Episode Details

With just 3 months left in the year, now is the time to audit every credit card benefit, free night certificate, and elite status threshold before December 31 resets everything. In this episode, Chris and Katie go through the full end-of-year checklist for points travelers.

Annual credits expiring December 31 across Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Delta cards, Citi, Bilt, and Bank of America. Free night certificates tied to calendar year spend thresholds, hotel and airline elite status qualification deadlines, Southwest Companion Pass, and how to start planning now for a strong 2027.

Plus, Katie reviews the Andaz 5th Avenue in New York, Chris covers the new Gateside by TSA PreCheck, and we answer a listener's question about the best airport strategy for a family of four near EWR.

Creators & Guests

• Katie Corrigan Seemann - Host
• Christopher Hassan - Host

• (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 76
• (01:11) - Gateside by TSA PreCheck
• (03:54) - Andaz 5th Avenue in New York City
• (12:21) - Amex Platinum Card
• (13:07) - Chase Sapphire Reserve
• (14:10) - American Airlines Executive Card
• (16:32) - Hilton Honors credit cards
• (18:18) - Delta credit cards
• (19:17) - Citi credit cards
• (20:13) - Bilt credit cards
• (20:43) - Bank of America credit cards
• (21:02) - Hotel free night certificates
• (22:55) - Southwest Companion Pass
• (24:44) - Listener question

2026 Annual Statement Credits:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/2026-annual-credit-card-statement-credits/

Chase Sapphire Reserve Hotel Credits in 2026:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-hotel-credit-updates-2026/

How to Use the Delta Stays Credits:
https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/amex-delta-gold-platinum-reserve-delta-stays-credit/

New TSA PreCheck Perk: Access Departure Gates Without a Ticket:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/gateside-by-tsa-precheck/

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