Stephen's Latest Posts
16 Best Renaissance Hotels To Book With Points [for Max Value]
Renaissance Hotels is one of Marriott Bonvoy’s 30+ brands — and as a premium brand offering full-service amenities, there’s a lot to love about this brand. In particular, we love Renaissance Hotels because there are many opportunities to redeem points…
The 9 Best Credit Cards for Teachers in 2024 [Personal & Business]
Teaching is one of the noblest professions, as teachers are entrusted with educating the next generation. And while teachers are often underpaid, they are also expected to foot the bill for common school supplies like pencils, markers, and notebooks. Over…
The 9 Best Puerto Vallarta Hotels To Book With Points [for Max Value]
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s charming beach towns. If you enjoy white sand beaches, a charming small-town feel, gastronomy, and Mexican culture, this city should definitely be on your wish list. In addition to having beautiful beaches, fantastic marine…
10 Best Credit Cards With Annual Fees Under $100 [2024]
We’ve all seen annual fees for certain credit cards slowly creep up over the years. If you’re looking to make a change to your portfolio, one of the biggest aspects of a credit card you should consider is the annual…
The Best Ways To Fly to the Middle East and North Africa With Points and Miles
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is one of the world’s most interesting places. And while there are a few countries ridden with internal strife there, this area is truly one of the most culturally significant and historic…
The 9 Best Credit Cards for Clothes Shopping [2024]
One of the areas of credit card rewards that’s fraught with misinformation is clothes shopping. With thousands of different companies to shop at, thousands of different store credit cards you can sign up for, and countless types of reward structures,…
The 7 Best Punta Cana Hotels To Book With Points [for Max Value]
Punta Cana isn’t quite as popular as Cancún or Cabo, but the Dominican Republic’s easternmost city is famed for its 20-mile stretch of white sand beaches, clear waters, and delightful people. And although Punta Cana has plenty to do, including zip-lining,…
The 7 Best Los Cabos Hotels To Book With Points [for Max Value]
San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are 2 of Mexico’s most frequented beach towns, especially by the wealthy. If you’re staying at a luxury resort in Los Cabos, there’s a decent chance you’ll spot a celebrity, depending on…
14 Best Ways To Redeem Points & Miles With Low Taxes, Fees & Surcharges
If you’ve ever used points and miles, chances are you’ve seen interesting variations in the “taxes and fees” you have to pay. After all, if you’re redeeming points, why should you have to pay extra? This makes sense in theory,…
The Amex Platinum Card – How To Use the Annual $200 Prepaid Hotel Credit
If you can maximize your card’s benefits, the value proposition of The Platinum Card® from American Express has never been greater. Our guide will walk you through all the nuances of the up to $200 prepaid hotel credit and inspire…
16 Best Marriott Hotels & Resorts To Book With Points [for Max Value]
Marriott Hotels & Resorts is the classic, full-service, namesake brand within the greater Marriott International portfolio of over 30 brands. It’s associated with a full-service hotel concept, offering plenty of facilities and amenities for city hotels and resorts alike. Even…
The 15 Best U.S. Domestic Flight Redemptions for Max Value [2023]
At Upgraded Points, we are big fans of being world travelers — visiting the most exotic, far-and-away destinations, and doing so in first class while enjoying pure luxury and opulence. But sometimes, domestic travel is just as reinvigorating. It’s possible…
The 8 Best Las Vegas Hotels To Book With Points [for Max Value]
Heading to Las Vegas? Trying to figure out how to book Sin City hotels for free? You’re not alone! Whether you’re visiting Las Vegas for business, casinos, shows, or even the famous buffets, there’s plenty of luxuries to look forward…
The 8 Best Credit Cards for Pharmacies & Drugstores [2024]
If you’re finding yourself frequently visiting the pharmacy or drugstore to make purchases, you should think twice before swiping any random credit card in your wallet. The truth is that it’s possible to earn lots of generous rewards by using…
16 Best Design Hotels To Book With Points [for Max Value]
Design Hotels is one of the most niche brands in Marriott’s portfolio. Started in 1993, this Berlin-based company was acquired under a majority 72% ownership by Starwood Hotels Group. And when Marriott merged with Starwood, it absorbed Design Hotels by…
17 Best Ways To Redeem a Hilton Free Night Certificate for Maximum Value [2024]
A free night certificate is one of the biggest money savers you can use when booking travel. While it’s hard to imagine that you could ever get anything for free, getting these certificates as a credit cardholder is possible. With…
How To Get the Amex Centurion Black Card [2024]
We’ve all heard of the ultra-exclusive “black card” before. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Amex’s black card is reserved for the ultra-wealthy and big-spending hotshots. Officially known as the Centurion® Card from American Express, it’s…
The 8 Best Cancún Hotels To Book With Points [for Max Value]
Cancún is just a short flight away from the U.S. It’s a popular tourist destination year-round, but especially so during the spring and summer months, as well as the Christmas holiday season. Known for exceptional white-sand beaches, a lively culture,…
The 17 Best Ways To Redeem LATAM Pass Miles [2024]
LATAM is Latin America’s largest airline company when you consider all of its subsidiaries. And although its history can be traced back to the early 20th century, the collective holding company was established in 2012 as a result of LAN’s…
Santander Credit Cards & Rewards Program [2023]
Santander Bank, also known as Banco Santander (and formerly known as Sovereign Bank), is a Boston-based company boasting an array of financial services and products, including retail operations, mortgages, corporate banking, insurance, wealth management, capital markets, and more. Although Santander…
16 Best Hotels From The Luxury Collection To Book With Points [for Max Value]
Perhaps the best-kept secret of the luxury hotel world is Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection, which often represents an incredible use of Marriott Bonvoy points. One of Marriott Bonvoy’s luxury brands, this brand’s history traces back all the way to…