Everyone talks about which cards to get. This episode is about which cards we actually use and why.
Before the main segment, Chris and Katie share their latest travel updates, then conduct a full wallet audit, breaking down every card they carry across eight spending categories: travel and transit, dining and groceries, phone, utilities, internet, streaming, gas, and everything else.
Chris makes the case for keeping the Citi Prestige® Card in 2026, explains why the Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold Card don't make sense for someone living abroad, and walks through how hotel cards earn their keep beyond just the points.
Katie breaks down her American Express® Business Gold Card setup, why she kept the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card after the Chase Sapphire Reserve® changes, and how she's stacking Loyalty Points on everything else with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
Plus, the case for doing your own annual wallet audit.
Chapters:
00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 71
01:08 Paze
06:20 Travel Cards
11:50 Dining Cards
16:10 Utilities Cards
18:39 Gas & EV Charging
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