World of Hyatt Credit Card Review 2024

Vault’s Viewpoint on the World of Hyatt Credit Card

If you stay at Hyatt hotels on a regular basis, the World of Hyatt Credit Card is the ideal credit card for you. The hotel credit card has unmatched earning power on Hyatt purchases, and it includes an annual free night when you renew the card. Based on your spending, you may be able to earn a second free night.

Travelers who value hotel elite status benefits won’t be disappointed. You start out with World of Hyatt Discoverist and receive five qualifying night credits toward even higher levels. Plus, you can earn two additional credits for every $5,000 you spend on the card each year.

The card includes additional value even when you’re not staying at Hyatt properties. You’ll receive travel and purchase protections on all eligible Hyatt credit card purchases. These benefits cover you in multiple situations, including when your bags are lost or delayed, your rental car is damaged or your trip is canceled.

World of Hyatt Credit Card Highlights

• Annual Fee: $95
• Sign-up bonus: Earn 30,000 points when you spend at least $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 30,000 more points by getting two bonus points on every dollar spent during the first six months following account opening (on up to $15,000 in purchases).
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Earning Rewards With the World of Hyatt

Use your World of Hyatt credit card to earn extra points at Hyatt and rewards on all of your everyday purchases. There are no limits on the number of points you can earn, and your rewards don’t expire as long as your Hyatt credit card remains open.

• 4 bonus points for using the World of Hyatt card on purchases at all Hyatt hotels
• Plus 5 base points for being a World of Hyatt member
• 2 bonus points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, local transit and commuting, fitness club and gym memberships.
• 1 bonus point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Redeeming Rewards

World of Hyatt points are typically best used to book award reservations at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts. But members of the World of Hyatt loyalty program have numerous redemption options to choose from. Redemption options include the following:

Free Nights at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts

Your points can be used to book award reservations at more than 1,300 hotels and all-inclusive resorts in 76 countries. Free nights start at just 3,500 points, but the price varies by hotel, type of room and when you’re traveling. There are eight hotel categories, and prices change based on off-peak, standard and peak travel dates. Points can be redeemed for standard rooms, club rooms, standard suites and premium suites.

The World of Hyatt free night award chart shows the price for each hotel category and type of room. Hyatt stands out among its competitors for this price transparency, compared to Marriott, IHG and Hilton have all moved to dynamic pricing for their loyalty programs.

Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt

Many travelers prefer the feel of home while on vacation. Hyatt now offers unique vacation rentals, private homes and more where members can earn and redeem points. These trips also count toward earning elite status. Stays start at 35,000 points per night during the off-season.

All-Inclusive Resort Getaways

At Hyatt all-inclusive properties, not only will your points cover your room, but food, drinks and activities are also included. Off-peak award stays start at 12,000 points, but the price varies based on hotel category, type of room and travel dates. The price in the Hyatt award chart includes single or double occupancy, and Hyatt charges for additional guests range from 6,500 to 29,000 per night. There is a maximum of four people per room.

Hyatt has been expanding its all-inclusive brands, and it now offers rooms at 10 separate brands, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Breathless Resorts & Spas and more.

Wellness Escapes at Miraval Resorts

Miraval Resorts are all-inclusive properties, but they’re focused on wellness rather than the typical all-you-can-eat-and-drink philosophy at other resorts. Guests at these properties receive gourmet cuisine, freshly prepared snacks, healthy drinks and more. Plus, your stay includes complimentary wellness activities, lectures, fitness classes and more.

Prices for Miraval Resorts are based on room type, occupancy and travel dates. Prices start at 40,000 points per night for single occupancy during off-peak times of the year. But these luxury accommodations also include a $175 resort credit per person to pay for enhancements during your stay.

Points + Cash Reservations

The Points + Cash option allows members to book reservations when they don’t have enough points for the full stay. This is an excellent option for people who are saving points for another vacation. But when searching for rooms, you may not find the Points + Cash option available for your preferred travel dates.

These reservations start at 1,750 Hyatt points and cash during off-peak travel dates. Like the standard award chart, the number of points and the cash amount varies by hotel category, room type and travel dates. The number of points required is typically 50% of the standard free night amount plus cash. If you’re strategic with how you book these reservations, you may be able to save a significant amount of money.

Room Upgrades

Members can use their points to upgrade their rooms on a paid stay. It costs 3,000 points per night for a Club level room, 6,000 points for a suite upgrade and 9,000 points for a premium suite upgrade. Depending on the price difference between a standard room and these upgrades, using your points this way can be valuable.

FIND Experiences, Dining Credits, Massages and More

Point redemptions are also available for more than just rooms. Hyatt offers an array of experiences and credits to enhance your vacation. Use your points at participating Hyatt locations for dining, spa and other credits. FIND Experiences offers more than 500 activities ranging from culture and community, arts, restoration and exploration. Prices for credits and experiences start at 1,000 points.

Gift Points to Friends and Family

Members can transfer points to friends and family so they can book award stays and experiences. You’re limited to one transfer (sending or receiving points) every 30 days. To request a points transfer, complete this Point Combining Request Form and send it to Hyatt by email or postal mail.

Convert Hyatt Points Into Airline Miles

To help cover the cost of your trip, you can also convert your World of Hyatt points into airline miles. Hyatt partners with more than 25 airlines to turn Hyatt points into airline miles at various conversion rates. Partners include Air France, American Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines.

Rates and Fees

It is important to understand the interest rates and fees associated with the World of Hyatt credit card. Review these details to know what you may be charged for common situations.

