Rethinking Elite Status and Smarter Ways to Earn and Use Points

All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

#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

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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
• Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Email for questions, hacks, wins, deals, and feedback: [e-mail]

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

Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn

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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