About Juan Ruiz
Juan has been writing and editing stories about credit cards, loyalty programs, travel, and personal finance for over 10 years. In addition to working and contributing to a number of outlets, including The Points Guy, Forbes, Business Insider, CNN, and Credit Karma as well as participating in the Geobreeze Travel Podcast and Positively Dad show — Juan was recently the editor-in-chief at Money Under 30 where he led a team of personal finance journalists. He is also an adjunct professor at Florida International University and a licensed real estate agent.
Juan’s insatiable case of wanderlust began in elementary school, with his parents sending him as a solo traveler to Bogota, Colombia in order to spend summers with his grandma and extended family. Today, Juan has visited 40 countries, including studying abroad in Australia. Some of his favorite places include Tokyo, Uruguay, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro.
Juan, his wife Stephanie, and 3 daughters live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they embark on travel adventures worldwide using points and miles earned from more than 25 credit cards he possesses. His crowning achievement is showing his three daughters the world through a global lens.
Juan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Florida International University and a Master’s of Education from the University of Miami.
You can follow Juan on Instagram and Twitter.
Countries Visited: 40
U.S. States Visited: 27
Highest Hotel Status: World of Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Highest Airline Status: American AAdvantage Gold, JetBlue Mosaic
Favorite Airline Alliance: Oneworld
Favorite Business Class: Qatar Qsuite
Favorite First Class: Singapore First Class Suite
Best Redemption Value: Cathay Pacific long-haul business class for 4 at 50,000 Alaska miles per person. Cash value? $35,000!
Favorite Type of Points: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Top 3 Cards in Wallet: American Express® Gold Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Countries Visited
U.S. States Visited
World of Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
American AAdvantage Gold, JetBlue Mosaic
Oneworld
Singapore First Class Suite
Qatar Qsuite
Cathay Pacific long-haul business class for 4 at 50,000 Alaska miles per person. Cash value? $35,000!
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Juan's Latest Articles
See More Articles[Expired] Save 33% Off Virgin Atlantic Award Tickets [Ends November 27]
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Virgin Atlantic is offering another sale through which you can book an award flight and save 33% off the number of Virgin Points required between November 23, 2023, and…
Aeromexico Announces New Daily Service to Raleigh-Durham
Aeromexico has confirmed that starting July 1, 2024, it will begin operating daily flights to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina from Mexico City International Airport (MEX). This move is part of the airline’s ambitious expansion into the U.S….
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in South Beach [In-Depth Review]
The author was traveling as an invited guest of the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel. All opinions are the author’s own, and the hotel had no input in any part of this review. South Beach, which began as a coconut farm in the…
The Time New York [In-Depth JdV by Hyatt Hotel Review]
Visiting New York City is always something to look forward to. Unfortunately, staying at a hotel in the city can be expensive and leave a significant dent in your budget. In fact, New York City takes the top prize as the U.S….
Citi ThankYou Rewards Adds Leaders Club as Hotel Transfer Partner
Any time a well-known transferable rewards program adds a new transfer partner, it’s good news. Even better is when that new partner has a distinctive hotel reward program with an excellent portfolio of over 400 independent luxury hotels spread over more…
Select Chase Cards Targeted for a Limited-Time 5x to 10x Spending Bonus
Chase’s newest targeted offers allow you to earn 5x to 10x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and Amazon on up to $1,000 in combined spend from October 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, on select co-branded cards. Chase has…
Dining at Centurion New York: A Peek Into Amex’s Exclusive Members-Only Club
I planned a trip to New York in late August to cover the U.S. Open and all of the great activations that American Express and other card issuers and travel companies were putting on. In light of my visit to…
6 Benefits of the Amex Business Platinum Card I’ve Used for the First Time This Year
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is widely regarded as the most benefit-laden business card in the industry. Cardmembers enjoy a wide range of attractive perks and benefits, including airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and a variety of…
Why the Ink Business Cash Card Is Essential to My Point-Earning Strategy
I’ve had the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card in my wallet for more than a decade, and it’s still a vital part of how I earn travel rewards. It was also the first business card I opened in 2012 to…
Andaz Macau Opens as Brand’s Largest Property Worldwide
Hyatt has recently opened its first and largest Andaz hotel in Macau, continuing the brand’s growth. Let’s take a look at all the details. Andaz Macau Has More Than 700 Rooms The Andaz Macau provides a variety of accommodations with…
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa [In-Depth Review]
Since I live in South Florida and have young children, my family often treks north to Orlando for the weekend. These trips allow us to visit different theme parks and dive into the magical world of Disney. I’ve had the…
Save Up to 15% On Hyatt Stays During Football Season
Football season has officially arrived, and fans are eager to watch their favorite team on the big screen or at a stadium near them. In addition, Hyatt is honoring the start of the football season by offering travelers savings from…
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa [In-Depth Hotel Review]
While contemplating the perfect way to celebrate my twin daughters’ birthday during the blistering summer in South Florida, I decided to plan a fun weekend for them that would not just leave them with lasting memories but also serve as a respite from…
UP Takes the U.S. Open: Exclusive Benefits for Cardholders and Tennis Fans
For tennis fans, witnessing the U.S. Open Tennis Championships is akin to the feeling football and baseball fans get if they have the chance to go to the Super Bowl or the World Series. More commonly known as the U.S….
