The Upgraded Points Podcast

Upgraded Points
  • 4.6 (29)
  • 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. 17H AGO

    The Cards Worth Putting Big Spend On in 2026

    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 she'd do differently, and why she's eyeing the Hilton Surpass for next year. Chris makes the case for retention offers, strategic gift card buying, and chasing milestones over points. Sometimes the best move is the card already in your wallet.If you've got a big purchase coming and don't want to open another card, this one's for you. (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 55 (01:18) - First All-Inclusive Park Hyatt (02:56) - Big Spend Bonuses (04:04) - World of Hyatt Bonuses (05:00) - Hilton Honors Bonuses (06:12) - IHG One Rewards Bonuses (07:38) - Marriott Bonvoy Bonuses (09:43) - American Airlines AAdvantage Bonuses (11:43) - Alaska Airlines Atmos Bonuses (12:45) - Chase Sapphire Reserve and Reserve for Business Bonuses (13:31) - Capital One Venture X Bonus (14:08) - Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum Card Bonus (14:47) - Katie’s Tax Payment (19:02) - Retention Offers (23:06) - Listener Question About Hotels in Japan First Park Hyatt All-Inclusive Resort Will Open in 2027:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/park-hyatt-riviera-maya/Best Credit Cards for High Spend and Big Purchases:https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-for-high-spend-and-large-purchases/Best Hotel Credit Cards for Free Night Certificates:https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-hotel-credit-cards-for-free-night-certificate/How To Get Retention Offers:https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/credit-card-retention-offers/✈️ 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/

    28 min

  2. APR 20

    Stop Ignoring These 3 Hotel Programs (Accor, Preferred, & Choice)

    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 you! ⚠️ The transfer rate from Citi to Choice changed to 1:1.5 on April 19, 2026. Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 5401:02 Airline Bag Fees02:58 Roame Discount Code 04:31 Lesser-Known Hotel Programs 05:37 Accor ALL Live Limitless10:40 Choice Privileges13:05 Preferred Hotels16:09 Your New Travel Strategy18:20 Listener Question: Chasing Hyatt Globalist Status 3 Lesser-Known Hotel Programs I’m Eyeing After Hyatt’s Recent Changes: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/leaving-hyatt-lesser-known-hotel-programs/ Review of ICEHOTEL in Sweden: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/icehotel-review/ Review of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/things-to-know-fairmont-le-chateau-frontenac/ The 10 Best Preferred Hotels & Resorts To Book With Points for Max Value https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/best-preferred-hotels-resorts/ Delta Becomes Latest Airline To Raise Checked Bag Fees — Starting on April 8 https://upgradedpoints.com/news/delta-raising-checked-bag-fees-2026/ Save 25% on a Roame subscription with code UP25:http://upgradedpoints.com/go/RoameSubscribe✈️ 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/

    22 min

  3. APR 13

    One Year of The Upgraded Points Podcast (And We're Giving Away a Trip)

    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 with a listener question on the age-old debate: luxury hotels versus budget stays, and how to think about that tradeoff with points. If you've been listening since day one, thank you. If you're just finding us, this is a great place to start. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., age 18+. Void outside the 50 U.S./D.C. and where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts at 12:00:01 AM ET on 04/13/26; ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 04/20/26. Total ARV of all prizes: $2,025.40. Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Limit: one (1) entry per person. For full Official Rules, visit http://upgradedpoints.com/news/podcast-1-year-anniversary-giveaway.Sponsor: Upgraded Points, LLC, 1155 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704 Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 5302:11 Amex Dropping Etihad02:45 Chase Cardholders Get Hyatt Status04:55 Chase My Bonus Offers07:06 Podcast Anniversary Giveaway08:34 CardPointers+09:22 Savewise Pro11:40 Flighty App12:50 Roame Travel14:30 Hilton Honors Be My Guest Certificates18:03 Listener question: Luxury vs. budget hotels American Express Membership Rewards Ending Transfers to Etihad Guest in Junehttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-membership-rewards-etihad-transfer-ending/Best Ways to Use Hilton Free Night Certificates:https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/best-hotels-hilton-free-night-certificate/CardPointers review: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/cardpointers-review/Save 30% on CardPointers: https://upgradedpoints.com/go/CardPointersSavewise review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/savewise-review/Save 20% on Savewise using code UP20:http://upgradedpoints.com/go/SavewiseFlighty App: https://flighty.com/Roame review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/how-to-use-roame/Save 15% on Roame using code UPGRADEDPOINTShttp://upgradedpoints.com/go/RoameSubscribe ✈️ 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/

    22 min

  4. APR 6

    6 Biggest Mistakes People Make With Amex Points

    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 you avoid the most common and costly mistakes. Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 5201:01 Citi Devalues 2 Transfer Partners02:37 United Relax Row05:23 Amex Points Pulse Email 07:32 Don’t Transfer Points Without a Plan08:47 Ignore The Hype10:10 Amex Offers10:53 Tracking Benefits12:50 AmexTravel.com16:12 Cash-back, Statement Credits, and Gift Cards18:55 Listener Question 122:22 Listener Question 2 Links from the show:Citi Massively Reducing Points Transfer Rates to 2 Hotel Programs in Aprilhttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/citi-hotel-transfer-devaluation-2026/United Relax Row: A Brand-New Economy Experience Coming in 2027https://upgradedpoints.com/news/united-relax-row/✈️ 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/

