The Upgraded Points Podcast

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 3600:59 Chris’ American Airlines Business Class Upgrade to Rio03:35 Kimpton Social Password06:00 Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club11:25 Capital One Lounge18:33 American Express Centurion Lounge23:46 Our Top Picks28:08 Listener CommentsWant more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.comFollow 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 3500:58 Chris’ Chaotic JFK Travel Day06:52 Premium Economy to Thailand 12:52 JW Marriott Phuket18:46 Elephant Sanctuary and ATV Ride21:52 St. Regis Bangkok28:25 Bangkok Travel Trips32:30 Business Class from Bangkok to New York 36:45 Final ThoughtsWant more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.comFollow 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 3400:53 Hilton Diamond Reserve Elite Status03:08 Hilton Gold and Diamond Changes05:55 End of the Year Credit Card Checklist11:32 Rideshare Credits12:51 Resy Credits14:20 Airline Credits15:37 CLEAR Credits17:14 Unique Premium Card Credits21:57 Apply Before 2026?25:20 Listener Q&A2025 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.comFollow 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 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 3301:00 Black Friday Sales: Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers02:15 Favorite Travel Gear09:27 Carry-on Luggage Tips13:32 Travel Wallets17:10 Toiletry Bag21:54 Travel Wardrobe32:55 Packing Cubes36:00 Travel Tech We Love41:46 Black Friday Shopping Tips44:43 Listener Q&ABlack Friday Deals (Good through December 1, 2025)Save 30% on Seats.aero with code Friday2530:  upgradedpoints.com/go/SeatsAeroSave 40% on Roame with code UPGRADED40: upgradedpoints.com/go/RoameSave 50% on CardPointers:- upgradedpoints.com/go/CardPointersBackpacks and Weekender Bags:The Everywhere Bag - Away: upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayEverywhereTumi Voyageur Atlanta Backpack: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTumiVoyageurAtlantaBackpackLululemon City Essentials Duffle Bag 28L: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonCityEssentialsDuffleBag28LCarry-On LuggageTumi 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiInternationalCarryOnMacysROAM Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/RoamLuggageCarryOnAway Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayCarryOnPocketMonos Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCarryOnProTravel Accessories:TUMI Alpha Electronic Cord Pouch: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUMICordPouchTUMI Small Madeline Cosmetic Case: upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiSmallMadelineCosmeticsCaseMonos Compressible Packing Cubes: upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCompressiblePackingCubes4PackTUMI travel jewelry case: upgradedpoints.com/go/​​TumiJewelryCaseTUMI electronic cord pouch at Saks: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUMICordPouchCredit card wallet: upgradedpoints.com/go/AmazonCreditCardWalletTravel WardrobeLululemon Be Calm Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pants: upgradedpoints.com/go/LululemonBeCalmMidRisePantLululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Pants: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonDanceStudioMidRisePantLululemon Oversized Scuba Hoodie: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonScubaOversizedFullZipHoodieOn Cloud 6 shoes: upgradedpoints.com/go/OnCloud6ShoesMensInsider T-shirts: https://insiderstore.com/Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.comFollow 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 3200:48 Wyndham x Vacasa Partnership Ending01:52 AwardTool Discount03:20 Are Citi ThankYou Points Underrated?06:40 Citi Credit Cards16:40 Pros and Cons 24:40 Listener Q&AUse code UPGRADED20 to save 20% off all AwardTool plans for new subscribersWant 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