[Expired] Earn 1,000 Miles Through This Promotion From Delta and Starbucks
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Delta and Starbucks have announced a new limited-time promotion through which you can earn 1,000 bonus Delta SkyMiles when making purchases at Starbucks. This is excellent news if you like to earn…
Hilton Santa Marta in Colombia [In-Depth Hotel Review]
The majority of foreign first-time visitors to Colombia are drawn to the charming colonial city of Cartagena, located on the country’s Caribbean coast. While Cartagena has a lot to offer visitors with its colorful walled city, world-class restaurants, bustling nightlife,…
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami [In-depth Review]
Key Biscayne is a 5-mile-long barrier island paradise just minutes from downtown Miami. You’ll leave the mainland behind as you journey over the stunning Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne where you’ll find sandy beaches, nature preserves, and restaurants with amazing views….
[Expired] Transfer Citi ThankYou Points to Cathay Pacific With a 15% Bonus
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. If you have Citi ThankYou Points and want to get the most out of them, there’s a deal worth considering. Right now, you can receive a 15% bonus when…
[Expired] New 25,000-Point Welcome Bonus Offer for Citi Rewards+ Card
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. While the Citi Rewards+® Card isn’t as well-known as some other travel rewards cards, it’s a great choice for customers who want to rack up valuable ThankYou Points without…
Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai [In-depth Review]
As a first-time traveler to Dubai, I decided to poll all of my friends who had traveled extensively for their input on the best neighborhood in Dubai to use as a home base from which to explore the city, as…
New Hyatt Studios Brand Debuts For Extended-stay Travelers
Hyatt has announced plans to launch a new extended-stay brand called Hyatt Studios. Sitting somewhere in the middle of full-service and limited-service hotels, the Hyatt Studios brand will join the likes of existing Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, and Caption by…
Find out about other members of the team
Alex Miller
Founder & CEO
Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.
Andrew Kunesh
Former Content Contributor
Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.
Ashley Onadele
Content Contributor
Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.
Brandon Brunner
Former Content Contributor
Brandon was born and raised in California and really didn’t travel much growing up, even outside of his own state. While attending college, he was constantly looking to find the cheapest fares to any destination abroad, and quickly learned about the motto- “Chase the fare, not the destination”. Luckily, his first international flight was to Costa Rica (under $300 roundtrip) where that “Pura Vida” lifestyle (and Imperials) hit him hard, and he knew he had to see more.
Brian Graham
Former Content Contributor
Brian’s first ever airplane ride was in a private turbo-prop jet. He was merely an intern boy trying to make a good impression, but it turns out the plane made an impression on him.
Carissa Rawson
Senior Content Contributor
Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business Insider, Forbes, and more.
Caroline Lupini
Former Content Contributor
Caroline Lupini always enjoyed traveling, but it became her goal to do as much as possible after a 3-week trip around Europe in 2011. In March 2014, Caroline left her job and embarked on nearly full-time travels.
Charlie Page
Former Content Contributor
Charlie is a Senior First Officer and has been an airline pilot for nearly 15 years. He currently flies long-haul on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner after 10 years buzzing around Europe on the A320. He got into travel and aviation from an early age, fortunate enough to be taken on some great family holidays.
Cherag Dubash
Content Contributor
Cherag was born in a family associated with aviation and was hooked on to planes since the age of 3, the time he undertook his first flight on an Airbus A310 from Mumbai to Dubai.
Chris Dong
Editor
Chris is a freelance writer and editor with a focus on timely travel trends, points and miles, hot new hotels, and all things that go (he’s a proud aviation geek and transit nerd). Formerly full time at The Points Guy, his work can now be found at AFAR, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Washington Post, and Lonely Planet, among others
Chris Hassan
Social Media & Brand Manager
Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.
