Chase World of Hyatt Card Benefits for Active-duty U.S. Military Members ($2,000+)

Our military members make occupational sacrifices while facing unique challenges in their personal lives. Trying to balance the challenges of duty, home life, and commitment can also be supplemented by the financial challenges of military service.

The financial challenges have not gone unnoticed as evidenced by the passing of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). We’ll expand on how these acts apply to credit cards shortly, but for now, it’s important to understand that the laws were designed to relieve some of the financial burdens of managing credit granted to our service members.

Chase is a financial institution that ensures its credit card products not only follow the letter of these laws but go above and beyond the requirements. An example of a Chase credit card that provides good value for active-duty military members is The World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Today we’re going to illustrate how Chase makes the World of Hyatt card military-friendly by waiving associated fees, but we’ll also share how the card benefits can be valuable for active-duty military members and their families.

How Do the SCRA and MLA Work?

Passed in 2003, the SCRA applies to credit acquired by the service member before active duty. The MLA (2006) applies to credit acquired by service members during active duty and after September 20, 2017, when the law was updated.

While the laws apply to a multitude of financial transactions, here’s how the acts generally apply to credit cards:

• Credit card interest rates on cards acquired pre-active-duty service are capped at 6% (SCRA)
• Credit card interest rates on cards acquired during active-duty service after September 20, 2017, are capped at a maximum 36% interest rate (Military Annual Percentage Rate MAPR), which would include fees, interest charges, application fees, etc. (MLA)

Chase caps interest rates on credit acquired prior to active duty at 4% versus the 6% required by law. Chase also waives fees for personal consumer credit cards acquired during active duty (after September 20, 2017).

In addition to the savings realized by Chase waiving card fees, the World of Hyatt card offers a long list of benefits for cardholders who are active-duty military members.

Why We Like the World of Hyatt Card for Active-duty Military

If you frequent any major hotel chain, you may benefit greatly from having the associated hotel-branded credit card. You’ll earn rewards faster, enjoy perks that can make your stay more comfortable, and receive protections and benefits that give you peace of mind or save you money.

Active-duty military members whose brand of choice is Hyatt will find value in the World of Hyatt card, even with modest spending on the card.

Here’s a sampling of some key World of Hyatt card benefits and their potential value.

Waiver of Annual Fee ($95 Value)

As an active-duty military member, the $95 annual fee will be waived.

Earning Potential ($1,050 Value)

Welcome Offer ($450 to $900 Value)

The welcome offer for the World of Hyatt card presents an opportunity to earn hundreds of dollars worth of World of Hyatt points by opening the card and meeting the required spending threshold within a specified time period.

Welcome offers can vary, so you’ll want to check for the most recent offer before you apply.

Here is the current welcome bonus offer for the World of Hyatt 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.

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.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, up to 30,000 more points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, up to $15,000 spent.

Up to 60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 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

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 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 on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

Referral Bonus Opportunities ($150 Value)

You can earn World of Hyatt points for referring family or friends when they are approved for the World of Hyatt card. You’ll normally receive 5,000 points for each qualified referral, up to a maximum of 25,000 points each year. We value World of Hyatt points at approximately 1.5 cents each. If you were to refer 2 people to the card you’d receive points worth ~$150.

Note that Chase refer-a-friend opportunities come and go and may not always be available for every card.

Spending on the Card ($450 Value)

The World of Hyatt card earns at least 1 World of Hyatt point for every dollar spent on the card. Additional bonus-earning categories allow you to start racking up points even more quickly.

Here’s an example of how spending on the card can add up to hotel award nights:

• Earn up to 9x points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties (4x credit card bonus points + 5x stay points)
  • $2,000 spent = 18,000 points
• Earn 2x points per dollar spent at restaurants, flights purchased directly from the airline, gym memberships, and local transit/commuting
  • $5,000 spent = 10,000 points
• Earn 1x point per dollar spent on miscellaneous spending
  • $2,000 = 2,000 points

Before you know it, you’ll have enough points for at least 2 annual free night certificates. We value World of Hyatt points at approximately 1.5 cents each, meaning 30,000 points are worth ~$450.

Don’t forget, you can combine points with cash to make your points go further and extend the length of your stay.

Even with modest spending, you can earn enough points for award hotel nights. Also, check out the latest welcome offer on the card for additional ways to earn even more points.

