Ryan Smith

California

News Managing Editor at Upgraded Points

I've visited every country! News Managing Editor @upgradedpoints Bylines at: AwardWallet, CNBC Select, Forbes Advisor, TPG, USA Today Blueprint & Tripadvisor

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Articles

Upgraded Points' Mid-Year 2025 Update

1 week ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

Every year, our writers and editors travel the world, and elite status with airline and hotel rewards programs factor into these travel plans. Whether it’s for upgraded seats, room upgrades, or complimentary breakfast, elite status can provide some nice perks. However, some status tiers are easier to earn than others. As we approach the middle of the year, it’s time to check in with our team. How are these elite status plans coming along? Let’s take a look.
Why We Gladly Spend $2,000 a Year on Amex Card Annual Fees

1 week ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

If you had told me 5 or 10 years ago that my wife and I pay nearly $2,000 in American Express card annual fees, I would’ve laughed in your face. Now, though, it makes sense to us.
Iberia Devaluation Increases Award Flight Costs on Most Flights

1 week ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

After accidentally leaking the information online yesterday and then removing it (remember that there are always receipts!), Iberia has now enacted its new award pricing. There’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that most prices are going up for Iberia’s flights to the U.S., based on how many Avios you’ll need for a flight. The good news is that those willing to book basic economy may pay less.
Bilt Rewards Pausing Points Transfers to Emirates This Summer

1 week ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

Advertiser DisclosureMany of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
New 50K Welcome Bonus on the Mesa Homeowners Card

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

The Mesa Homeowners Card launched in 2024 for an underserved market: earning points on homeowners’ expenses. Along with earning points on mortgages, cardholders can earn points on home improvements, childcare, gas, and more. Previously, new applicants for the Mesa card could earn 5,000 bonus points using a referral. Now, there’s a 50,000-point welcome offer available — 10x the card’s previous bonus.
The best credit cards for commuting expenses

2 weeks ago | thepointsguy.com | Ryan Smith

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
5 Reasons I Avoid Booking the Cheapest Flight Option

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

In an ideal world, I would always book the cheapest flight to get me from Point A to Point B, whether I’m paying with points, cash, or a combination of the 2. Unfortunately, the cheapest flight isn’t always a good option. Instead, I often find myself skipping over the cheapest flight, but the reasons I do so have nothing to do with elite status. I’m not paying more to fly a specific airline to qualify for Gold status or enjoy perks with a particular airline program.
100K Bonus Miles on the AAdvantage Executive World Elite Card

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

Right now, new applicants of the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® have the limited-time opportunity to earn 100,000 bonus miles from its welcome offer. Based on our valuations, these miles are worth $1,400. This card also comes with numerous perks, and the headline benefit is a membership to American Airlines’ Admirals Club lounges. Let’s take a look at this new welcome offer and other perks that come with the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card.
How I Spent 5 Days in the Happiest Country on Earth, Finland

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

The author visited as an invited guest of Visit Finland. All opinions are the author’s own, and no one from Visit Finland had input in any part of this story. For the eighth year in a row, Finland has been crowned the world’s happiest nation. It’s also a great place to visit, even if you aren’t among its happy citizens. Part of what makes Finns so happy is their access to nature — something they want to provide to visitors and preserve through sustainability initiatives and ecotourism.
Save 25% or More on Expedia, Vrbo & Hotels.com

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

Advertiser DisclosureMany of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.