How many travel credit cards is too many? It’s one of the most common questions travelers ask, and the answer isn’t as simple as a number.

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down how many travel credit cards actually make sense based on your travel goals, spending habits, and ability to stay organized. They talk through common fears around credit scores and annual fees, share signs you might have too many cards, and explain when opening another card can actually help your travel strategy.

Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into points and miles, this episode will help you decide when to open your next card, when to pause, and when fewer cards might lead to better travel.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 43
00:57 Capital One Lounge Guest Access
04:02 The #1 rule in Points and Miles
8:25 Wallet Audit
15:07 Retention Offers
18:05 Duplicate Cards

• Capital One Lounge policy changes: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/capital-one-venture-x-lounge-access-changes/
• How to get credit card retention offers: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/credit-card-retention-offers/
• How do you cancel or downgrade your credit card? https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/downgrading-canceling-credit-cards/
• Does opening a new credit card hurt your credit score? https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/does-new-credit-card-hurt-credit-score/

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

📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]

You don’t need an $800+ annual fee to get real travel value.

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the best travel credit cards with annual fees under $100, and explain why some of these low-fee cards quietly outperform more expensive options. They cover which cards make the most sense for beginners, families, and points and miles hobbyists, plus how to use them alongside premium cards for maximum value.

You’ll learn which under-$100 cards are worth keeping long term, which perks actually matter, and how to build a smart travel strategy without adding another big annual fee. If you’re trying to travel better while spending less, this episode is a must-listen.

10 Best Credit Cards With Annual Fees Under $100 [2026]: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-with-annual-fees-under-100/

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

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Transfer partners are the reason some travelers get $500 in value from their points while others get $5,000. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down what a transfer partner actually is, how it works, and why it’s the most important concept in points and miles.

They explain the difference between bank points and airline and hotel programs, walk through real booking examples, and share the most common mistakes beginners make when transferring points.

If points have ever felt confusing or underwhelming, this episode is the key to making them click.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 41
01:51 What Are Transferable Points?
07:41 The Major Transferable Points Currencies
14:01 Common Mistakes
20:41 Listener Questions

Looking to Maximize Your Travel Points? Try Our Transfer Partner Tool! https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/transfer-partner-tool-calculator/

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https://youtu.be/lQSDx801Dts

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Airport security is changing fast, and the new touchless TSA PreCheck rollout is making the lines faster and smoother—if you know where to find it. On top of that, Mobile Passport Control has quietly become one of the best free tools for speeding through immigration on international trips.

In this episode, we break down what the new PreCheck tech actually does, where it’s live, and how it compares to CLEAR and traditional PreCheck lanes. We also walk through why Mobile Passport can sometimes beat Global Entry and how families can use it on arrival to skip some seriously long lines.

If you want a smoother airport experience this year, this episode shows you the tools that really work.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 40
01:00 What is Mobile Passport Control?
02:24 How to use Mobile Passport Control
04:38 What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID
05:16 How to use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID
8:45 Airport Fast Pass Quiz
12:50 Listener Question

The Best Guide to Mobile Passport Control: Breeze Through the Airport: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/mobile-passport-app/

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID Will Expand to 50 New Airports This Spring: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/tsa-precheck-touchless-id-expansion-2026/

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

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Points and miles have their own vocabulary, and if you’re new to the hobby, the slang alone can make everything feel harder than it needs to be. We’re kicking off 2026 by breaking down every term, acronym, and bit of jargon you’ll hear this year.

We cover the basics like transferable points and award charts, then dig into the community slang you’ll see online—SUBs, DPs, P2s, sweet spots, HUCA, and more. We also explain the confusing terms that cause the most beginner mistakes and highlight the language you’ll hear more often in 2026 as programs evolve.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand the lingo, follow every conversation, and feel way more confident planning your next trip with points.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 39
01:28 P2, Stacking, Churning, and 5/24
05:34 SUB, DP, Positioning Flight, and Pop-up Jail
09:18 Earn and Burn, Bonvoyed, and Gate Lice
12:15 Raw Dogging, YMMV, and CPP
16:03 Points and Miles Lingo Quiz
18:35 Listener Question

The Ultimate Guide to Credit Card, Points & Miles Lingo [Full Glossary]: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/credit-card-points-miles-lingo/

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A lot is changing in the points and miles world in 2026, and most travelers have no idea what’s coming. Today, we break down the updates that actually matter for anyone using points, miles, or premium credit cards.

