April 27, 2026

The Cards Worth Putting Big Spend On in 2026

27 minutes

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 [email protected]

📲 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 TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints

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

...more

View all episodes

By Upgraded Points

4.7

2424 ratings

April 27, 2026

The Cards Worth Putting Big Spend On in 2026

27 minutes

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.