It looks like it is going to get harder to keep earning Chase Ultimate Rewards in 2026, especially if you have relied on them to keep your points life simple. Chase has started limiting referrals and adding vague language to their card applications, making approval rules much less clear than the old timelines we used to count on. But don't panic—these changes just mean it is time to pivot. In this episode, I’m walking through exactly what is changing with Sapphire and Ink cards and offering specific strategies to adapt so you can still get great value and vacations out of your points.

We will cover how to stretch your current Ultimate Rewards and how to maximize earnings on the cards you already hold. I’m also sharing five possible "pivots" for your 2026 strategy. I have been using points for over 15 years and have had to pivot many times; this is just another bump in the road, and I’m here to help you navigate it.

ACTION STEPS:

• Sign up for Bilt and Rakuten: If you love Hyatt points, set up these accounts soon to take advantage of the 1:1 transfer ratio available through May 15th. Here is my Rakuten affiliate link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/KMGALL29?eeid=44749 
• Link your accounts: Connect Rakuten to Bilt so your cashback earns Bilt points (which transfer to Hyatt).
• Install the browser extension: Add the Rakuten extension to your computer and iPhone browsers to automate your earning.
• Set a spending reminder: Set a notification to spend $50 through Rakuten within 90 days to trigger the welcome bonus.
• Don't stress: Take a deep breath; changes are normal in the points world, and there are still plenty of ways to afford vacations.

RESOURCES: 

• Bilt Guide (including Rakuten) Step-by-Step: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/ 
• Preferred Hotels with Choice: https://katiestraveltricks.com/preferred-hotels-with-choice-points-map/ 
• Timeshare Presentations: https://katiestraveltricks.com/timeshare-deal/ 
• Amex Points Explained: https://yout

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

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🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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Usually, I focus on talking about credit cards because debit cards just don't offer enough value for travelers. But the new Southwest debit card actually surprised me—it is way more valuable than I initially thought, especially if you plan to fly Southwest even once in 2026. 

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why I think this card is worth opening, specifically right now in December. If you’re looking for a quick win to save money on flights or push you over the edge for a Companion Pass, this might be the travel trick you’re looking for.

ACTION STEPS:

• Open the Account: Apply for the Southwest debit card by December 20th (or absolutely before December 31st) to ensure your account is active to receive the 20% off coupon in January.
• Set Calendar Reminders: Set a calendar reminder for January to confirm that your 20% off coupon and 7,500 Companion Pass boost points have been deposited, and to ensure you use your $35 travel credit. You should also set a specific reminder for February to transfer all your funds to another bank and close the account so you can avoid paying any additional monthly fees.
• Sign Up for the Newsletter: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news

RESOURCES: 

• Southwest Debit Card Application: southwestdebit.com 
• Free Companion Pass Guides: https://katiestraveltricks.com/southwestcompanionpasstrick/ 

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

Instagram

💻 Free Course

💳 Best Current Card Offers

🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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I used to call the Capital One Venture X a "no brainer," but with the major changes coming in 2026, I now consider it more of a "full brainer." In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what is changing and helping you calculate if the card is still worth the $395 annual fee. I cover the solid benefits that remain that still help to offset the cost.

I’ll also walk you through the massive new limited-time welcome offer of 100,000 miles and share critical application tips, such as why you might want to freeze your Experian credit report before applying. Whether you are a current cardholder looking for a retention offer or someone trying to navigate the new family card eligibility rules, this deep dive will help you decide if the Venture X still makes sense for you.

ACTION STEPS:

• Check for Retention Offers: If you are a current cardholder, call Capital One when your annual fee posts to see if any retention offers are available.
• Activate Benefits: Ensure you have manually signed up for Hertz President’s Circle and Priority Pass if you haven't already.
• Evaluate the New Offer: If you don't have the card, check the limited-time 100,000 mile welcome offer to see if it fits your strategy.
• Plan Purchase Protection: Decide which card you will use for items that need return protection or purchase security (Venture X is a strong contender here).
• Check Eligibility: If you recently opened a Venture X, review the list of other Venture-earning cards to see if you can continue earning miles despite the new family language rules.

RESOURCES: 

• Venture X Guide: https://katiestraveltricks.com/venturex/ 
• Venture X Card (my affiliate link): https://katiestraveltricks.com/portfolio-items/capital-one-venture-x-rewards/ 
• Hertz Status Guide: katiestraveltricks.com/hertz_presidents_circle/ 
• Newsletter: katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news 
• Pros and Cons of Booking Portals: katiestraveltricks.com/pros-and-cons-of-booking-through-a-bank-travel-portal/ 

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

Instagram

💻 Free Course

💳 Best Current Card Offers

🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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Finding the "best" credit card for airport lounge access is a trick question. The real answer depends on your home airport, who you travel with, and your budget. With changes to guest policies and new cards being released, the lounge landscape is totally different in 2025.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through all the options, from airline-specific cards to the big bank lounges like Centurion, Capital One, and the newer Sapphire Lounges. I’ll cover the "secret" card that still offers unlimited guests, which cards still work at Priority Pass restaurants, and help you decide which card (if any) is the right move for you.

