The Upgraded Points Podcast

Hilton recently made some significant changes to its loyalty program, so we went straight to the source. Brad Anderson, Vice President of Hilton Honors, joins Chris and Katie for a full breakdown of everything new, including the brand new Diamond Reserve elite tier, what the Confirmable Upgrade Reward actually means for loyalists, and how Hilton is lowering the barriers to existing status tiers without taking anything away from current members.

We also cover new hotel openings, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and AutoCamp partnerships, the future of Hilton Honors credit cards, and what earning and redeeming points look like going forward.

Plus, there's a targeted sale on Hilton Honors points with up to a 100% bonus running through May 29.

• (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 58

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Wells Fargo just added two significant transfer partners in less than two weeks, and it's time to take this program seriously.

Wyndham Rewards now transfers at a 1:2 ratio, the best available anywhere, and Cathay Pacific just joined at 1:1, opening up Oneworld partner bookings, including American Airlines and British Airways.

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the full Wells Fargo transfer partner lineup, the two Autograph cards that have quietly been worth a second look, and exactly how Wells Fargo fits into a broader points strategy.

Plus, Hyatt's annual award category changes are out, with 24 properties shifting down and 112 moving up on May 20. If you have a booking or a free night certificate in play, you need to hear this first.

• (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 57

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We're back at Walt Disney World, and we brought a giveaway! ✨

Chris and Katie cover the full details on the Ultimate Summer of Magic Sweepstakes. One lucky winner and three guests will receive a trip to Walt Disney World, including airfare, hotel, park tickets, a $300 Disney Gift Card, and more.

Plus, 10 first prize winners will each receive a $50 Disney Gift Card. Enter for your chance to win here: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/

Then we sit down with two Walt Disney World experts on-site. Eastan Kidd walks us through everything new and refreshed at the parks this summer, from Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away to the brand new Millennium Falcon mission with Mando and Grogu. JoAnna Lou, a planDisney panelist, breaks down how to actually plan the perfect Disney trip, resort options, digital tools, and the mistakes most first-timers make.

If you're planning a Disney trip this summer, this episode has everything you need!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., age 18+. Void outside the 50 U.S./D.C. and where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts at 12:00:01 AM ET on 05/04/26; ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 05/26/26. Total ARV of all prizes: $8,417.76. Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. Limit: One (1) Entry per person. For full Official Rules, visit https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/. Sponsor: Upgraded Points, LLC, 1155 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704.

Chapters:

• (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 56

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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

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The major hotel programs keep making it harder to get good value from your points. So we're looking elsewhere. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down three programs that don't get nearly enough attention: Accor Live Limitless, I Prefer by Preferred Hotels, and Choice Privileges.

We cover the best transfer partners for each, which flexible currencies stretch the furthest, and the specific bucket-list stays worth planning around, including an ice hotel in Sweden bookable for 20,000 points a night.

If you've got a stash of Citi ThankYou Points or Capital One miles, this one's for you!

⚠️ The transfer rate from Citi to Choice changed to 1:1.5 on April 19, 2026.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 54
01:02 Airline Bag Fees
02:58 Roame Discount Code
04:31 Lesser-Known Hotel Programs
05:37 Accor ALL Live Limitless
10:40 Choice Privileges
13:05 Preferred Hotels
16:09 Your New Travel Strategy
18:20 Listener Question: Chasing Hyatt Globalist Status

3 Lesser-Known Hotel Programs I’m Eyeing After Hyatt’s Recent Changes:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/leaving-hyatt-lesser-known-hotel-programs/

Review of ICEHOTEL in Sweden:
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/icehotel-review/

Review of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac:
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/things-to-know-fairmont-le-chateau-frontenac/

The 10 Best Preferred Hotels & Resorts To Book With Points for Max Value
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/best-preferred-hotels-resorts/

Delta Becomes Latest Airline To Raise Checked Bag Fees — Starting on April 8
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/delta-raising-checked-bag-fees-2026/

Save 25% on a Roame subscription with code UP25:
http://upgradedpoints.com/go/RoameSubscribe

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

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It's been one year of The Upgraded Points Podcast, and we're celebrating with our biggest giveaway yet!

