The Upgraded Points Podcast

Upgraded Points
  • 4.7 (26)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Want to travel more and spend less? Every week, Upgraded Points provides expert insights, travel hacks, and the latest industry news to help you maximize your points and miles like a pro. Hosted by Chris Hassan and Katie Corrigan Seemann, travel experts at Upgraded Points, this podcast breaks down the best strategies for booking luxury flights, scoring hotel upgrades, and making every trip unforgettable — all without breaking the bank. Expect insider tips, real-world trip breakdowns, and answers to your biggest travel questions. Whether you're a points and miles beginner or a seasoned expert, we’ll help you travel smarter, save money, and unlock next-level adventures. Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com Subscribe now and Travel Different.

  1. 1D AGO

    Japan on Points: How To Book Business Class Flights and Luxury Hotels

    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 life, not just in theory, this episode shows what’s possible with the right strategy. Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 4501:01 New Hyatt Bonus Journeys Promo04:04 Japan Airlines Business Class 05:56 Waldorf Astoria Osaka10:04 St. Regis Osaka15:52 Getting from Osaka to Kyoto17:06 Hyatt Place Kyoto19:41 Kyoto activities22:32 Shinkansen Bullet Train to Tokyo23:32 Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea26:31 Conrad Tokyo28:00 Tokyo and Tips for Kids in Japan31:19 Park Hyatt Tokyo38:33 Delta Economy and American Airlines Premium Economy43:11 Listener Q&A Hyatt Place Kyoto in Japan [In-depth Hotel Review]https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-place-kyoto-review/Review of Hilton Tokyo Bay in Japan [Great Use of Hilton Aspire Resort Credit]https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hilton-tokyo-bay-review/Behind the Hype: A Real Guest’s In-Depth Review of Conrad Tokyohttps://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-tokyo-review/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com

    46 min

  2. FEB 9

    Bilt 2.0 Credit Cards and Bilt Cash: What You Need to Know

    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 been wondering whether Bilt 2.0 is something to avoid entirely or if there’s real value hiding beneath the confusion, this episode gives you a clear, honest assessment without the hype. Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 4401:44 New Priority Pass+ app02:48 American Airlines Barclays Cards Transitioning to Citi05:05 Bilt 2.007:11 Bilt Blue card08:26 Bilt Obsidian Card10:22 Bilt Palladium Card12:15 Bilt 2.115:39 Bilt Cash20:03 Is Bilt Still Worth It? Bilt Overhauls Credit Card Lineup: Unlimited Earnings but With Some Caveatshttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/bilt-new-credit-card-details/Bilt Responds to Backlash, Adds Second Option for Earning Rewards on Housing Payments With No Feeshttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/bilt-responds-second-earning-option/Here Are the First Details of Redemption Options for Bilt Cashhttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/bilt-cash-redemption-options/I Just Got the Palladium Card: Here’s Why it Makes Sense for a Yearhttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/choosing-bilt-palladium-card/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com

    27 min

  3. FEB 2

    How Many Travel Credit Cards Is Too Many?

    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 into points and miles, this episode will help you decide when to open your next card, when to pause, and when fewer cards might lead to better travel. Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 4300:57 Capital One Lounge Guest Access04:02 The #1 rule in Points and Miles8:25 Wallet Audit15:07 Retention Offers18:05 Duplicate Cards Capital One Lounge policy changes: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/capital-one-venture-x-lounge-access-changes/How to get credit card retention offers: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/credit-card-retention-offers/How do you cancel or downgrade your credit card? https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/downgrading-canceling-credit-cards/Does opening a new credit card hurt your credit score? https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/does-new-credit-card-hurt-credit-score/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com

    21 min

  4. JAN 26

    Best Travel Credit Cards Under $100 (That Actually Deliver Value)

    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 annual fee. If you’re trying to travel better while spending less, this episode is a must-listen. 10 Best Credit Cards With Annual Fees Under $100 [2026]: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-with-annual-fees-under-100/ ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

    18 min

  5. JAN 19

    What Is a Transfer Partner? The Secret to Using Points Like a Pro

    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 Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 4101:51 What Are Transferable Points?07:41 The Major Transferable Points Currencies14:01 Common Mistakes 20:41 Listener Questions Looking to Maximize Your Travel Points? Try Our Transfer Partner Tool! https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/transfer-partner-tool-calculator/ ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com https://youtu.be/lQSDx801Dts 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

    24 min

  6. JAN 12

    Skip the Lines in 2026: TSA Touchless ID and Mobile Passport Explained

    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 some seriously long lines. If you want a smoother airport experience this year, this episode shows you the tools that really work. Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 4001:00 What is Mobile Passport Control?02:24 How to use Mobile Passport Control04:38 What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID05:16 How to use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID8:45 Airport Fast Pass Quiz12:50 Listener Question The Best Guide to Mobile Passport Control: Breeze Through the Airport: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/mobile-passport-app/ TSA PreCheck Touchless ID Will Expand to 50 New Airports This Spring: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/tsa-precheck-touchless-id-expansion-2026/ ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

    15 min

  7. JAN 5

    Points and Miles Slang Explained: What Every Traveler Should Know in 2026

    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 programs evolve. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand the lingo, follow every conversation, and feel way more confident planning your next trip with points. Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 3901:28 P2, Stacking, Churning, and 5/2405:34 SUB, DP, Positioning Flight, and Pop-up Jail09:18 Earn and Burn, Bonvoyed, and Gate Lice12:15 Raw Dogging, YMMV, and CPP16:03 Points and Miles Lingo Quiz18:35 Listener Question The Ultimate Guide to Credit Card, Points & Miles Lingo [Full Glossary]: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/credit-card-points-miles-lingo/ ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

    21 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Major Credit Card and Travel Changes Coming in 2026

    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 trying to plan ahead or just don’t want any surprises, this episode will help you stay a step ahead of the 2026 travel shakeup. Listen now and get ready before the new rules kick in. Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 3800:52 Chase Sapphire Reserve Changes for 202603:31 Capital One Venture X Changes for 202604:37 Southwest Airlines Changes for 202606:17 JetBlue Mosaic Changes for 202609:27 Hyatt Credit Card Changes for 202611:12 American Airlines Adding Free Wi-Fi in 202613:16 Wish List and Predictions for 202620:49 Listener Question ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

    23 min
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About

Want to travel more and spend less? Every week, Upgraded Points provides expert insights, travel hacks, and the latest industry news to help you maximize your points and miles like a pro. Hosted by Chris Hassan and Katie Corrigan Seemann, travel experts at Upgraded Points, this podcast breaks down the best strategies for booking luxury flights, scoring hotel upgrades, and making every trip unforgettable — all without breaking the bank. Expect insider tips, real-world trip breakdowns, and answers to your biggest travel questions. Whether you're a points and miles beginner or a seasoned expert, we’ll help you travel smarter, save money, and unlock next-level adventures. Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com Subscribe now and Travel Different.

Information

  • Creator
    Upgraded Points
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Upgraded Points
  • Show Website
    The Upgraded Points Podcast

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