ACTION STEPS:

• Check the chart: Look at this blog post chart to see which bank lounges (Amex, Capital One, Chase) are in the airports you frequent: https://katiestraveltricks.com/best-credit-card-for-lounge-access-by-airport/ 
• Research your airports: Go to prioritypass.com to see what other lounges, restaurants, or "Experiences" are available at your home airport and common destinations.
• Target restaurants (if needed): If your airport's main option is a Priority Pass restaurant, consider the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite or the US Bank Altitude Connect card.
• Plan for the Ritz card: If you want the best guest benefits, open a Chase Marriott card (like the Boundless) and set a reminder to call and upgrade it to the Ritz-Carlton card after one year.
• Do a trial run: If you're unsure, consider upgrading a Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve for one year to see if you use the lounge benefits enough to make it worth it.

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

Instagram

💻 Free Course

💳 Best Current Card Offers

🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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Hey everyone, sorry for the long break! The podcast is officially starting back up, but first I'm adding some much-needed updates to the end of Seasons 1 and 2 so everything still makes sense for new listeners.

For Season 3, I'm super excited to add new segments like your success stories and helping you plan trips! If you want to share your story or get help with a trip, just email [email protected], and don't forget to stay in the loop by signing up for our newsletter here: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news 

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

Instagram

💻 Free Course

💳 Best Current Card Offers

🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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Southwest Airlines feels unrecognizable with all the changes in 2025 and 2026, and while new policies have lost my trust, I'm not abandoning the airline yet. Instead, I'm tweaking my strategy to adapt, and I want to help you do the same.

In this episode, I'm digging into all the changes, from the new baggage and assigned seating policies to the breakdown of "Basic" vs. "Choice" fares. I discuss the current loopholes for extending flight credits that are expiring. We'll also do a deep dive on all five Southwest credit cards and I'll give you clear action steps to take right now to keep getting the best value.

ACTION STEPS:

• Check Your Card: Log in to your Chase account and use my Southwest Card Guide to see which benefits (like EarlyBird or upgraded boarding credits) you have.
• USE BENEFITS NOW: You must use any EarlyBird check-in, upgraded boarding, and the $75 Priority Card travel credit before they are discontinued on December 31st, 2025.
• Update Booking Strategy:
  • If paying with points, book Basic fares as one-way tickets for easier repricing.
  • If paying with cash, book Choice fares to get flexibility and seat selection.
• Family/Group Baggage: To get the 1 free checked bag, your entire group (up to 9 people) must be on the same reservation, and that reservation must have the cardholder's Rapid Rewards number attached.
• Companion Pass Seating (for 2026): For flights with assigned seating, you must book your ticket and then immediately add your companion and select the seat next to you.
• Family Seating (for 2026): Do not rely on Southwest to seat you with your children. Either book "Choice" fares or hold the "Priority" or "Performance Business" cards to select your seats at booking.
• Expiring LUV Vouchers: If you have a LUV Voucher expiring, call Southwest before it expires and ask for a 6-month extension.
• Expiring Flight Credits: If you have an expiring flight credit, it is currently possible to book a Choice Preferred fare and use your flight credit + pay for the rest with a Southwest gift card, and then cancel it if you want to receive a new flight credit with no expiration date. 
• Household Card Review: Re-evaluate if both you and your partner need a Southwest card. Since benefits no longer stack well, you may be able to save on annual fees by dropping to

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

Instagram

💻 Free Course

💳 Best Current Card Offers

🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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In this week's update episode, I'm breaking down all the big changes to the Chase business cards that have happened over the past year. I also cover some important new rules for getting approved for business cards and a major shift in how referrals work for the Ink cards that will require a strategy pivot for many of us.

The biggest news of all is Chase's brand new premium business card: the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business(SM) Credit Card. It's definitely a mixed bag with its huge annual fee and high spending requirement, but for the right person, the benefits could make it worthwhile. I go through all the perks—both the ones it shares with the personal version and the unique ones like cell phone protection—so you can decide for yourself. Be sure to check out the links below for my detailed guides and benefit calculators to help you make the most of these updates.