Redemption Options (Value Varies)

The best use for points you’ve earned on the World of Hyatt card will be to redeem for award nights. The number of points it takes for an award night ranges from 3,500 points at an off-peak Category 1 property to 45,000 points for a peak-rate night at a Category 8 hotel.

You can also use your points for room upgrades where rates range from 3,000 points for a Club room to 9,000 points for a premium suite.

Additional options that can offer less value for your points include car rentals, spa access/treatments, dining, meeting credits, and experiences.

Finally, you can redeem World of Hyatt points by transferring them to airlines, generally at a ratio of 5 World of Hyatt points to 2 airline miles. While normally not a good value, here’s the process to transfer World of Hyatt points into airline miles.

Bottom Line:

You’ll earn World of Hyatt points by maximizing the welcome bonus offer, referring friends and family, and spending on the World of Hyatt card. The best redemption option for your points is to redeem them for Hyatt award nights or room upgrades.

Travel Protections ($400 Value)

Travel protections offer peace of mind since you’ll know that if something goes wrong during your trip, you could potentially recoup some of the loss or added expenses. Travel benefits can also provide perks and save you money.

Here are the key travel protections and benefits you’ll find on the World of Hyatt card and each perk’s estimated value.

Car Rental Insurance ($200 Value)

If you reserve and pay for your car rental with your World of Hyatt card and decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, you’ll receive coverage for damage, theft, reasonable loss-of-use, and towing charges. Coverage is secondary to any personal auto insurance that applies. If you do not have auto insurance or if you are traveling in a country other than your residence country, coverage is primary.

Daily coverage with the rental agency can cost $20 per day. If you were to rent for 10 days, you could save ~$200.

Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Trip Delay ($100 Value)

If your trip needs to be canceled or is interrupted for a covered reason, you could receive up to $5,000 per person, up to $10,000 per trip. If your trip is delayed more than 12 hours or overnight, you could receive up to $500 in reimbursements for eligible expenses.

Hot Tip:

The Guide to Benefits for the World of Hyatt card lists “a change in military orders” for you or your spouse/domestic partner as a covered event for trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance coverage. This makes the protection a real plus for active-duty military members.

Baggage Insurance ($100 Value)

If your luggage is lost, you could receive up to $3,000. If the luggage is delayed more than 6 hours, you could receive up to $100 per day in reimbursements for eligible expenses, up to a maximum of 5 days.

Travel Benefits ($280 Value)

Annual Free Night Certificate ($200 Value)

Each card anniversary year, you’ll receive an annual free night certificate good for a Category 1 through 4 Hyatt hotel.

If you spend $15,000 on the card in a year, you’ll receive an additional free night certificate, also good for a Category 1 through 4 hotel night.

Complimentary World of Hyatt Elite Status ($50 Value)

The World of Hyatt card includes complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist elite status. While Discoverist is entry-level elite status, benefits include late checkout, preferred rooms, and 10% bonus points on paid stays. Status remains valid as long as your World of Hyatt card is active.

You’ll also receive a faster path to higher elite status with 5 automatic elite night credits each year, plus 2 additional elite night credits for every $5,000 spent on the card.

No Foreign Transaction Fees ($30 Value)

Foreign transaction fees are generally 3% of the entire transaction amount. The World of Hyatt card is a good international travel companion as it does not charge foreign transaction fees.

If you were to spend $1,000 abroad, you would save $30.

Bottom Line:

The World of Hyatt card comes with several valuable travel insurance protections plus benefits such as a complimentary free hotel night certificate each year, World of Hyatt Discoverist status, and no foreign transaction fees.

Shopping Protections and Benefits ($195 Value)

The World of Hyatt card offers valuable protection for eligible items and benefits that can save you money when you use the card to make qualifying purchases.

Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty ($50 Value)

When you purchase eligible items with your World of Hyatt card, you can receive coverage for damage or theft for up to 120 days from the purchase date. The coverage limit is up to $500 per claim, up to $50,000 per account. If the eligible item has a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or less, the warranty will be extended for 1 additional year.

Chase Offers ($25 Value)

Log in to your Chase online card account and activate Chase Offers from select merchants and service providers. Use your card to make the associated purchase and earn statement credits for the purchase.

