The Upgraded Points Podcast

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 importan...

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 sam...

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....

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 account...

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 k...

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 fo...

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...

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,...

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. The...

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 h...

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 m...

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...

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...

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...

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 disappear...

European Christmas markets look magical in photos, and this week Katie proves they’re even better in real life. She just got back from Germany and Switzerland, and she’s breaking down the markets that were worth the trip, the ones that surprised her, and the exact route she followed. We walk through how she booked the whole thing with points, which redemptions delivered serious value, and how you...

Airport lounges have become one of the biggest reasons travelers choose premium credit cards, and in this episode, Chris and Katie compare the three major players: Chase Sapphire Lounges, Capital One Lounges, and Amex Centurion Lounges. They break down access rules, locations, food and amenities, crowding, and which lounges offer the best real-world experience. Whether you want the best option for...

Join Katie as she shares her unforgettable trip to Thailand and Bangkok! From visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary to exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, she walks us through her favorite experiences, hotel stays, local tips, and travel hacks.  Whether you’re planning a points-based luxury trip or just looking for adventure inspiration, this episode has it all—from feeding rescued elephan...

Don’t let your credit card perks disappear before the clock strikes midnight on December 31! In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down the end-of-year credits, perks, and benefits you need to use before they expire — covering everything from Amex, Chase, and Capital One to Delta, Hilton, and more. Plus, they cover major updates from Hilton Honors, including the bra...

In this episode of the Upgraded Points Podcast , Chris and Katie break down their all-time favorite travel gear—just in time for Black Friday. After years of testing backpacks, carry-ons, tech essentials, and outfit must-haves on real trips, they’re sharing only the items they truly can’t travel without. No random Amazon finds here—these picks are battle-tested. They also highlight some exclusive...

Are Citi ThankYou Points the most underrated currency in travel rewards? In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down why this overlooked points program might be the best-kept secret in the game. From transfer partners like American Airlines and Turkish to surprising hotel redemptions through Choice Privileges, they reveal how Citi quietly stacks up against Amex, Chas...

In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast , Chris and Katie dive into Citi’s newest addition to the American Airlines credit card lineup — the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe Card . With a $350 annual fee, Admirals Club passes, and a tempting 90,000-mile welcome bonus, this mid-tier card is already making waves. But is it truly worth a spot in your wallet, or just filling the gap between Citi’s ent...

In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie dive into the ultimate showdown of premium travel credit cards — Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One. With four major cards and four hefty annual fees on the table, the hosts break down which one truly delivers the most value. From point-earning potential to exclusive perks, they compare every detail to help you decide which premium ca...

Traveling doesn’t have to drain your wallet… if you know the right hacks! In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down the money-saving travel strategies that actually work. From booking hotels with breakfast included to getting a free eSIM and never paying for water at the airport again, these are the tips seasoned travelers swear by. They’ll also cover underrated to...

On this week’s episode, Chris and Katie dive into one of the best-kept secrets in luxury travel: Leaders Club from Leading Hotels of the World. With the Platinum Card® from American Express now offering complimentary Leaders Club Sterling elite status, cardholders can unlock perks at more than 400 independent luxury hotels in 80 countries — from historic palaces to private island retreats. They br...