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 requirements. Then it’s on to your essential end-of-year checklist: hotel credits, airline incidentals, rideshare perks, restaurant credits, CLEAR memberships, Dell credits, StubHub deals, and the often-forgotten card benefits that can easily save you hundreds of dollars.

Whether you’re swimming in premium cards or just trying to squeeze every dollar out of your travel perks, this episode walks you through everything resetting on January 1… and how to make sure none of it goes to waste.

If you want to finish the year with maximum value (and minimum regret), this is the episode you need right now.

Chapters:

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 34

00:53 Hilton Diamond Reserve Elite Status

03:08 Hilton Gold and Diamond Changes

05:55 End of the Year Credit Card Checklist

11:32 Rideshare Credits

12:51 Resy Credits

14:20 Airline Credits

15:37 CLEAR Credits

17:14 Unique Premium Card Credits

21:57 Apply Before 2026?

25:20 Listener Q&A

2025 Annual Credit Card Statement Credits To Use Before the Year Ends: 
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/2025-annual-credit-card-statement-credits-to-use/ 

Why It Makes Sense To Apply for the Amex Platinum Before 2026: 
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/apply-amex-platinum-before-2026/

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com

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