DoorDash DashPass ($120 Value)

Enroll your card by January 31, 2025, and receive a 12-month complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership that offers waived delivery and reduced fees. This offer is only valid for those who have not had DashPass previously. DoorDash DashPass normally costs $9.99 per month.

Who Qualifies for Military Benefits

As you can see, the World of Hyatt card offers valuable benefits for military members who frequent Hyatt properties.

Now let’s review who qualifies for Chase’s benefits, some tips on applying for the card, and how to request SCRA/MLA benefits.

You may qualify for benefits with Chase under the SCRA or MLA if you are one of the following:

• Active-duty military
• Reserve or full-time National Guard member on active duty
• Active-duty commissioned officers of NOAA or the Public Health Service

Additionally, spouses, domestic partners, children, and qualifying dependents of active-duty service members may receive benefits.

How To Apply for the Card as a Military Member

In order to be approved for the World of Hyatt card, it’s recommended to have a good to excellent credit score of at least 700 or above. You may also need some credit history and sufficient income to make monthly payments (even if you plan to pay off the card each statement period).

Once you’ve determined your credit score, you’ll want to review Chase’s 5/24 rule as it can affect your chances of approval. In general, Chase considers new credit cards from all card issuers and will not approve you if you’ve opened more than 5 in the past 24 months.

Be sure to check the Department of Defense database via the MLA website to confirm your active duty status is showing appropriately in your record. And, if you are applying for benefits for a spouse/domestic partner, their status needs to be shown in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database. These databases are also used by financial institutions to validate eligibility.

How To Request Benefits (After You’re Approved)

Once you’ve applied for the World of Hyatt card and are approved, you can request SCRA/MLA benefits. It’s possible that Chase may automatically grant SCRA/MLA benefits after validating your eligibility. This can happen when you’ve noted in your application that your income source is “military.” If so, you’ll receive a letter confirming the benefits.

If not, you can easily request benefits by doing the following:

• Log in to your Chase online card account.
• In the upper left of the page, select Secure Messages from the menu.
• Select New Message.
• Select Servicemembers SCRA benefits from the drop-down menu.
• Complete the request and include your World of Hyatt card account number.
• Attach the supporting documents (active-duty military orders, supporting spouse request documents).

You can also call 877-469-0110 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays) or if out of the country, call collect at 318-340-3348. This is a dedicated line for SCRA/MLA questions.

Finally, you have the option of sending the request via mail, with supporting documentation, to Chase at the following address:

Attention SCRA Request
P.O. Box 183240
Columbus, Ohio, 43218-3240

Additional Recommended Chase Credit Cards for Active Military

The waiving of credit card fees is a huge benefit for active-duty military as cards with high annual fees also come with a long list of valuable perks that offset this cost.

Here are 2 additional Chase credit cards that offer exceptional value, especially with the waived annual fees.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

With a generous welcome bonus and a valuable collection of travel insurance benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a good choice for active-duty military members.

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 great 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 great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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)

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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)

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. 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, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why We Like the Card for Active-duty Military Members

• Waiver of the $95 annual fee
• Earns flexible rewards points that can be redeemed for up to 1.25 cents each for travel via the Chase Travel portal or transferred to hotel or airline partners for even greater potential value (including World of Hyatt)
• Elevated bonus earnings on travel, online grocery purchases, dining, and streaming services
• Up to $50 annual hotel credit
• Excellent travel insurance benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

If you travel frequently, you’ll appreciate the complimentary lounge access, travel statement credits, and premium travel benefits that come with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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 top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 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, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why We Like the Card for Active-duty Military Members

• Waiver of the $550 annual fee
• Up to $300 statement credit each year for travel purchases
• Earns flexible rewards points that can be redeemed for up to 1.5 cents each for travel via the Chase Travel portal or transferred to hotel or airline partners for even greater potential value (including World of Hyatt)
• Worldwide lounge access with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee reimbursement
• Travel/shopping benefits and protections

Final Thoughts

If you stay even a few nights a year at Hyatt properties, you’ll realize the value of holding the World of Hyatt card.

The card packs in a lot of value with its automatic elite status, elevated earnings on paid stays, the opportunity for award nights, and plenty of travel and shopping benefits.

Plus, with its low $95 annual fee, you’ll be able to keep the card long after your active-duty service to continue to enjoy award nights and Hyatt perks.