This is a clip from a recent full-length episode:
https://hurdygurdytravel.com/2026/08/05/miles-and-points-with-matthew-dong/
Hilton and Hyatt Credit Card Strategy, Citi AAdvantage Executive Changes & Amex Green Strategy with Matthew Dong
Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes Matthew Dong to discuss building a smarter travel rewards strategy with credit cards, hotel programs, airline lounges, and upgrade opportunities.
Justin and Matthew compare Hilton and Hyatt strategy, including why Matthew is expanding beyond Hyatt and focusing more on Hilton for better resort options in places like Hawaii. Matthew explains how he started with cashback before moving deeper into points and miles with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and shares luxury redemption highlights including Emirates First Class, Qatar Qsuites to the Maldives, and a Park Hyatt Maldives stay.
Matthew also explains his current Hilton Surpass Card strategy, including using referrals, buying groups, and planned spending to reach the $15,000 and $30,000 spending thresholds for Hilton free night certificates. He also discusses a possible future Hilton Surpass to Hilton Aspire upgrade to maximize resort credits, airline credits, and premium Hilton benefits.
The conversation also covers major Citi AAdvantage Executive Card changes, including the annual fee increasing, portal credits, Lyft credits, and loyalty point boosts. Justin and Matthew discuss who may still benefit from the card and who may want to reconsider it after the fee hike.
They also discuss the American Express Green Card as a downgrade and upgrade tool, including how it can help preserve Membership Rewards points, trigger upgrade offers, and potentially become more valuable if Amex refreshes the card.
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