Jarrod West

Senior Content Contributor

Published Articles: 369

Jarrod has been writing about the ins and outs of credit cards and loyalty programs, along with airlines and hotels, for over 6 years. He is regularly called upon to share his expertise on the latest news within the space, and has been featured in publications such as Matador Network, The New York Times, RetailMeNot, and Yahoo! Finance.

Jarrod has over 20 credit cards in his wallet and has tested out dozens more in order to vet the very best card options for readers. As he is constantly sampling new cards, Jarrod also earns (and redeems) over 1 million points and miles each year. This allows him to book luxury travel experiences the world over, and save tens of thousands of dollars in the process.

He first became fascinated with the world of travel rewards as the perfect way to visit dream destinations without breaking the bank. On his first major award trip, he spent 3 months traveling through Europe, financed nearly entirely with points, while flying in premium cabins and staying in 5-star hotels along the way. Now, he is on a mission to help others realize their travel goals and upgrade their travel experiences.

He holds a B.S. in Economics from Northern Kentucky University and now calls New York City home. Jarrod also runs his own website, the Freequent Flyer Blog, where he has helped readers earn over 10 million points and miles through his free credit card consultations. Outside of writing and traveling, he loves trying new restaurants, reading, and cheering on Liverpool F.C.

Follow Jarrod on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Countries Visited: 20
U.S. States Visited: 23
Highest Hotel Status: World of Hyatt Globalist
Highest Airline Status: American AAdvantage Platinum
Favorite Airlines: Qatar (world’s best business class), Emirates (elegance in every detail), and Air France (fantastic inflight food and wine offerings).
Favorite Airline Alliance: Oneworld
Favorite Business Class: Qatar Qsuite
Favorite Type of Points: American Express Membership Rewards
Top 3 Cards in Wallet: The Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, and The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Jarrod's Latest Posts

ANA's New 777-300ER Business Class "The Room"

September 29, 2022

Get Up to an 85% Bonus When Buying Air Canada Aeroplan Points

Throughout a given year, there are numerous promotions — across many different travel providers — allowing you to purchase points or miles at a discount. However, not all of them represent a good opportunity for award travelers. We’re here to… read more

September 29, 2022

New Delta Personal & Business Card Offers [Up to 100k SkyMiles!]

Delta and American Express have brought back increased welcome offers on the co-branded Delta SkyMiles cards, which can land you anywhere from 65,000 to up to 100,000 SkyMiles after completing the minimum spend requirement. If you’re looking to boost your… read more

Amex Business Platinum Upgraded Points LLC 05 Large

September 29, 2022

Amex Launches Travel More With +4 Promotion for Businesses

American Express business cardholders can now rack up points when they refer a new business to the American Express suite of cards thanks to the new Travel More With +4 promotion. Here is a look at the details of the… read more

September 27, 2022

Chase and DoorDash to Launch New Credit Card

Chase and DoorDash are teaming up to launch the food delivery company’s first-ever co-branded credit card aimed to offer more value, through perks and additional rewards, to its customers. While details are limited, here is everything we know about the… read more

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

September 27, 2022

New Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card Launch and Updates to Brilliant Card [Full Details]

The lineup of Amex-issued Marriott co-branded credit cards is getting a major shakeup, including revamped perks for the top-tier Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card and an entirely new card — the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card. Here’s a… read more

September 27, 2022

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card- Full Review [2022]

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases. read more

September 23, 2022

New Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card Launch [Is It Worth It?]

A new member is being added to the Marriott family of co-branded credit cards today; the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card. If you’re a fan of the hotel chain, read on to learn all of the details of this new card,… read more

September 22, 2022

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card vs. Amex Platinum Card [Detailed Comparison]

Two excellent card offerings from American Express are the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and The Platinum Card® from American Express. While they are extremely different from each other, both can provide tons of value to cardholders. But… read more

Chase Sapphire Reserve Upgraded Points LLC Large 1

September 22, 2022

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club To Launch in 9 Airports [D.C. Announced!]

