Fargo just added two significant transfer partners in less than two weeks, and it's time to take this program seriously.

Wyndham Rewards now transfers at a 1:2 ratio, the best available anywhere, and Cathay Pacific just joined at 1:1, opening up Oneworld partner bookings, including American Airlines and British Airways.

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the full Wells Fargo transfer partner lineup, the two Autograph cards that have quietly been worth a second look, and exactly how Wells Fargo fits into a broader points strategy.

Plus, Hyatt's annual award category changes...

We're back at Walt Disney World, and we brought a giveaway! ✨

Chris and Katie cover the full details on the Ultimate Summer of Magic Sweepstakes. One lucky winner and three guests will receive a trip to Walt Disney World, including airfare, hotel, park tickets, a $300 Disney Gift Card, and more.

Plus, 10 first prize winners will each receive a $50 Disney Gift Card. Enter for your chance to win here: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/

Then we sit down with two Walt Disney World experts on-site. Eastan Kidd walks us through everything new and refreshed at...

Welcome bonuses are great, but they're not the whole game. Sometimes you've already got the cards, you've already earned the bonuses, and you still have a big purchase sitting in front of you. So what do you do?

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the spend thresholds and milestone rewards hiding inside cards you probably already have. We're talking free night certificates, elite status, companion passes, and lounge upgrades, all unlocked by hitting the right number on the right card.

Katie shares how she actually handled a big tax payment this year, what...

The major hotel programs keep making it harder to get good value from your points. So we're looking elsewhere. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down three programs that don't get nearly enough attention: Accor Live Limitless, I Prefer by Preferred Hotels, and Choice Privileges.

We cover the best transfer partners for each, which flexible currencies stretch the furthest, and the specific bucket-list stays worth planning around, including an ice hotel in Sweden bookable for 20,000 points a night.

If you've got a stash of Citi ThankYou Points or Capital One miles, this one's for...

It's been one year of The Upgraded Points Podcast, and we're celebrating with our biggest giveaway yet!

Before we get to the prizes, there's some big news to cover, including Etihad being dropped as a Membership Rewards transfer partner, and select Chase cardholders can now unlock Hyatt Explorist status for free.

Then we break down the full anniversary giveaway, including CardPointers+, Savewise Pro, the Flighty app, Roame Travel, and Hilton Honors Be My Guest certificates. We cover how to enter and how to get the most value out of every prize.

We close...

Most people think they’re using their American Express points correctly… but they’re actually losing a huge amount of value.

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the biggest mistakes people make with Amex Membership Rewards points, including using points for gift cards, statement credits, and “pay with points” at checkout.

They explain why these options deliver poor value, and more importantly, what you should do instead to get the most out of your points.

If you want to travel better, book flights with points, or maximize your rewards, this episode will help...

Some of our favorite travel experiences didn’t come from flights… they came from the hotels.

In this episode, Chris and Katie share their favorite hotels they’ve ever booked with points, from luxury stays to family-friendly favorites and underrated hidden gems.

They break down exactly:
- Why each hotel stood out
- How many points it cost
- What it would have cost in cash
- How you can book the same stays using points

If you’ve ever wondered whether luxury hotels are actually worth it with points...

Did you know you can book all-inclusive resorts with hotel points?

Many travelers assume these resorts must be paid for with cash, but major hotel loyalty programs now offer all-inclusive properties that can be booked with points.

In this episode, Chris and Katie explain how to use Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and more points to book all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond. They cover how award pricing works, which resorts are the best values, and how to maximize your points for an all-inclusive vacation.

Whether you’re planning a couples getaway, a...

Most points and miles content focuses on huge balances and luxury redemptions. But what should you do when you only have a few thousand points sitting in an account?

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down smart ways to use small amounts of points and miles so they don’t go to waste. Whether you have leftover airline miles after booking a trip or random points scattered across multiple accounts, there are plenty of ways to still get real value.

You’ll learn how to use small balances to top off award flights, book shor...

Airline credit cards might be more important than ever — especially after United’s recent MileagePlus changes that shift outsized benefits toward co-branded cardholders.

In this episode, we break down the updates to United’s program that reward airline cardholders with perks many non-cardholders won’t get. We also dive into the broader question this raises: once flexible transferable points were king, but with moves like this, are co-branded airline cards reclaiming the top spot for frequent flyers?