We’re covering new credit card perk changes, lounge access rules, and the loyalty program updates that could impact your strategy next year. You’ll learn what to use before it disappears, which benefits are still worth keeping, and how to avoid wasting money or missing out on value.

Whether you’re trying to plan ahead or just don’t want any surprises, this episode will help you stay a step ahead of the 2026 travel shakeup.

Listen now and get ready before the new rules kick in.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 38
00:52 Chase Sapphire Reserve Changes for 2026
03:31 Capital One Venture X Changes for 2026
04:37 Southwest Airlines Changes for 2026
06:17 JetBlue Mosaic Changes for 2026
09:27 Hyatt Credit Card Changes for 2026
11:12 American Airlines Adding Free Wi-Fi in 2026
13:16 Wish List and Predictions for 2026
20:49 Listener Question

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

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European Christmas markets look magical in photos, and this week Katie proves they’re even better in real life. She just got back from Germany and Switzerland, and she’s breaking down the markets that were worth the trip, the ones that surprised her, and the exact route she followed.

We walk through how she booked the whole thing with points, which redemptions delivered serious value, and how you can plan a similar December trip without overspending. We also cover timing tips, city-to-city transportation, what to expect in the crowds, and the food and handmade gifts you don’t want to miss.

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering Europe’s Christmas markets with a mug of glühwein in hand, this episode gives you everything you need to make it happen.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 37
00:50 Hilton x Explore Journeys
02:25 European Christmas Markets
03:30 Lufthansa 747 Business Class
07:47 Kimpton Frankfurt
12:44 Christmas Markets in Frankfurt and Cologne
14:01 Le Meridien Stuttgart
16:15 Markets in Stuttgart, Esslingen, and Heidelberg
20:17 Park Hyatt Zurich
23:05 Zurich Markets
25:35 Chris' Bad Dad Joke
26:07 SWISS Business Class
30:47 Listener Questions

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

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Airport lounges have become one of the biggest reasons travelers choose premium credit cards, and in this episode, Chris and Katie compare the three major players: Chase Sapphire Lounges, Capital One Lounges, and Amex Centurion Lounges.

They break down access rules, locations, food and amenities, crowding, and which lounges offer the best real-world experience. Whether you want the best option for families, business travel, or occasional trips, you’ll learn which lounge program is worth prioritizing in 2025.

Plus, Chris shares how he upgraded his American Airlines flight from Economy to Business class on the long overnight flight from New York (JFK) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG).

Chapters:

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 36

00:59 Chris’ American Airlines Business Class Upgrade to Rio

03:35 Kimpton Social Password

06:00 Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club

11:25 Capital One Lounge

18:33 American Express Centurion Lounge

23:46 Our Top Picks

28:08 Listener Comments

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

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Join Katie as she shares her unforgettable trip to Thailand and Bangkok! From visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary to exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, she walks us through her favorite experiences, hotel stays, local tips, and travel hacks. 

Whether you’re planning a points-based luxury trip or just looking for adventure inspiration, this episode has it all—from feeding rescued elephants to indulging in mango sticky rice, enjoying ATVs, and flying business class on a long-haul journey.

Learn the best ways to maximize your time, budget, and comfort while traveling in Thailand!

Chapters:

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 35

00:58 Chris’ Chaotic JFK Travel Day
06:52 Premium Economy to Thailand
12:52 JW Marriott Phuket
18:46 Elephant Sanctuary and ATV Ride
21:52 St. Regis Bangkok
28:25 Bangkok Travel Trips
32:30 Business Class from Bangkok to New York
36:45 Final Thoughts

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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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