• Annual fee: $95
• Intro APR: N/A
• Variable APR: 21.49% – 28.49%
• Balance transfer fee: 5% (min $5)
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Late fee: Up to $40
• Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable
• Cash advance fee: 5% (min $10)
• Cash advance APR: 29.99%

Other Benefits of the World of Hyatt

• Annual free night (Category 1-4)
• Second annual free night when you spend at least $15,000 per year
• Automatic Discoverist elite status
• Five elite qualifying night credits each year plus two additional for every $5,000 spent per year.
• Complimentary travel and purchase protections
• No foreign transaction fees

Who Is the World of Hyatt Card Best For?

The World of Hyatt credit card is best for travelers who prefer staying at Hyatt hotels and resorts. This card earns up to 9x points on Hyatt purchases, and it includes automatic Discoverist elite status. For members who want to earn even higher elite status, it includes five qualifying night credits and the ability to earn an additional two night credits for every $5,000 spent each year.

Each year, cardholders receive an annual free night for a stay at a Category 1-4 property. When they spend at least $15,000 in a calendar year, they’ll receive a second Category 1-4 free night. With an annual fee of $95, the free night benefits alone can easily justify keeping the card. If you have enough points, you can combine your annual free nights with points reservations for a longer vacation.

Who Should Consider An Alternative to the World of Hyatt Credit Card?

Hyatt continues to expand its reach, but it has a significantly smaller footprint than some competitors, like IHG, Hilton or Marriott. When it does have hotels in the places you travel, there’s no guarantee that your preferred Hyatt brand is located there. For instance, you may be traveling for a special occasion, and the only brand in the area is Hyatt Place, or you want a budget-friendly stay, but all that’s available is a premium brand like Park Hyatt.

Travelers who want more flexibility with their rewards should consider an alternative rewards credit card. This may mean getting a general travel credit card with flexible rewards that can be redeemed for cash, travel and more. Other travelers may be happier with a hotel credit card with a larger presence, like Marriott or Hilton.

How Does the World of Hyatt Card Stack Up to Its Competitors?

The World of Hyatt Card is an excellent choice for travelers who prefer to stay at Hyatt hotels and resorts. It includes unique perks and earning power when staying at Hyatt properties, but it may not be the best travel credit card for all travelers. Before applying, consider one of these alternatives.

World of Hyatt Credit Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Travelers who want more flexibility will love the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This card earns flexible points that can be redeemed for travel, cash back and more. Points can also be transferred to Hyatt when you want to book an award reservation.

While it doesn’t include Hyatt elite status, it does have other valuable perks. When you book travel through Chase Travel, your points are worth 25% more, and you’ll receive up to $50 in statement credits per year on hotel reservations purchased through Chase Travel. Plus, Chase gives bonus points totaling 10% of your annual spending from the previous year on each account anniversary.

World of Hyatt Credit Card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card

The Hyatt brand may not be the right choice for you, so consider earning Marriott Bonvoy points and benefits with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card. This card earns up to 17x points on Marriott stays and includes an annual free night worth up to 35,000 points.

Like the World of Hyatt Card, the Boundless Card also comes with elite status and elite night credits. With the Marriott card, you’ll get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status and 15 elite night credits toward higher levels. Plus, cardholders can upgrade to Gold status when they spend $35,000 in a calendar year. To earn Hyatt Explorist status, the next level above Discoverist, World of Hyatt cardholders would have to spend $65,000 each year, which is almost double the required spending.

World of Hyatt Credit Card vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Hilton is another hotel brand with properties across the world that may be a better option for travelers over Hyatt. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers similar benefits as the World of Hyatt Card, including automatic elite status and higher earning power at Hilton hotels. The annual fee is $150 (see rates and fees).

Cardholders get automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status, but they can upgrade to Diamond status when they spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year (lasting through the end of the next calendar year). To earn top elite status at Hyatt, you’ll have to spend much more. Both cards offer an annual free night, but Hilton Surpass cardholders must spend at least $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year to earn the Free Night Award. With the Hyatt card, you’ll get a second free night for the same level of spending. The Surpass Card also includes $200 in Hilton credits each year (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter) and National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status, which are not available with the World of Hyatt Card.

Is the World of Hyatt card worth it?

The World of Hyatt card is worth it for travelers who stay at Hyatt hotels and resorts on a regular basis. It earns bonus points on Hyatt purchases, dining and grocery store purchases, and it includes automatic elite status. While it charges an annual fee, the Hyatt credit card also comes with an annual free night that can be redeemed at Category 1-4 properties. If you spend $15,000 in a year, you’ll earn a second free night. These free nights typically can be redeemed for far more than what the card’s annual fee is.

Valuations by Vault: Our thoughts on the World of Hyatt Credit Card’s value

According to our analysis, World of Hyatt points are worth an average of 2.11 cents each. This is one of the highest valuations of any hotel loyalty program. With valuations ranging from 0.41 cents to 0.84 cents, Hyatt points are worth more than double the next highest hotel points program.

The World of Hyatt Card includes a welcome bonus of up to 60,000 points. When you apply for the card and meet its minimum spending requirements, you’ll receive $1,266 in value from the bonus.

With an annual fee of $95, it is simple for travelers to receive significant value from this Hyatt credit card. The welcome bonus is meaningful, and the annual free night certificates are easily worth more than $100. Plus, you’ll receive automatic Discoverist status, which includes 2 p.m. late checkout, premium internet and a preferred room within your room type booked.