The Upgraded Points Podcast

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/

📧 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/

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/

📧 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/

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

Follow us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints 

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

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

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints 

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

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints 

In this episode of the Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down their all-time favorite travel gear—just in time for Black Friday. After years of testing backpacks, carry-ons, tech essentials, and outfit must-haves on real trips, they’re sharing only the items they truly can’t travel without. No random Amazon finds here—these picks are battle-tested.

They also highlight some exclusive Black Friday discounts on top award travel tools, including Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers, with all the codes and links waiting in the show notes. From choosing the perfect backpack and staying organized with a dedicated travel wallet, to packing smarter with toiletry kits, versatile clothing, and go-to airport outfits, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your next trip. Whether you’re a carry-on-only traveler or gearing up for a long-haul flight, Chris and Katie share clever, experience-driven advice that makes traveling smoother, lighter, and a whole lot easier.

If you like saving money and traveling smarter, this episode is for you. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app, and send your questions to [email protected]

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 33

01:00 Black Friday Sales: Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers

02:15 Favorite Travel Gear

09:27 Carry-on Luggage Tips

13:32 Travel Wallets

17:10 Toiletry Bag

21:54 Travel Wardrobe

32:55 Packing Cubes

36:00 Travel Tech We Love

41:46 Black Friday Shopping Tips

44:43 Listener Q&A

Black Friday Deals (Good through December 1, 2025)

• Save 30% on Seats.aero with code Friday2530:  upgradedpoints.com/go/SeatsAero
• Save 40% on Roame with code UPGRADED40: upgradedpoints.com/go/Roame
• Save 50% on CardPointers:- upgradedpoints.com/go/CardPointers
  
  

Backpacks and Weekender Bags:

• The Everywhere Bag - Away: upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayEverywhere
• Tumi Voyageur Atlanta Backpack: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTumiVoyageurAtlantaBackpack
• Lululemon City Essentials Duffle Bag 28L: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonCityEssentialsDuffleBag28L

Carry-On Luggage

• Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiInternationalCarryOnMacys
• ROAM Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/RoamLuggageCarryOn
• Away Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayCarryOnPocket
• Monos Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCarryOnPro

Travel Accessories:

• TUMI Alpha Electronic Cord Pouch: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUMICordPouch
• TUMI Small Madeline Cosmetic Case: upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiSmallMadelineCosmeticsCase
• Monos Compressible Packing Cubes: upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCompressiblePackingCubes4Pack
• TUMI travel jewelry case: upgradedpoints.com/go/​​TumiJewelryCase
• TUMI electronic cord pouch at Saks: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUMICordPouch
• Credit card wallet: upgradedpoints.com/go/AmazonCreditCardWallet

Travel Wardrobe

• Lululemon Be Calm Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pants: upgradedpoints.com/go/LululemonBeCalmMidRisePant
• Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Pants: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonDanceStudioMidRisePant
• Lululemon Oversized Scuba Hoodie: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonScubaOversizedFullZipHoodie
• On Cloud 6 shoes: upgradedpoints.com/go/OnCloud6ShoesMens
• Insider T-shirts: https://insiderstore.com/

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

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints 

Are Citi ThankYou Points the most underrated currency in travel rewards? In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down why this overlooked points program might be the best-kept secret in the game. From transfer partners like American Airlines and Turkish to surprising hotel redemptions through Choice Privileges, they reveal how Citi quietly stacks up against Amex, Chase, and Capital One.

Plus, we dive into some travel news as Wyndham and Vacasa are ending their partnerships, and share a promo code for AwardTool... one of our favorite new search tools! 

Whether you’re a beginner building your first points strategy or a seasoned traveler looking for fresh value, this episode shows where Citi shines... and where it still lags behind.

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 32

00:48 Wyndham x Vacasa Partnership Ending

01:52 AwardTool Discount

03:20 Are Citi ThankYou Points Underrated?

