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The World of Hyatt Credit Card – Full Review [2024]

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Jarrod West
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Jarrod West

Senior Content Contributor

437 Published Articles, 1 Edited Article

Countries Visited: 21U.S. States Visited: 24

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
Edited by: Kellie Jez
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Kellie Jez

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article, 1166 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10U.S. States Visited: 20

Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
4.5
  • Up to 65,000 points

  • $95

  • 21.49% - 28.49% Variable

  • Good to Excellent (670-850)

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
4.5

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Card Snapshot

Welcome Bonus & Info

  • Earn 35,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
  • Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
  • Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
  • Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
  • Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
  • Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
  • Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
  • Member FDIC

Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

Customer Service Number

800-436-7941

Pros

  • Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays: 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
  • 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
  • 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (Category 1 to 4)
  • A second Free Night Award when you spend $15,000 on the card
  • Hyatt Discoverist status
  • 5 automatic elite night credits each year
  • 2 elite night credits for every $5,000 spent on the card
  • DoorDash DashPass subscription
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Purchase protection
  • Trip cancellation/interruption and luggage insurance

Cons

  • $95 annual fee

Great Card If

  • You’re a Hyatt loyalist or enjoy visiting its hotels a few times each year
  • You want to earn Hyatt elite status
  • You see value in the benefits of the card and feel they’re more valuable than the annual fee

Don’t Get If

  • You’re not a fan of Hyatt hotels or don’t travel very much
  • You prefer a card with more flexible travel rewards
  • You want a card with no annual fee

World of Hyatt Card — Is It Worth It?

The World of Hyatt card doesn’t just offer you the ability to earn more World of Hyatt points. You’ll also receive automatic elite status to immediately enhance the benefits you receive on all Hyatt stays, and a clear way to help you achieve higher levels of elite status through card spend.

Plus, you’ll receive travel and purchase protection, a free night certificate on your cardmember anniversary, and the ability to earn another free night certificate after spending $15,000 on the card.

Put simply, if you’re someone who stays in Hyatt hotels often, and is looking to make the most out of these stays by earning more points and reaching higher levels of elite status, the World of Hyatt card would be very worth it to you.

World of Hyatt Card Top Benefits

Anniversary Free Night Certificate

The card’s annual free night certificate is likely one of the benefits that will excite cardholders the most. After all, this benefit alone can easily cover the cost of the card’s $95 annual fee. You can redeem 1 of these certificates each year at any Category 1 to 4 hotel in Hyatt’s portfolio. Certificates are valid for an entire year after they are issued.

While this certificate won’t get you a free night at the most luxurious properties, there are some pretty stellar Hyatt hotels that are Category 4 or lower that can cost upwards of $300 a night.

Hot Tip: Need some ideas of where to redeem your Hyatt free night certificate? We’ve got you covered! You can also earn a second free night certificate when you spend $15,000 on your card each year.

Discoverist Status

Even though Hyatt Discoverist status is the lowest elite level in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, it will still make your stays with Hyatt more rewarding, especially if you did not have status with Hyatt to begin with.

Hyatt Discoverist comes with perks like:

  • 10% bonus points on stays
  • 2 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability)
  • Preferred Room upgrades
  • Waived resort fees

These benefits can help enhance your Hyatt stays — after all, who doesn’t love late checkouts, bonus points, and room upgrades? Keep in mind that “Preferred Room” upgrades generally just include rooms on a higher floor or with a nicer view.

Elite Night Credits/Spend Your Way to Status

The World of Hyatt card allows you to spend your way to elite status without ever needing to step foot in a Hyatt hotel.

How is this possible? For starters, all cardholders receive 5 elite night credits at the start of each year. This means you’d need an additional 25 elite nights to reach the Explorist level, and 55 additional elite nights for Globalist, the top level in Hyatt’s program.

In addition, cardholders will earn another 2 elite night credits for every $5,000 they spend on the card. Spending $65,000 would earn you 26 elite night credits, pushing you over the threshold for Explorist status, and spending $140,000 would earn you 56 elite night credits, pushing you over the threshold for Globalist status.

While that is a bit of an extreme example, and would only be suited for those with large levels of annual spending, it does showcase how reaching high levels of Hyatt elite status can be made even easier if you regularly spend on the World of Hyatt card and regularly stay in Hyatt hotels.

Consider a more realistic example where a cardholder spends $15,000 on their World of Hyatt card each year ($1,250 per month) — this would leave them with 11 elite night credits (5 for holding the card plus 6 for the annual spend), plus a second free night certificate, and leaves just 19 elite nights needed from actual stays throughout the year in order to reach Explorist status.

Best Ways To Earn and Redeem Your Hyatt Points

Naturally, if you’re a fan of staying at Hyatt hotels, you’re likely wondering what you can do to earn even more Hyatt points outside of staying at Hyatt hotels. Well, we have you covered! Our dedicated guide breaks down all of the very best ways to help you rack up World of Hyatt points!

It’s no secret that the World of Hyatt program is one of our favorite hotel programs thanks to its strong award chart. However, not every redemption within the program is a great use of your points. Having said all of that, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best ways to redeem your Hyatt points for maximum value.

Alternative Cards to the World of Hyatt Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

NEW OFFER
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.
Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
155,000 points
$775
$150
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros

  • 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
  • 6x points per $1 U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
  • 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases
  • 3x points per $1 on all other purchases
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Cons

  • Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
  • Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required. Terms apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • $150 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

If you’re not a Hyatt loyalist and prefer Hilton hotels instead, then the Hilton Surpass card is worthy of consideration. The Hilton Surpass card earns 12x points per $1 on Hilton stays, 6x points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 4x points per $1 on U.S. online retail purchases. You’ll also receive Hilton Gold elite status, up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for Hilton purchases, and complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status upon enrollment.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

POPULAR FIRST CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
60,000 points
$1,200
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros

  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
  • $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
  • 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
  • Excellent travel and car rental insurance
  • 10% annual bonus points
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

If you prefer a card that earns flexible rewards that can be used for both flights and hotel stays, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. It earns 2x Ultimate Reward points per $1 spent on dining and travel, 5x points per $1 on Lyft rides, and flexible redemption options (including transfer partners).

Read more in our head-to-head comparison of the World of Hyatt card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues the World of Hyatt card?

The card is issued by Chase Bank.

What is the World of Hyatt card login?

Log in to your card account at Chase’s website. If you want to manage your World of Hyatt account, you need to access the Hyatt website.

When do World of Hyatt card points expire?

Points do not expire. However, if you don’t have any activity on your World of Hyatt account after 24 months, the account will be closed and your points will be forfeited.

Is there a foreign transaction fee on the World of Hyatt card?

No, the card does not have a foreign transaction fee.

What credit score is needed for the World of Hyatt card?

There’s no set credit score that will guarantee you getting approved for the World of Hyatt card. As long as you have a credit score above 700, a few years of credit history, and you’re under the Chase 5/24 rule, you should feel good about your approval odds.

How does the free night certificate work on the World of Hyatt card?

Each year on your cardmember anniversary (when you pay the annual fee) you’ll receive a free night certificate that can be used at any Hyatt hotel that falls within Category 1 to 4.

This is definitely a valuable perk of the card, as a free night each year at a Category 4 hotel (or lower) is usually much higher than the $95 annual fee you pay to have the card.

Does the World of Hyatt card have an annual fee?

Yes, the World of Hyatt card charges a $95 annual fee.

Is the World of Hyatt card worth it?

If you visit Hyatt hotels a few times a year, want World of Hyatt elite status, and can make good use of the annual free night certificate, then, yes, the World of Hyatt card is definitely worth holding.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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