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LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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World of Hyatt Credit Card Review: Elite Status, Free Nights and More

Content was accurate at the time of publication.
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How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
3.5
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Sign-Up Bonus
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.
Rewards Rate
Earn up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting as well as fitness club and gym memberships. Plus, earn 1 Bonus Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Rates & Fees
No Foreign Transaction Fee

Key takeaway

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a no-brainer for Hyatt loyalists looking for status, free nights and perks — well worth the annual fee.

Pros and cons

  • Large sign-up bonus
  • Earn valuable Hyatt points at a high rate
  • Great redemption options
  • Free night award
  • Elite status with genuine hotel perks
  • Helps earn Globalist status
  • $0 foreign transaction fee
  • $95 annual fee
  • Somewhat limited hotel footprint
  • Free night certificate limited to Category 1-4 properties
  • Perks and rewards mostly limited to Hyatt
  • Points can expire with inactivity
  • Requires good / excellent credit

Is the World of Hyatt Credit Card worth it?

If you’re a Hyatt fan with good / excellent credit, the World of Hyatt Credit Card can be well worth it. You get plenty of perks for a $95 annual fee, including a free night at a Category 1-4 property every year — easily covering the cost.

The card also helps you rack up bonus points — starting with a generous welcome offer — for free stays and room upgrades, plus automatic Discoverist status. Even better, you’ll get elite qualifying nights that can bring you closer to coveted Globalist elite status.

The main downside? Hyatt has a smaller footprint than Hilton, Marriott or IHG. But with over 1,450 properties in 79 countries, there are still plenty of options.

What you’ll like most about this card

  • A sign-up bonus worth ~$900*
  • A free night award every year for a Category 1-4 hotel
  • The chance to earn Globalist elite status
*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Quick facts

  • Annual fee: $95
  • Regular purchase APR: 19.99% - 28.49% variable
  • Foreign transaction fee: $0
  • Sign-up bonus: 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.
  • Rewards: Earn up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting as well as fitness club and gym memberships. Plus, earn 1 Bonus Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Other benefits:
    • Free night at any Category 1–4 Hyatt hotel or resort after each card anniversary
    • Extra free night at any Category 1–4 Hyatt hotel or resort if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
    • Automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status
    • 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status each year
    • 2 additional qualifying night credits per every $5,000 spent on your card
  • Recommended credit: Good / Excellent

Benefits of the World of Hyatt Credit Card

  • Free night award

    One of the card’s best perks is its free night award certificate. Each year on your card anniversary, you’ll receive one free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort. In addition, you can also get another free night if you reach $15,000 in spending for the calendar year. Considering that most stays are above $95, if you take advantage of this benefit, you’ll have already outearned your annual fee.

    Although the free night award only applies to properties up to Category 4, you can still find very nice properties both in the U.S. and abroad, like the Hyatt Regency Seattle and Hyatt Place London City East.
  • Large sign-up bonus

    You’ll 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.

    This is a very valuable offer — however, you’ll have to spend a lot over six months to earn the full bonus. If you’re looking to earn a lot of Hyatt points quickly, you may be better off with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates & fees). You can earn more points for a lower spending requirement in a shorter amount of time with these cards, and you can transfer your Chase UItimate Rewards® points to World of Hyatt.

     See the best credit card sign-up bonuses

  • Earn valuable Hyatt points at a high rate

    Hyatt points can be hard to come by, and this card lets you earn them at a good pace. You’ll earn up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting as well as fitness club and gym memberships. Plus, earn 1 Bonus Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

    While this rate may seem lower than other hotel cards, like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, keep in mind that Hyatt points are worth far more than the typical hotel point — around $0.02 per point by our estimates. That makes the World of Hyatt Credit Card one of the most potentially rewarding hotel cards for ongoing purchases:

    *Based on LendingTree’s value methodology
  • Great redemption options

    While many hotel rewards programs feature inflated points and award nights that require tens to hundreds of thousands of points, you can stretch Hyatt points a long way.

    Redemptions start at a very reasonable 3,500 points for an off-peak standard night, and you can find desirable properties and locations in even the lowest tiers of the Hyatt rewards chart.

  • Standard night award pricing

    Hotel CategoryStandard room points per nightRegency/Grand Club points per nightStandard suite points per nightPremium suite points per night
    15,0007,0008,00010,000
    28,00012,00013,00016,000
    312,00017,00020,00024,000
    415,00021,00024,00030,000
    520,00027,00032,00040,000
    625,00033,00040,00050,000
    730,00039,00048,00060,000
    840,00050,00061,00080,000

     Learn the best ways to earn and redeem Hyatt points.

  • Get automatic elite status with genuine hotel perks

    Once you become a cardmember, you’ll get automatic Hyatt Discoverist status — this comes with features like premium internet, late checkout, bottled water, waived fees on reward stays and other perks. It’s a better status feature than competing hotel cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card — that card bumps you up to Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status, but the only real perk it provides is late checkout.

  • Helps you earn Hyatt Globalist elite status

    The World of Hyatt Credit Card can help you get to Hyatt’s top loyalty status (known as Globalist) faster. You’ll receive five qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every year, plus two additional qualifying night credits every $5,000 you spend on the card.

    Many cardholders cite the World of Hyatt Credit Card as a must-have for Hyatt members who want to achieve Globalist status. That’s because getting to Globalist status is no easy feat — you’ll need 60 tier-qualifying nights or 100,000 base points.

