Looking for a travel credit card with perks that actually deliver value? In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Katie and Chris break down their favorite credit card perks, from airport lounge access, travel insurance, to annual resort credits, and more. 

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a once-a-year getaway, these benefits can help you save money, travel more comfortably, and get more out of every trip.

They also catch up on recent travels (St. Barths and New England) and answer listener questions about canceling award flights, using shopping portals, and maximizing points and miles.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below: 

[0:55] Chris just booked his annual summer trip to New England, a trip that is usually difficult and expensive to book. He paid cash for American Airlines economy, but will get Main Cabin Extra due to his Platinum Pro status.

[4:23] Katie recently visited St Barths. It had a unique European feel for an island in the Caribbean. 

[7:20] She stayed at Hotel Manapany, a hotel surrounded by the jungle with gorgeous views. To her surprise, she enjoyed the breakfast buffet there despite generally hating buffets. 

[11:20] One of Chris’s favorite cards is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Despite currently having an eye-watering $150 yearly fee, it comes with a $400 yearly resort credit.

[13:03] Katie is a fan of the Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge access benefits. The Chase Sapphire Lounges are a small but growing group of luxury lounges. 

[13:58] Chris has the Citi Prestige Card, which you can no longer apply for. It is one of the last credit cards that comes with a priority pass with restaurants included. 

[15:07] Katie’s next favorite perk is the $50 Saks credit on the Amex Platinum. 

[17:03] The Citi Strata Premier now includes travel insurance. For a $95 annual fee, the insurance comes with benefits that make the card worth the fee. 

[18:11] Katie’s next pick is the Loyalty Point bonus on American Airlines Executive Mastercard.

[19:06] Chris’s Hilton Aspire Card comes with a CLEAR credit, which goes towards a CLEAR+ account. 

[20:46] The Admirals Club access for the American Airlines Executive Card is another one of Katie’s favorites, though she notes that it is only worth it if you are a frequent traveler.

[23:57] Another American Airlines Executive perk that Katie appreciates is the $120 Avis/Budget car rental credit.

[25:10] The Global Entry TSA Pre-Check credits are a common but useful perk. 

[27:22] Chris brings up the $25 WiFi credit on his Barclays Aviator Red card that is going away as American Airlines cards move exclusively to Citi and AA rolls out free WiFi.

[28:44] Are shopping portals worth it? Katie says they are. Shopping portals do not cost you anything extra and allow you to earn points, though you may need to turn off your ad blockers. 

[30:00] What happens if you cancel a flight you booked with points? Chris says that in many cases, you can get your points back. However, each airline has its own policy, and some have cancellation penalties.

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on the Upgraded Points website.

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