Before we get to the prizes, there's some big news to cover, including Etihad being dropped as a Membership Rewards transfer partner, and select Chase cardholders can now unlock Hyatt Explorist status for free.

Then we break down the full anniversary giveaway, including CardPointers+, Savewise Pro, the Flighty app, Roame Travel, and Hilton Honors Be My Guest certificates. We cover how to enter and how to get the most value out of every prize.

We close with a listener question on the age-old debate: luxury hotels versus budget stays, and how to think about that tradeoff with points.

If you've been listening since day one, thank you. If you're just finding us, this is a great place to start.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., age 18+. Void outside the 50 U.S./D.C. and where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts at 12:00:01 AM ET on 04/13/26; ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 04/20/26. Total ARV of all prizes: $2,025.40. Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Limit: one (1) entry per person. For full Official Rules, visit http://upgradedpoints.com/news/podcast-1-year-anniversary-giveaway.
Sponsor: Upgraded Points, LLC, 1155 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 53
02:11 Amex Dropping Etihad
02:45 Chase Cardholders Get Hyatt Status
04:55 Chase My Bonus Offers
07:06 Podcast Anniversary Giveaway
08:34 CardPointers+
09:22 Savewise Pro
11:40 Flighty App
12:50 Roame Travel
14:30 Hilton Honors Be My Guest Certificates
18:03 Listener question: Luxury vs. budget hotels

American Express Membership Rewards Ending Transfers to Etihad Guest in June
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-membership-rewards-etihad-transfer-ending/

Best Ways to Use Hilton Free Night Certificates:
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/best-hotels-hilton-free-night-certificate/

CardPointers review:
https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/cardpointers-review/

Save 30% on CardPointers:
https://upgradedpoints.com/go/CardPointers

Savewise review:
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/savewise-review/

Save 20% on Savewise using code UP20:
http://upgradedpoints.com/go/Savewise

Flighty App:
https://flighty.com/

Roame review:
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/how-to-use-roame/

Save 15% on Roame using code UPGRADEDPOINTS
http://upgradedpoints.com/go/RoameSubscribe

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

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Most people think they’re using their American Express points correctly… but they’re actually losing a huge amount of value.

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the biggest mistakes people make with Amex Membership Rewards points, including using points for gift cards, statement credits, and “pay with points” at checkout.

They explain why these options deliver poor value, and more importantly, what you should do instead to get the most out of your points.

If you want to travel better, book flights with points, or maximize your rewards, this episode will help you avoid the most common and costly mistakes.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 52
01:01 Citi Devalues 2 Transfer Partners
02:37 United Relax Row
05:23 Amex Points Pulse Email
07:32 Don’t Transfer Points Without a Plan
08:47 Ignore The Hype
10:10 Amex Offers
10:53 Tracking Benefits
12:50 AmexTravel.com
16:12 Cash-back, Statement Credits, and Gift Cards
18:55 Listener Question 1
22:22 Listener Question 2

Links from the show:
Citi Massively Reducing Points Transfer Rates to 2 Hotel Programs in April
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/citi-hotel-transfer-devaluation-2026/

United Relax Row: A Brand-New Economy Experience Coming in 2027
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/united-relax-row/

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

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Some of our favorite travel experiences didn’t come from flights… they came from the hotels.

In this episode, Chris and Katie share their favorite hotels they’ve ever booked with points, from luxury stays to family-friendly favorites and underrated hidden gems.

They break down exactly:
- Why each hotel stood out
- How many points it cost
- What it would have cost in cash
- How you can book the same stays using points

If you’ve ever wondered whether luxury hotels are actually worth it with points, or how to get real value from your rewards, this episode will give you a clear roadmap.

Whether you’re planning a big trip or just getting started with points and miles, these real-world redemptions will show you exactly how it's done.

