The Upgraded Points Podcast

The Upgraded Points Podcast

The Cards Worth Putting Big Spend On in 2026

27 min · 27 de abr de 2026
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Portada del episodio The Cards Worth Putting Big Spend On in 2026

Descripción

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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/credit-card-retention-offers/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

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61 episodios

episode 5 Tips for Booking Summer Travel Before It's Too Late artwork

5 Tips for Booking Summer Travel Before It's Too Late

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. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 60 * (00:52) - Universal Epic Universe * (09:00) - Summer Travel Tip #1 * (09:51) - Summer Travel Tip #2 * (13:05) - Summer Travel Tip #3 * (13:39) - Summer Travel Tip #4 * (15:38) - Summer Travel Tip #5 * (19:50) - Listener Question: Family-friendly Resort 5 Smart Alternatives to Crowded Summer Destinations in 2026: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/summer-2026-vacation-destinations/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/summer-2026-vacation-destinations/] Epic Universe Overview: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-epic-universe-first-look/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-epic-universe-first-look/] Inside Helios Grand Hotel: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-helios-grand-hotel-sneak-peek/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-helios-grand-hotel-sneak-peek/] Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana vs. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-ziva-los-cabos-vs-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-ziva-los-cabos-vs-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/] Kimpton Seafire Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/kimpton-seafire-resort-spa-in-grand-cayman-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/kimpton-seafire-resort-spa-in-grand-cayman-review/] Dreams Bahia Mita Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/dreams-bahia-mita-surf-spa-resort-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/dreams-bahia-mita-surf-spa-resort-review/] Conrad Evermore Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-orlando-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-orlando-review/] How This Hyatt Perk Saved Me Hundreds on a World Cup Hotel https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-free-night-certificate-world-cup/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-free-night-certificate-world-cup/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164] 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

Ayer25 min
episode Are You Using Your Chase Points Wrong? Probably. artwork

Are You Using Your Chase Points Wrong? Probably.

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 have a Chase card, this episode will change how you use it. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 59 * (00:58) - Alaska Airlines Account Hacked * (03:57) - Air Canada Inaugural Flight from Columbus to Montreal * (05:11) - W Montreal Hotel Review * (07:37) - Weekend in Montreal, Canada * (11:07) - Mistake #1: Booking via Chase Travel * (11:57) - Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Card * (14:04) - Mistake #3: Low-value Redemptions * (15:40) - Mistake #4: Transferring Points * (17:20) - Mistake #5: Hoarding Points When the Chase Travel Portal Is (and Isn’t) Worth it For Booking Flights: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/when-to-use-chase-travel/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/when-to-use-chase-travel/] Best Ways to Redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards Points: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-ways-to-redeem-chase-ultimate-rewards-points/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-ways-to-redeem-chase-ultimate-rewards-points/] Guide to the Chase Travel Portal: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/chase-ultimate-rewards-travel-portal/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/chase-ultimate-rewards-travel-portal/] My Alaska Atmos Rewards Account Was Hacked — Here’s How I Got My Points Back: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-atmos-rewards-account-hacked/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-atmos-rewards-account-hacked/] Air Canada Inaugural Flight from Columbus to Montreal: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/air-canada-columbus-montreal/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/air-canada-columbus-montreal/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164] 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

25 de may de 202620 min
episode What's Next for Hilton Honors? We Asked the VP. artwork

What's Next for Hilton Honors? We Asked the VP.

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 redeeming points look like going forward. Plus, there's a targeted sale on Hilton Honors points with up to a 100% bonus running through May 29. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 58 * (01:14) - Walt Disney World Giveaway * (02:04) - Hilton Honors Points Sale * (02:58) - Hilton Honors Changes in 2026 * (05:48) - Hilton’s new Diamond Reserve Elite Tier * (09:35) - New Hilton Locations * (12:30) - Brad's Favorite Hilton Hotel? * (16:13) - Small Luxury Hotels of the World * (18:01) - Hilton Partnerships * (20:30) - Hilton Credit Cards and Hilton Honors Points * (22:15) - Top 4 Hotels for Redemptions * (26:35) - The Future of Hilton Honors Ultimate Summer of Magic Disney Giveaway: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/] New top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond Reserve status: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-honors-diamond-reserve-status-benefits/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-honors-diamond-reserve-status-benefits/] What It’s Really Like To Have Diamond Reserve Status, Hilton’s New Tier Above Diamond https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-diamond-reserve-status-worth-it/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-diamond-reserve-status-worth-it/] Inside the $350M Renovation of Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/grand-wailea-waldorf-astoria-resort-whats-new-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/grand-wailea-waldorf-astoria-resort-whats-new-review/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164] 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

18 de may de 202630 min
episode Is It Time to Get Excited About Wells Fargo Rewards? artwork

Is It Time to Get Excited About Wells Fargo Rewards?