If you collect points or miles, this breakdown will show you how these changes could affect your strategy and wher...

Credit card rewards are shifting in 2026, and if you collect points and miles, these changes matter.

In this episode, we break down the biggest credit card trends affecting travel rewards this year, including rising annual fees, tightening airport lounge access, shifting transfer ratios, and potential legislation that could impact how rewards programs operate.

We explain what these changes mean for everyday travelers, how to evaluate whether your premium credit cards are still worth it, and why mid-tier cards may become more valuable than ever.

If you want to maximize points and miles in 2026...

You don’t need two weeks off work to take a meaningful vacation.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the best U.S. weekend trips you can book with points and miles. From beach cities to mountain escapes and walkable foodie destinations, these are short getaways that deliver serious value without draining your PTO.

We’ll share specific hotel programs to look at, how many points you might need, and simple strategies to maximize a 2–3 day trip. If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to travel, this might be your sign to book that long...

Japan is one of the most popular destinations in the world, but traveling there with a family can feel overwhelming and expensive. In this episode, Chris breaks down his recent family trip to Japan and exactly how it was booked using points and miles.

We walk through the business class flights, 5-star hotel stays, and the real itinerary across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. You’ll hear what worked well, what surprised us, and how planning ahead made a luxury-style trip possible without luxury prices.

If you’ve ever wondered how families actually use points in real...

Bilt 2.0 launched with three new credit cards and a brand-new currency called Bilt Cash, and the reaction was immediate and brutal. Even seasoned points and miles experts were confused by how the new system worked.

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the Bilt 2.0 rollout, explain how the new cards and Bilt Cash program actually function, and take a step back to look at the big picture. They cover what changed, what went wrong, what still works, and whether there are any bright spots worth paying attention to as the program evolves.

If you’ve...

How many travel credit cards is too many? It’s one of the most common questions travelers ask, and the answer isn’t as simple as a number.

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down how many travel credit cards actually make sense based on your travel goals, spending habits, and ability to stay organized. They talk through common fears around credit scores and annual fees, share signs you might have too many cards, and explain when opening another card can actually help your travel strategy.

Whether you’re just getting started or already deep i...

You don’t need an $800+ annual fee to get real travel value.

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the best travel credit cards with annual fees under $100, and explain why some of these low-fee cards quietly outperform more expensive options. They cover which cards make the most sense for beginners, families, and points and miles hobbyists, plus how to use them alongside premium cards for maximum value.

You’ll learn which under-$100 cards are worth keeping long term, which perks actually matter, and how to build a smart travel strategy without adding another big...

Transfer partners are the reason some travelers get $500 in value from their points while others get $5,000. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down what a transfer partner actually is, how it works, and why it’s the most important concept in points and miles.

They explain the difference between bank points and airline and hotel programs, walk through real booking examples, and share the most common mistakes beginners make when transferring points.

If points have ever felt confusing or underwhelming, this episode is the key to making them click.

Chapters:
00:00 The Up...

Airport security is changing fast, and the new touchless TSA PreCheck rollout is making the lines faster and smoother—if you know where to find it. On top of that, Mobile Passport Control has quietly become one of the best free tools for speeding through immigration on international trips.

In this episode, we break down what the new PreCheck tech actually does, where it’s live, and how it compares to CLEAR and traditional PreCheck lanes. We also walk through why Mobile Passport can sometimes beat Global Entry and how families can use it on arrival to skip...

Points and miles have their own vocabulary, and if you’re new to the hobby, the slang alone can make everything feel harder than it needs to be. We’re kicking off 2026 by breaking down every term, acronym, and bit of jargon you’ll hear this year.

We cover the basics like transferable points and award charts, then dig into the community slang you’ll see online—SUBs, DPs, P2s, sweet spots, HUCA, and more. We also explain the confusing terms that cause the most beginner mistakes and highlight the language you’ll hear more often in 2026 as p...

A lot is changing in the points and miles world in 2026, and most travelers have no idea what’s coming. Today, we break down the updates that actually matter for anyone using points, miles, or premium credit cards.

We’re covering new credit card perk changes, lounge access rules, and the loyalty program updates that could impact your strategy next year. You’ll learn what to use before it disappears, which benefits are still worth keeping, and how to avoid wasting money or missing out on value.

Whether you’re tryin...