ACTION STEPS:

• Set aside 30 minutes to add all your eligible Chase cards to your Instacart account to activate the monthly credits and free Instacart+: https://katiestraveltricks.com/new-chase-instacart-benefits-how-to-maximize/
• Use the online guide to see if the new Sapphire Reserve for Business card benefits outweigh the annual fee for you: https://katiestraveltricks.com/new-card-chase-sapphire-reserve-for-business
• Sign up for the weekly newsletter to get updates and new resources delivered every Saturday: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news 

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

Instagram

💻 Free Course

💳 Best Current Card Offers

🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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Welcome to Points for Normal People!

When it comes to our favorite points programs and credit cards, change is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be discouraging! In this episode, I'm breaking down all the huge updates that rolled out for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® card in the summer of 2025. We'll walk through everything from the new standard welcome offer and increased minimum spend on the Preferred card to the eligibility rule changes that have a lot of people confused. I'll also explain the brand new "Points Boost" feature and how it completely changes the way you redeem points through Chase Travel℠.

The biggest news is the massive refresh to the Sapphire Reserve, which now has a hefty $795 annual fee. I'll go over why my family decided to get this card again, even at that crazy price point, by breaking down how we get value from all the new "coupon book" style credits. Plus, I’ve got a fun tip for you, no matter which Sapphire card you have!

ACTION STEPS 

• If you are a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, review the post on all the recent changes to ensure you fully understand the new benefits: https://katiestraveltricks.com/sapphirereserve/ 
• If you have an upcoming trip and have not yet booked your hotels, try out the Points Boost feature to see if you can find any savings.
• Download the GigSky app to try using it for your next trip (free with Visa Infinite or Visa Signature cards: https://www.gigsky.com/blog/up-to-3-gb-free-travel-data-with-visa-infinite-no-cost 

RESOURCES

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits Calculator: https://katiestraveltricks.com/portfolio-items/chase-sapphire-reserve/ 
• Use this site to activate your Peloton credit: onepeloton.com/ChaseSapphire 
• You must activate Your StubHub/Viagogo credit before purchase: Cardmembers can log into their account and activate the StubHub credit under Chase offers.
• Sign up for my newsletter: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news 

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

Instagram

💻 Free Course

💳 Best Current Card Offers

🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info.

Welcome to Points for Normal People!

Today I’m going to show you how to book Alaska and Hawaiian flights for less by leveraging partner airline points. We'll explore options with Finnair, Qatar, JetBlue, American, and Singapore Airlines, including tips for maximizing your savings.

I’ll break down everything from using Avios sweet spots to booking nonstop flights from the East Coast to Hawaii. Plus, I'll give you a heads-up on the upcoming changes with the Alaska/Hawaiian merger and how that might impact your booking strategies. Thanks so much for listening!

RESOURCES

• Get a quick chart overview of the information I covered in this episode: https://katiestraveltricks.com/partner-airlines-for-booking-alaska-and-hawaii/  
• How to book Alaska Airlines awards using KrisFlyer miles: https://mainlymiles.com/2023/04/07/how-to-book-alaska-airlines-awards-using-krisflyer-miles/
• Bilt Rewards (Blog Post): https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/  
• Qatar Airways for US Domestic Flights (blog): https://katiestraveltricks.com/using-qatar-avios-to-book-domestic-us-flights/ 
• Finnair Avios for US Domestic Flights (blog): https://katiestraveltricks.com/using-finnair-avios-to-book-american-alaska-flights/ 

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

Instagram

💻 Free Course

💳 Best Current Card Offers

🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info.

Welcome to Points for Normal People!

Today we're diving into two airlines perfect for trips to and from the West Coast and Pacific Northwest, or flights to Hawaii and Alaska: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines! With their merger underway, things are shifting, creating some unique opportunities, especially a cool loophole involving Amex points that gets them over to Alaska. We'll cover earning and using miles from both programs for domestic flights. 

ACTION STEPS

• Consider applying for the Hawaiian Business card before it's discontinued (check offer details).
• Look at personal Hawaiian cards if you have 5/24 space available.
• If you have any Bank of America card (credit or debit), check out the Museums on Us program.
• Consider adding kids as authorized users on BofA cards for museum access (no minimum age).
• Next time you fly Alaska and check bags, time the delivery (under 20 mins?) and claim miles if they're late.
• If focusing on Alaska miles, sign up for/use the Mileage Plan Shopping portal and link cards for in-store offers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• My Best Offers page (for Alaska card offers when ≥ 70k): https://katiestraveltricks.com/bestoffers/ 
• Bank of America Museums on Us program: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners
• Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal: https://www.mileageplanshopping.com/instore
• Alaska Air Deals: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/deals/flights/sale
• Alaska Air delayed baggage info: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/baggage-claim/delayed-damaged-missing 
• Seats.Aero (award search tool): https://seats.aero/ 
• Email me at kati

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks

🔗 Website

Instagram

💻 Free Course

💳 Best Current Card Offers

🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...