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PODCAST

The Upgraded Points Podcast

Upgraded Points

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

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All Episodes

26:20

6 Biggest Mistakes People Make With Amex Points

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/04/06

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,

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32:01

Our Favorite Hotels We Booked With Points (And How...

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/03/30

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 pointsIf you’ve ever wondered whether luxury hotels are actually worth it with points,

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25:27

How to Book All-Inclusive Resorts With Points

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/03/23

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

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26:15

Smart Ways to Use Small Amounts of Points and Miles

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/03/16

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

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23:00

Are Airline Credit Cards Becoming More Important Than...

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/03/09

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

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29:33

5 Big Credit Card Trends We’re Watching in 2026

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/03/02

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

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35:37

Best U.S. Weekend Trips You Can Book With Points (No...

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/02/23

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

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46:25

Japan on Points: How To Book Business Class Flights...

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/02/16

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

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27:19

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

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/02/09

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

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20:35

How Many Travel Credit Cards Is Too Many?

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/02/02

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

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18:20

Best Travel Credit Cards Under $100 (That Actually...

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/01/26

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

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24:17

What Is a Transfer Partner? The Secret to Using...

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/01/19

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

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14:37

Skip the Lines in 2026: TSA Touchless ID and Mobile...

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/01/12

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

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20:37

Points and Miles Slang Explained: What Every Traveler...

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2026/01/05

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

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22:49

Major Credit Card and Travel Changes Coming in 2026

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2025/12/29

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

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33:08

How to Visit Europe’s Christmas Markets on Points and...

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2025/12/22

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 can plan a similar December trip without overspending. We also cover timing tips, city-to-city

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29:48

Battle of the Airport Lounges: Amex vs. Chase vs....

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2025/12/15

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 families, business travel, or occasional trips, you’ll learn which lounge program is worth

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38:13

How to Plan a Thailand Trip With Points and Miles

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2025/12/08

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 elephants to indulging in mango sticky rice, enjoying ATVs, and flying business class on a long-haul

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28:34

The Ultimate End-of-Year Credit Card Checklist

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2025/12/01

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 brand-new Diamond Reserve elite tier and big changes to Gold and Diamond qualification

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46:00

Our Favorite Travel Gear (Black Friday Edition)

The Upgraded Points Podcast ·

2025/11/24

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 Black Friday discounts on top award travel tools, including Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers,

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53 results

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