    26 min

  5. MAR 30

    Our Favorite Hotels We Booked With Points (And How You Can Too)

    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, or how to get real value from your rewards, this episode will give you a clear roadmap. Whether you’re planning a big trip or just getting started with points and miles, these real-world redemptions will show you exactly how it's done. Hosts: ‪Chris Hassan & Katie Corrigan Seemann Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 5101:00 Chase Freedom Unlimited® Bonus02:12 Capital One Travel Mobile App04:27 Hotel du Louvre 07:00 Conrad Orlando at Evermore09:41 Andaz Amsterdam12:20 Waldorf Astoria Osaka15:27 Kimpton Seafire19:12 Hyatt Regency Maui22:31 Le Meridien Maldives26:55 Park Hyatt Tokyo28:56 Listener question: Chase WHOOP benefit Chase Freedom Unlimited Now Boasts Elevated $250 Welcome Offerhttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-freedom-unlimited-250-sign-up-bonus/Capital One Travel Launches Standalone Mobile App — and It’s Worth a Downloadhttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/capital-one-travel-app-launches/Hotel du Louvre Reviewhttps://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hotel-du-louvre-best-paris-hyatt/Inside Conrad Orlando: A Comprehensive Review of the Luxury Hotelhttps://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-orlando-reviewAndaz Amsterdam Reviewhttps://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/andaz-amsterdam-prinsengracht-review/Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa [In-depth Review]https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-maui-resort-spa-review/4 Things I Didn’t Like About the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spahttps://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-maui-resort-spa-review/Le Meridien Maldives Reviewhttps://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/le-meridien-maldives-resort-and-spa-review/Kimpton Seafire Reviewhttps://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/kimpton-seafire-resort-spa-in-grand-cayman-review/5 Things You Need To Know About the Newly Renovated Park Hyatt Tokyo [Review]https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/park-hyatt-tokyo-review/✈️ Learn more at 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/

    32 min

  6. MAR 23

    How to Book All-Inclusive Resorts 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 family beach vacation, or a luxury resort stay, this guide will help you understand how to use points for an all-inclusive experience. 00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 50 🎉00:58 Marriott Improves Top-off Limits02:04 Citi Ends Points Sharing 03:10 Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa in Mexico10:20 All-inclusive Resorts Evolving 12:04 Hyatt All-inclusive Resorts13:57 Marriott All-inclusive Resorts14:43 IHG All-inclusive Resorts15:48 Hilton All-inclusive Resorts17:09 Wyndham All-inclusive Resorts18:00 Choice All-inclusive Resorts18:32 Preferred Hotels All-inclusive Resorts18:54 Accor All-inclusive Resorts20:05 Tips for Booking All-inclusive Vacations23:30 Reader question Tips for All-Inclusive Vacations: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/all-inclusive-tips/ Should you book all-inclusive resorts through The Edit by Chase? https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-edit-all-inclusives/ Marriott Bonvoy Raises Free Night Award Top-Off Limit to 25,000 Points: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/marriott-bonvoy-free-night-award-top-off-increase/ ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com

    25 min

  7. MAR 16

    Smart Ways to Use Small Amounts of Points and Miles

    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 short hotel stays, upgrade seats, combine points with family members, and prevent your rewards from expiring. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with those last few points sitting in your account, this episode will help you turn them into something useful. Chapters: 00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 4901:00 Sidecar by Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas02:09 How to Combine Small Amounts of Points?03:30 Pooling Points and Miles07:27 Cash + Points Bookings11:07 Cheap Hotel and Airline Rates12:11 Donate Points and Miles13:36 Top Off Your Account with Transferable Points14:59 How to Use Small Amounts of Chase points17:13 How to Use Small Amounts of American Express points19:33 How to Use Small Amounts of Citi points21:50 How to Use Small Amounts of Capital One miles23:34 Listener Question ⚠️ ANNOUNCED AFTER RECORDING ⚠️ Citi To End Points Sharing Feature Next Month — What It Means for You:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/citi-points-sharing-end-2026/New Sidecar by Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-sidecar-lounge-las-first-look/ How to redeem small amounts of points and miles: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/redeem-small-amount-points-miles/ Hotels and Airlines that let you pool points for free: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines-hotels-pool-points-miles/ ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com

    26 min

  8. MAR 9

    Are Airline Credit Cards Becoming More Important Than Ever?

    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 where the real value might be in 2026 and beyond. Chapters:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 4800:58 Chase Adds Wyndham 02:26 Hyatt Award Chart Changes07:24 United MileagePlus Changes11:51 Worth Getting a United Credit Card?14:54 Other Airline Co-branded Cards20:33 Listener Question Chase adds Wyndham as a new transfer partner: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-adds-transfers-wyndham-rewards/ New 30% Transfer Bonus From Chase to Wyndham Rewards: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-transfer-bonus-wyndham-rewards/ United makes changes that favor credit cardholders: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/united-mileageplus-program-changes-credit-cardholders/ Hyatt Changes in May 2026: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/world-of-hyatt-2026-program-changes/ ✈️ 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/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
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Upgraded Points
  • Show Website
    The Upgraded Points Podcast

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