06:40 Citi Credit Cards

16:40 Pros and Cons 

24:40 Listener Q&A

Use code UPGRADED20 to save 20% off all AwardTool plans for new subscribers

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

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints 

In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie dive into Citi’s newest addition to the American Airlines credit card lineup — the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe Card. With a $350 annual fee, Admirals Club passes, and a tempting 90,000-mile welcome bonus, this mid-tier card is already making waves. But is it truly worth a spot in your wallet, or just filling the gap between Citi’s entry-level and premium AAdvantage cards?

The hosts break down everything you need to know — from earning structures and benefits to elite status boosts and that tricky companion certificate fine print.

Plus, they share fresh credit card news and travel promos, including Southwest’s elevated 85K bonus offers, new JetBlue transfer options with Wells Fargo, and valuable Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt promotions you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re chasing AAdvantage miles, eyeing a new signup bonus, or just want smarter ways to maximize your next trip, this episode is packed with insight and strategy.

00:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 31

01:02 Wells Fargo New Transfer Partner

01:50: Southwest Elevated Offers

06:55 Hilton, Hyatt, & Marriott Bonus Points

08:54 AAdvantage Globe Card

18:04 AA Globe Card vs. The Rest

31:41 Listener Q&A

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

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints 

New AAdvantage Globe Card: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/citi-aadvantage-globe-card-launches/

American Airlines Credit Card Comparison:

https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-american-airlines-credit-cards/

AAdvantage Globe Card Turo Credit:

https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/aadvantage-globe-card/turo-credit/

AAdvantage Globe Card Splurge Credit:

https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/aadvantage-globe-card/splurge-credit/

Elevated 85k Welcome Offer on Southwest Cards:

https://upgradedpoints.com/news/southwest-personal-cards-85k-sign-up-bonus/

Southwest Debit Card:

https://upgradedpoints.com/news/southwest-rapid-rewards-debit-card/

In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie dive into the ultimate showdown of premium travel credit cards — Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One. With four major cards and four hefty annual fees on the table, the hosts break down which one truly delivers the most value. From point-earning potential to exclusive perks, they compare every detail to help you decide which premium card deserves a spot in your wallet.

Stay tuned as they share personal travel updates, unpack card benefits like lounge access and trip protection, and answer a listener’s burning question about maximizing rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world of points, this episode will help you make the most of your card strategy.

00:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 30

01:05 Autocamp Cape Cod

04:05 Dreams Bahia Mita

10:54 Promo Codes: Seats.aero and Savewise

11:37 Battle of the Premium Cards

17:20 Earning points, Which Card is Best?

24:44 Travel Benefits and Protections

40:22 Listener Questions

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

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints 

Amex vs. Chase vs. Capital One vs. Citi: Premium Card Comparison: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/premium-travel-credit-card-comparison-2025/

Save 20% on Savewise with promo code UPGRADEDPOINTS: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/savewise-promo-code/

Traveling doesn’t have to drain your wallet… if you know the right hacks! In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down the money-saving travel strategies that actually work. From booking hotels with breakfast included to getting a free eSIM and never paying for water at the airport again, these are the tips seasoned travelers swear by.

They’ll also cover underrated tools that save hundreds on flights and hotels, how to get real value from credit card perks, and more. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a quick weekend getaway, these insider hacks will help you travel smarter, spend less, and make every trip feel like a win.

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 29
00:48 Chase Sapphire Reserve changes
02:32 Seats.aero promo code
03:34 MaxMyPoint promo code
05:08 Money Saving Travel Hacks
33:26 Listener Q&A

Chase Unveils Major Overhaul of the Sapphire Reserve Card: New Perks, Higher Annual Fee: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-overhauls-sapphire-reserve-card/

Use this Seats.aero promo code to save 20% on an annual Pro subscription: UPGRADE3435 https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8196909-17075279

Use This MaxMyPoint Promo Code To Save 20% on an Annual Subscription: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/maxmypoint-promo-code/

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

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints