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

📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@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 podcast@upgradedpoints.com