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 are out, with 24 properties shifting down and 112 moving up on May 20. If you have a booking or a free night certificate in play, you need to hear this first. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 57 * (01:13) - Amex Gold Updates * (03:46) - Hyatt Category changes * (07:46) - Is Wells Fargo Worth Getting Excited About? * (08:41) - Wells Fargo Transfer Partners * (09:29) - Wells Fargo to Wyndham Rewards * (12:40) - Wells Fargo to Cathay Pacific * (14:44) - Wells Fargo Credit Cards * (18:37) - Does Wells Fargo Fit In Your Points Strategy? * (23:30) - Listener Question: Can I Still Enter the Disney giveaway? Wells Fargo adds Wyndham as a Transfer Partner: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wells-fargo-adds-wyndham-as-new-transfer-partner/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wells-fargo-adds-wyndham-as-new-transfer-partner/] Wells Fargo Adds Cathay Pacific as a Transfer Partner: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wells-fargo-cathay-pacific-transfer-partner/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wells-fargo-cathay-pacific-transfer-partner/] Wells Fargo Rewards Program Overview: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/wells-fargo-rewards-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/wells-fargo-rewards-review/] Walt Disney World Resort Giveaway: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/%20] Amex Gold New Benefits: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-gold-card-new-benefits-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-gold-card-new-benefits-2026/] Amex Hotel Collection Deals: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-third-night-free-hotel-promo/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-third-night-free-hotel-promo/] Hyatt Award Category Changes 2026: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/world-of-hyatt-category-changes-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/world-of-hyatt-category-changes-2026/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

11 de may de 202624 min
episode Walt Disney World Giveaway: Ultimate Summer of Magic! artwork

Walt Disney World Giveaway: Ultimate Summer of Magic!

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/ [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 the parks this summer, from Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away to the brand new Millennium Falcon mission with Mando and Grogu. JoAnna Lou, a planDisney panelist, breaks down how to actually plan the perfect Disney trip, resort options, digital tools, and the mistakes most first-timers make. If you're planning a Disney trip this summer, this episode has everything you need! 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 05/04/26; ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 05/26/26. Total ARV of all prizes: $8,417.76. Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. Limit: One (1) Entry per person. For full Official Rules, visit https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/]. Sponsor: Upgraded Points, LLC, 1155 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704. Chapters: * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 56 * (01:30) - Walt Disney World Giveaway * (02:15) - Our Disney Highlights * (06:16) - Summer 2026 at Walt Disney World * (07:57) - Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run * (08:55) - Guardians of the Galaxy vs. Tron * (09:50) - Waterparks at Walt Disney World * (10:50) - Disney After Hours * (13:07) - Difference Between Disney Parks * (14:24) - Disney Resorts Collection * (16:50) - MyDisneyExperience app * (18:20) - planDisney * (20:24) - How To Save On Your Walt Disney World Vacation May the Fourth at Disney World: What To Expect on Star Wars Day https://upgradedpoints.com/news/visiting-disney-world-may-the-fourth/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/visiting-disney-world-may-the-fourth/] Walt Disney World Launches $109 Ticket Offer for ‘Cool Kids’ Summer’ https://upgradedpoints.com/news/walt-disney-world-cool-kids-summer-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/walt-disney-world-cool-kids-summer-2026/] Disney World Launches Discounted Afternoon-Only Tickets for Summer https://upgradedpoints.com/news/disney-world-afternoon-tickets/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/disney-world-afternoon-tickets/] Disney® Inspire Visa® Card: Full Review https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/disney-inspire-visa-card/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/disney-inspire-visa-card/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

4 de may de 202622 min