The Upgraded Points Podcast

By Upgraded PointsSociety & Culture Leisure Places & Travel Aviation

The Upgraded Points Podcast episodes

March 09 Are Airline Credit Cards Becoming More Important Than Ever?
Airline credit cards might be more important than ever — especially after United’s recent MileagePlus changes that shift outsized benefits toward co-branded cardholders.
In this episode, we break down the updates to United’s program that reward airline cardholders with perks many non-cardholders won’t get. We also dive into the broader question this raises: once flexible transferable points were king, but with moves like this, are co-branded airline cards reclaiming the top spot for frequent flyers?
If you collect points or miles, this breakdown will show you how these changes could affect your strategy and where the real value might be in 2026 and beyond.
Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 48
00:58 Chase Adds Wyndham
02:26 Hyatt Award Chart Changes
07:24 United MileagePlus Changes
11:51 Worth Getting a United Credit Card?
14:54 Other Airline Co-branded Cards
20:33 Listener Question
Chase adds Wyndham as a new transfer partner: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-adds-transfers-wyndham-rewards/
New 30% Transfer Bonus From Chase to Wyndham Rewards: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-transfer-bonus-wyndham-rewards/
United makes changes that favor credit cardholders: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/united-mileageplus-program-changes-credit-cardholders/
Hyatt Changes in May 2026: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/world-of-hyatt-2026-program-changes/
✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]
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23 min
March 02 5 Big Credit Card Trends We’re Watching in 2026
Credit card rewards are shifting in 2026, and if you collect points and miles, these changes matter.
In this episode, we break down the biggest credit card trends affecting travel rewards this year, including rising annual fees, tightening airport lounge access, shifting transfer ratios, and potential legislation that could impact how rewards programs operate.
We explain what these changes mean for everyday travelers, how to evaluate whether your premium credit cards are still worth it, and why mid-tier cards may become more valuable than ever.
If you want to maximize points and miles in 2026 without overpaying for perks you don’t use, this episode will help you build a smarter strategy.
Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 47
01:00 United MileagePlus Changes
02:20 American Airlines Inaugural Flight to Bimini
05:09 Resorts World Bimini
14:08 Increasing Annual Fees
15:41 Transfer Ratios are Changing
17:00 New Lounges and Access Rules
20:30 Mid-tier Cards
23:55 Credit Card Legislation
24:47 2026 Travel Credit Card Playbook
25:46 Listener Question: Hotel Room Capacity in Japan
6 Credit Card Trends I’m Watching in 2026: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/credit-card-trends-2026/
American Just Launched the Only Direct Flight to Bimini, Bahamas, From the U.S.: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/american-airlines-bimini-inaugural-flight/
✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]
30 min
February 23 Best U.S. Weekend Trips You Can Book With Points (No PTO Required)
You don’t need two weeks off work to take a meaningful vacation.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the best U.S. weekend trips you can book with points and miles. From beach cities to mountain escapes and walkable foodie destinations, these are short getaways that deliver serious value without draining your PTO.
We’ll share specific hotel programs to look at, how many points you might need, and simple strategies to maximize a 2–3 day trip. If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to travel, this might be your sign to book that long weekend.
Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 46
01:10 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2026
02:56 Capital One Landing at LaGuardia (LGA)
06:20 Orlando, Florida
08:21 Greenville, South Carolina
11:24 Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Savannah, Georgia
15:00 Charlotte and Chapel Hill, North Carolina
17:27 New York City and Hoboken, New Jersey
18:59 Burlington and Stowe, Vermont
21:31 Monterey, California
23:46 Anaheim, California
24:48 Palm Springs/La Quinta, California
27:31 Deer Valley, Utah and Seattle, Washington
29:24 Chicago, Illinois
30:08 Columbus, Ohio
31:31 St. Louis, Missouri
32:21 Listener Comment about Bilt 2.1
What To Expect at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2026
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-orlando-mardi-gras-2026/

First Look: New Capital One Landing at LaGuardia Airport [Is It LGA’s Best Airport Lounge?]
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/capital-one-landing-new-york-lga-first-look/

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida [In-depth Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-coconut-point-resort-and-spa-review/

Greenville, SC Weekend Guide
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/greenville-sc-travel-guide/

Why the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Is a Hidden Gem [2025 Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/carolina-inn-quick-review/

Thompson Central Park New York [In-depth Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/thompson-central-park-new-york-review/

Destination by Hyatt’s The Lodge at Spruce Peak [In-Depth Hotel Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/the-lodge-at-spruce-peak-review/

