The Upgraded Points Podcast

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

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/

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)

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

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