Christine Krzyszton
Senior Finance Contributor
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
Christy Rodriguez
Travel & Finance Content Contributor
After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.
David Slotnick
Former Content Contributor
Born and raised in New York, David still remembers his first flight when he was only four years old: a U.S. Airways trip from New York-La Guardia to Palm Beach, Florida. He formed his love of travel around that and other family vacations, including to England at age eight and Namibia when he was 13. During college, a four-country trip around Europe with a friend cemented his passion for seeing the world.
Erin Miller
Content Contributor
An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.
Greg Stone
Content Contributor
Greg got bitten by the travel bug at a young age while traveling with his Dad on business trips to Asia. He took over the family business in 2012 and uses it to maximize his loyalty points earning. His obsession with earning and burning loyalty rewards points allows him to travel over 100 days every year.
Jarrod West
Senior Content Contributor
Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.
Jeff Brownson
Former Content Contributor
Since discovering miles and points in 2010, Jeff has traveled to over 35 countries, flying in first class, business class, and sometimes even in coach. Whether he’s staying in a hostel dorm, or in a luxury suite at a 5 star hotel, Jeff is constantly looking for the best deal to make travel as close to free as possible.
Katie Seemann
Senior Content Contributor
Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure and Forbes Advisor.
Kellie Jez
Director of Operations & Compliance
Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s compliance operation.
Keri Stooksbury
Editor-in-Chief
With years of experience in corporate marketing and with a nonprofit, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and reviewing thousands of UP articles in the process.
Lindsey Olander
Former Content Contributor
Currently based in New York, Lindsey spent her childhood in Connecticut dreaming of far-off places. Her first flight was to Disney World at age 11. Her second flight was for a high school field trip to Italy, though travel as a career didn’t stick until she studied abroad in London during college and discovered the true power of her passport. Since then, she’s worked as a travel editor at Jetsetter and Travel + Leisure, where she reported on everything from African safaris to hot hotel openings to, yes, Disney World.
Lori Zaino
Content Contributor
Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.
Lukas Picton
Former Content Contributor
Lukas escaped his hometown south of Sydney and moved to the big smoke immediately after high-school, but the bright lights of the city weren’t enough, and he soon set his sights on more exotic international destinations and has been in love with travel ever since.
Michael McHugh
Former Content Contributor
Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Michael took his first international trip in 2013 with friends to the Bahamas. Although he didn’t travel much in his younger years, on that trip, he caught the travel bug and has been hooked ever since.
Michael Y. Park
Editor
Michael Y. Park is a journalist living in New York City. He’s traveled through Afghanistan disguised as a Hazara Shi’ite, slept with polar bears on the Canadian tundra, picnicked with the king and queen of Malaysia, tramped around organic farms in Cuba, ridden the world’s longest train through the Sahara, and choked down gasoline clams in North Korea.
Nick Ellis
Editor & Content Contributor
Nick’s passion for points began as a hobby and became a career. He worked for over 5 years at The Points Guy and has contributed to Business Insider and CNN. He has 14 credit cards and continues to leverage the perks of each.
Ryan Smith
Content Contributor
Ryan has been on a quest to visit every country in the world and plans to hit his final country in 2023. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.
Spencer Howard
Former Content Contributor
Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.
Stephen Au
Senior Content Contributor
Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.
Susan Wright
Former Finance Contributor
While writing about finance and insurance isn’t something that keeps most people awake at night, it is what Susan Wright has focused on for more than 25 years. As a financial copywriter, Susan has an eye for money-related details such as credit and savings, and she loves to pass along helpful information to consumers. Susan holds 11 financial industry designations (including CLU, ChFC, RHU, REBC, ADPA, CITRMS, CIPA) as well as several licenses.
Ehsan Haque
Content Contributor
Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.
Victoria M. Walker
Senior Content Contributor
Victoria holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications and is an award-winning journalist, travel reporter, and the founder of the “Travel With Vikkie” newsletter.
Stella Shon
Compliance Editor & Content Contributor
With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in The New York Times, USA Today, and more.
James Larounis
Senior Content Contributor
James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.
Daniel Ross
Senior Content Contributor
Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points Guy, and more.
Jessica Merritt
Editor & Content Contributor
A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.
Amar Hussain
Senior Content Contributor
Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.
UP's Bonus Valuation
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.