May 25, 2026

Are You Using Your Chase Points Wrong? Probably.

20 minutes

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/

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/

My Alaska Atmos Rewards Account Was Hacked — Here’s How I Got My Points Back:
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/

✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/

📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]

📲 Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod

📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164

📲 Subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ

📲 Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/

📲 Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints

📲 Follow us on TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints

✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter
https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

...more