For quite some time, American Express has been the dominant credit card issuer in terms of the airport lounge experience via its network of Centurion Lounges. Recently, however, other issuers have gotten in on the action, with Capital One opening… read more

September 21, 2022

Hyatt To Open 20 New Hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean

Travel has roared back over the course of this year with the number of daily travelers approaching pre-pandemic levels. To capitalize on the increased demand for leisure travel, Hyatt is set to open 20 new luxury and lifestyle hotels and… read more

September 21, 2022

Fast Track to Southwest Elite Status With This Promotion [Ends November 30]

Southwest is making it easier to achieve elite status. The Dallas-based carrier has rolled out a new promotion that offers 3 ways to help frequent flyers of the airline achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status. Here is a look at… read more

September 21, 2022

[Expired] Buy Avianca LifeMiles and Get Up to a 120% Bonus [Ends September 29]

Update: The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Though many are unfamiliar with it, Avianca LifeMiles is a useful program to leverage when booking award tickets with Star Alliance carriers. And while you wouldn’t ordinarily want… read more

Female traveler looking at airline departure board at airport

September 17, 2022

September Point Purchase Promotions & Bonuses [Up to 100% Bonus]

There is no shortage of ways to earn points and miles. From credit card welcome bonuses to bonus categories, shopping portals, and dining programs, the list goes on and on. Given the numerous options, travelers are often conflicted about purchasing… read more

September 15, 2022

Buy Wyndham Points With a 25% Discount [0.975 Cents per Point]

The latest Wyndham Rewards promotion allows you to purchase Wyndham points with a 25% discount through October 24, 2022. Here are the details of the promotion, a look at whether it’s a good deal, and how you can put these… read more

September 14, 2022

Earn 70K Miles After 1 Purchase With the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Card

Usually, credit card welcome bonuses come with minimum-spend requirements that require you to spend a few thousand dollars on the card in order to receive the bonus. This is not the case, however, for the latest welcome bonus on the… read more

September 14, 2022

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card vs. Freedom Flex Card [Detailed Comparison]

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Chase Freedom Flex℠ are 2 of the top cash-back credit cards on the market. Each offers great bonus categories, interesting card benefits, statement credits, and protections to help keep you… read more

September 13, 2022

[Expired] Get Up to a 35% Bonus When You Buy Emirates Skywards Miles

Update: The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Emirates offers some of the very best inflight experiences in the world, but booking award tickets in its premium cabins is mostly limited to those who do so… read more

September 12, 2022

[Expired] Get Up to a 60% Bonus When You Buy Alaska Miles [Ends September 15]

Update: The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Alaska Airlines offers one of the most valuable airline mileage programs in Mileage Plan. The only downside is that it can be difficult to accrue a large number… read more

September 8, 2022

Wells Fargo Autograph Card — Full Review [2022]

The information regarding the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is an excellent no annual fee card that offers 3x rewards on 6… read more

Couple walking with luggage through airport

September 7, 2022

The 20 Best Credit Card Welcome Offer Bonuses in September 2022

One of the best things about a new travel rewards credit card is the massive welcome bonuses it can offer that can provide a much-needed boost you your point balance, and get you well on your way towards booking your… read more

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Jarrod West

Jarrod's Latest Posts

Get Up to an 85% Bonus When Buying Air Canada Aeroplan Points

New Delta Personal & Business Card Offers [Up to 100k SkyMiles!]

Amex Launches Travel More With +4 Promotion for Businesses

Chase and DoorDash to Launch New Credit Card

New Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card Launch and Updates to Brilliant Card [Full Details]

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card- Full Review [2022]

New Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card Launch [Is It Worth It?]

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card vs. Amex Platinum Card [Detailed Comparison]

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club To Launch in 9 Airports [D.C. Announced!]

Hyatt To Open 20 New Hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean

Fast Track to Southwest Elite Status With This Promotion [Ends November 30]

[Expired] Buy Avianca LifeMiles and Get Up to a 120% Bonus [Ends September 29]

September Point Purchase Promotions & Bonuses [Up to 100% Bonus]

Buy Wyndham Points With a 25% Discount [0.975 Cents per Point]

Earn 70K Miles After 1 Purchase With the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Card

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card vs. Freedom Flex Card [Detailed Comparison]

[Expired] Get Up to a 35% Bonus When You Buy Emirates Skywards Miles

[Expired] Get Up to a 60% Bonus When You Buy Alaska Miles [Ends September 15]

Wells Fargo Autograph Card — Full Review [2022]

The 20 Best Credit Card Welcome Offer Bonuses in September 2022

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