Monterey Beach Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel [In-Depth Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/monterey-beach-hotel-review/

Disneyland 2026 Event Calendar:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/disneyland-2026-event-calendar/

Inside the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley: A Detailed Look at Park City’s Newest Resort
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/grand-hyatt-deer-valley-review/

Hyatt Regency Chicago [In-Depth Hotel Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-chicago-review/

Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph [In-Depth Hotel Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/le-meridien-columbus-the-joseph-review/

✈️ Learn more at upgradedpoints.com
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]
36 min
February 16 Japan on Points: How To Book Business Class Flights and Luxury Hotels
Japan is one of the most popular destinations in the world, but traveling there with a family can feel overwhelming and expensive. In this episode, Chris breaks down his recent family trip to Japan and exactly how it was booked using points and miles.
We walk through the business class flights, 5-star hotel stays, and the real itinerary across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. You’ll hear what worked well, what surprised us, and how planning ahead made a luxury-style trip possible without luxury prices.
If you’ve ever wondered how families actually use points in real life, not just in theory, this episode shows what’s possible with the right strategy.
Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 45
01:01 New Hyatt Bonus Journeys Promo
04:04 Japan Airlines Business Class
05:56 Waldorf Astoria Osaka
10:04 St. Regis Osaka
15:52 Getting from Osaka to Kyoto
17:06 Hyatt Place Kyoto
19:41 Kyoto activities
22:32 Shinkansen Bullet Train to Tokyo
23:32 Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
26:31 Conrad Tokyo
28:00 Tokyo and Tips for Kids in Japan
31:19 Park Hyatt Tokyo
38:33 Delta Economy and American Airlines Premium Economy
43:11 Listener Q&A
Hyatt Place Kyoto in Japan [In-depth Hotel Review]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-place-kyoto-review/

Review of Hilton Tokyo Bay in Japan [Great Use of Hilton Aspire Resort Credit]
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hilton-tokyo-bay-review/

Behind the Hype: A Real Guest’s In-Depth Review of Conrad Tokyo
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-tokyo-review/

✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]
47 min
February 09 Bilt 2.0 Credit Cards and Bilt Cash: What You Need to Know
Bilt 2.0 launched with three new credit cards and a brand-new currency called Bilt Cash, and the reaction was immediate and brutal. Even seasoned points and miles experts were confused by how the new system worked.
In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the Bilt 2.0 rollout, explain how the new cards and Bilt Cash program actually function, and take a step back to look at the big picture. They cover what changed, what went wrong, what still works, and whether there are any bright spots worth paying attention to as the program evolves.
If you’ve been wondering whether Bilt 2.0 is something to avoid entirely or if there’s real value hiding beneath the confusion, this episode gives you a clear, honest assessment without the hype.
Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 44
01:44 New Priority Pass+ app
02:48 American Airlines Barclays Cards Transitioning to Citi
05:05 Bilt 2.0
07:11 Bilt Blue card
08:26 Bilt Obsidian Card
10:22 Bilt Palladium Card
12:15 Bilt 2.1
15:39 Bilt Cash
20:03 Is Bilt Still Worth It?
Bilt Overhauls Credit Card Lineup: Unlimited Earnings but With Some Caveats
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/bilt-new-credit-card-details/

Bilt Responds to Backlash, Adds Second Option for Earning Rewards on Housing Payments With No Fees
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/bilt-responds-second-earning-option/

Here Are the First Details of Redemption Options for Bilt Cash
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/bilt-cash-redemption-options/

I Just Got the Palladium Card: Here’s Why it Makes Sense for a Year
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/choosing-bilt-palladium-card/

✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]
28 min
February 02How Many Travel Credit Cards Is Too Many?
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]
21 min
January 26 Best Travel Credit Cards Under $100 (That Actually Deliver Value)
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/
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]
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19 min
January 19 What Is a Transfer Partner? The Secret to Using Points Like a Pro
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/
✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]
https://youtu.be/lQSDx801Dts
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25 min
January 12 Skip the Lines in 2026: TSA Touchless ID and Mobile Passport Explained
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/
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]
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15 min
January 05 Points and Miles Slang Explained: What Every Traveler Should Know in 2026
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/
✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]
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21 min

About The Upgraded Points Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Want to travel more and spend less? Every week, Upgraded Points provides expert insights, travel hacks, and the latest industry news to help you maximize your points and miles like a pro. Hosted by Chris Hassan and Katie Corrigan Seemann, travel experts at Upgraded Points, this podcast breaks down the best strategies for booking luxury flights, scoring hotel upgrades, and making every trip unforgettable — all without breaking the bank.