Hosts: ‪Chris Hassan & Katie Corrigan Seemann

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 51
01:00 Chase Freedom Unlimited® Bonus
02:12 Capital One Travel Mobile App
04:27 Hotel du Louvre
07:00 Conrad Orlando at Evermore
09:41 Andaz Amsterdam
12:20 Waldorf Astoria Osaka
15:27 Kimpton Seafire
19:12 Hyatt Regency Maui
22:31 Le Meridien Maldives
26:55 Park Hyatt Tokyo
28:56 Listener question: Chase WHOOP benefit

Chase Freedom Unlimited Now Boasts Elevated $250 Welcome Offer
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-freedom-unlimited-250-sign-up-bonus/

Capital One Travel Launches Standalone Mobile App — and It’s Worth a Download
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/capital-one-travel-app-launches/

Hotel du Louvre Review
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hotel-du-louvre-best-paris-hyatt/

Inside Conrad Orlando: A Comprehensive Review of the Luxury Hotel
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-orlando-review

Andaz Amsterdam Review
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/andaz-amsterdam-prinsengracht-review/

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa [In-depth Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-maui-resort-spa-review/

4 Things I Didn’t Like About the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-maui-resort-spa-review/

Le Meridien Maldives Review
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/le-meridien-maldives-resort-and-spa-review/

Kimpton Seafire Review
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/kimpton-seafire-resort-spa-in-grand-cayman-review/

5 Things You Need To Know About the Newly Renovated Park Hyatt Tokyo [Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/park-hyatt-tokyo-review/

✈️ Learn more at UpgradedPoints.com

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Did you know you can book all-inclusive resorts with hotel points?

Many travelers assume these resorts must be paid for with cash, but major hotel loyalty programs now offer all-inclusive properties that can be booked with points.

In this episode, Chris and Katie explain how to use Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and more points to book all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond. They cover how award pricing works, which resorts are the best values, and how to maximize your points for an all-inclusive vacation.

Whether you’re planning a couples getaway, a family beach vacation, or a luxury resort stay, this guide will help you understand how to use points for an all-inclusive experience.

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 50 🎉
00:58 Marriott Improves Top-off Limits
02:04 Citi Ends Points Sharing
03:10 Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa in Mexico
10:20 All-inclusive Resorts Evolving
12:04 Hyatt All-inclusive Resorts
13:57 Marriott All-inclusive Resorts
14:43 IHG All-inclusive Resorts
15:48 Hilton All-inclusive Resorts
17:09 Wyndham All-inclusive Resorts
18:00 Choice All-inclusive Resorts
18:32 Preferred Hotels All-inclusive Resorts
18:54 Accor All-inclusive Resorts
20:05 Tips for Booking All-inclusive Vacations
23:30 Reader question

Tips for All-Inclusive Vacations: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/all-inclusive-tips/

Should you book all-inclusive resorts through The Edit by Chase? https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-edit-all-inclusives/

Marriott Bonvoy Raises Free Night Award Top-Off Limit to 25,000 Points: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/marriott-bonvoy-free-night-award-top-off-increase/

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

📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Most points and miles content focuses on huge balances and luxury redemptions. But what should you do when you only have a few thousand points sitting in an account?

In this episode, Chris and Katie break down smart ways to use small amounts of points and miles so they don’t go to waste. Whether you have leftover airline miles after booking a trip or random points scattered across multiple accounts, there are plenty of ways to still get real value.

You’ll learn how to use small balances to top off award flights, book short hotel stays, upgrade seats, combine points with family members, and prevent your rewards from expiring.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with those last few points sitting in your account, this episode will help you turn them into something useful.

Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 49
01:00 Sidecar by Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas
02:09 How to Combine Small Amounts of Points?
03:30 Pooling Points and Miles
07:27 Cash + Points Bookings
11:07 Cheap Hotel and Airline Rates
12:11 Donate Points and Miles
13:36 Top Off Your Account with Transferable Points
14:59 How to Use Small Amounts of Chase points
17:13 How to Use Small Amounts of American Express points
19:33 How to Use Small Amounts of Citi points
21:50 How to Use Small Amounts of Capital One miles
23:34 Listener Question

⚠️ ANNOUNCED AFTER RECORDING ⚠️ Citi To End Points Sharing Feature Next Month — What It Means for You:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/citi-points-sharing-end-2026/

New Sidecar by Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-sidecar-lounge-las-first-look/

How to redeem small amounts of points and miles: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/redeem-small-amount-points-miles/

Hotels and Airlines that let you pool points for free: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines-hotels-pool-points-miles/

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

📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]