    Some of the unique perks you’ll get include:

    • 30% bonus on eligible purchases
    • Room upgrades (as available at check-in) on standard suites
    • Late checkout at 4 p.m.
    • Club access or breakfast for up to two adults and two children (must be registered guests
    • Priority access to rooms
    • Free parking on free night awards

Drawbacks of the World of Hyatt Credit Card

  • $95 annual fee

    You will have to pay a $95 annual fee — but as long as you book a few stays with Hyatt per year, the perks easily justify the fee. But if you’re more of a once-per-year traveler, a general rewards card (like the Chase Freedom Flex) might be a better fit for you, since you’ll have more redemption flexibility.

  • Somewhat limited hotel footprint

    First, the good news: Hyatt has expansive coverage, with 1,450 properties in 79 countries around the world. However, compared to the 6,000-plus in IHG’s portfolio, Hilton’s 8,000-plus and Marriott’s 9,000-plus, you won’t have nearly as many options.

  • Free night certificate limited to Category 1-4 properties

    The World of Hyatt Credit Card free night is only good for Category 1 through 4 properties. It’s less valuable than the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card’s free night certificate, which can be used at any Hilton hotel (with only a few exclusions). However, it’s not the only free award night with limitations. For instance, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card restricts use of its certificate to properties at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

    If you’re planning to use your free night for an upcoming trip, keep in mind that some popular destinations — Manhattan, for example — may not have Category 1-4 properties at all.
  • Perks and rewards mostly limited to Hyatt

    As is the case with most hotel-branded cards, your perks and rewards are all geared toward your Hyatt stays. So if you don’t stay with Hyatt exclusively, or at least frequently, this may not be the best card for you. Instead, consider a general travel card (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card) that lets you enjoy perks at a variety of hotels, as well as for other aspects of your trip.

  • Points can expire with inactivity

    You must have qualifying activity in the World of Hyatt program or on the credit card at least once every 24 months so you don’t lose your points.

Alternatives to the World of Hyatt Credit Card

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

| Disclosures
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Chase's secure site
Rates & Fees
N/A
19.99% - 28.24% Variable
$95
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 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.
  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  • Member FDIC
720 850
Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


If you’d like to keep your travel options open with another Chase card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice. It has the same $95 annual fee, plus a phenomenal sign-up bonus. And since World of Hyatt is one of the card’s 1:1 hotel transfer partners (along with IHG and Marriott), you can use points for Hyatt properties. You’ll also have the flexibility to redeem your points on other things, too, like flights.

However, if you’re a Hyatt loyalist who prefers to stay with one brand and you’re aspiring to attain hotel status for extra perks, then the World of Hyatt Credit Card is a better fit.

World of Hyatt Credit Card vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

| Disclosures
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card*
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
N/A
19.99% - 28.49% Variable
$99
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay
  • Our Best Offer of 2025! Earn 5 Free Nights
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
660 720 850
Good / Excellent
*The information related to the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


If you’re torn between which hotel’s co-branded credit card is best for you, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is worth a look. Like the World of Hyatt Credit Card, it’s issued by Chase and has a similar annual fee ($95).

It offers a free night certificate on your card anniversary, though it doesn’t offer the opportunity to earn an additional free night. It also grants you automatic Platinum elite status. But unlike Hyatt’s card, there’s no option to climb beyond that tier unless you spend $40,000 each calendar year. Plus, while IHG’s card seems to offer higher earning rates, IHG award nights typically require a lot more points than Hyatt.

That said, IHG redeems itself with a great perk: book three award nights, and your fourth night is free — perfect for stretching your points on longer stays.

World of Hyatt Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

| Disclosures
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
N/A
19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
$395
2X Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10X Miles per
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
720 850
Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


Prefer a card with more flexibility? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card might suit you better than the World of Hyatt Credit Card. It lets you earn a huge sign-up bonus and also offers a high rewards rate on every purchase.

World of Hyatt isn’t a transfer partner, but you can still redeem miles to cover a wide range of travel expenses — including flights, hotels, rental cars and more — at a rate of 1 cent per mile. This card also offers more premium travel benefits, like airport lounge access.

It does come at a higher $395 annual fee (see rates & fees). However, you’ll get up to $300 in statement credits each year for bookings through the Capital One Travel portal that can help offset most of the fee. If you’re an avid traveler, you’ll find that the benefits and rewards on this card far exceed the annual fee.

Is the World of Hyatt Credit Card right for you?

The main question to ask when evaluating this card is how often you stay at Hyatt properties. For the loyal Hyatt traveler, the World of Hyatt Credit Card has a lot to offer in terms of a generous rewards rate, an annual free night and annual Discoverist status. However, if you don’t want to be wedded to a specific hotel chain, a card like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card might offer you more flexibility.

Want to compare to other hotel cards?

Frequently asked questions

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is not a metal card — it is plastic.

To qualify for the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you’ll need good / excellent credit. Like other rewards cards that have an annual fee, it is a step up from a starter credit card and therefore might have slightly higher requirements to qualify.

By our estimates, Hyatt points are generally worth about $0.02 each (or $200 for 10,000 points). Therefore, 60,000 points would be worth $1,200.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a Chase credit card

How we rate travel credit cards

We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

  • Average value over two years (80% of rating): We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
  • Flexibility of rewards (15% of rating): We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
  • Other features (5% of rating): We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits, against benefits from other cards.

To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

The information related to the World of Hyatt Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and Chase Freedom Flex has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.