Rethinking Elite Status and Smarter Ways to Earn and Use Points
Mar 26, 2025•52 min•Ep. 220
Episode description
#220: Is chasing elite status worth it? Chris shares his journey of earning elite status with 8 hotel and airline loyalty programs for 2025, weighing the pros and cons amid recent devaluations. He also highlights listener stories showcasing over $100,000 in combined savings through smart points and miles strategies.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/rethinking-elite-status-listener-wins
Partner Deals
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Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Bilt Air France-KLM Flying Blue Status Match
Marriott Free Breakfast Article
Marriott Secret Award Chart
Loyalty Point Hunters
Credit Cards
Alaska Airlines® Business Card
AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Automate Card-Linked Offers
CardPointers Pro: 30% off here or 50% off for ATH members
SaveWise
Prenuvo: Get $300 off a whole body scan
TV Show Recommendations:
Paradise
Landman
Silo
The Day of the Jackal
Free Unclaimed Money Site
Pic of Brandon at Lowe’s
ATH Podcast
Ep #101: Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever with Brandon Pressor
Ep #102: Traveling to Japan with Points & Miles
Ep #166: Best Award Search Tools for Booking Flights with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler
Ep #182: Shortcuts to Elite Travel Status with Greg the Frequent Miler
Ep #216: Purpose, Friendship, and Human Skills with Simon Sinek
Ep #215: Medical Travel: Better Care and Lower Costs for Surgery, IVF, Dental, Advanced Screenings and More with Josef Woodman
Iceland 2025 Trip
Membership
Newsletter
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Email for questions, hacks, wins, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:06) Quick Overview
(03:13) Southwest Airlines: A-List Status
(07:43) United and Delta Status
(11:16) Earning American Airlines Status
(13:58) The Perks of Marriott Elite Status
(19:55) Achieving Top-Tier Hyatt Status
(23:56) Hilton Honors Elite Status
(25:01) Is Chasing Status Actually Worth It?
(32:26) Leveraging Card-Linked Offers and Tools to Automate
(40:52) TV Show Recommendations
(41:53) How to Avoid Uber Fees Abroad
(42:16) Get Free Unclaimed Money From Your State
(44:26) Amazing Listener Wins
Connect with Chris
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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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