Ease of use is the name of the game when it comes to searching for a Hyatt credit card. The best simplify earning rewards in Hyatt’s hotel loyalty program or let you transfer flexible points to your World of Hyatt account. All the best credit cards geared toward Hyatt enthusiasts are currently issued by Chase.
Whether you’re hoping to earn more points in the World of Hyatt program due to their exceptional value -- each point is worth about 2.3 cents, according to Bankrate -- or because you have a property in mind for your next vacation, any of the cards here could suit your needs.
Best credit cards for earning Hyatt points
For $95 annually, the World of Hyatt Credit Card* starts new customers off with 30,000 bonus points when they spend $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening. Additionally, during the first six months, cardholders can earn 2x points per dollar on purchases that normally earn only 1x point on up to $15,000 spent, allowing them to earn up to a total of 30,000 bonus points.
Members earn 4x points per dollar on paid Hyatt stays, 2x points per dollar on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, gym memberships, and local transit and commuting, and 1x point per dollar on other purchases.
There are also quite a few benefits that make this card worth applying for, like automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status. Other notable perks include a free category 1-4 night each year after the cardmember anniversary, a second free night if you spend $15,000 or more in a calendar year and five tier-qualifying night credits toward elite status requirements each year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
For $95 annually, the World of Hyatt Credit Card* starts new customers off with 30,000 bonus points when they spend $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening. Additionally, during the first six months, cardholders can earn 2x points per dollar on purchases that normally earn only 1x point on up to $15,000 spent, allowing them to earn up to a total of 30,000 bonus points.
Members earn 4x points per dollar on paid Hyatt stays, 2x points per dollar on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, gym memberships, and local transit and commuting, and 1x point per dollar on other purchases.
There are also quite a few benefits that make this card worth applying for, like automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status. Other notable perks include a free category 1-4 night each year after the cardmember anniversary, a second free night if you spend $15,000 or more in a calendar year and five tier-qualifying night credits toward elite status requirements each year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card offers a much simpler welcome offer than its consumer card version. Though the card also costs a bit more, coming in at $199 annually.
Cardholders can earn 60,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. From there, cardholders earn 4x points per dollar on paid Hyatt stays, 2x bonus points per dollar in three top eligible spend categories each quarter through Dec. 31, 2024 (then two top eligible categories each quarter), 2x points per dollar on fitness clubs and gym memberships, and 1x point per dollar on other purchases.
Perks include complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for the card owner and up to five employees, up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits per year (terms apply), five tier-qualifying night credits toward elite status when you spend $10,000 in a year, and 10% of the points you redeem back for the rest of the year (on up to 200,000 points redeemed) when you spend $50,000 on the card in a calendar year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card offers a much simpler welcome offer than its consumer card version. Though the card also costs a bit more, coming in at $199 annually.
Cardholders can earn 60,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. From there, cardholders earn 4x points per dollar on paid Hyatt stays, 2x bonus points per dollar in three top eligible spend categories each quarter through Dec. 31, 2024 (then two top eligible categories each quarter), 2x points per dollar on fitness clubs and gym memberships, and 1x point per dollar on other purchases.
Perks include complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for the card owner and up to five employees, up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits per year (terms apply), five tier-qualifying night credits toward elite status when you spend $10,000 in a year, and 10% of the points you redeem back for the rest of the year (on up to 200,000 points redeemed) when you spend $50,000 on the card in a calendar year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes with a reasonable $95 annual fee, and new cardholders can earn 60,000 points worth $750 in travel redeemed through Chase Travel℠ when they spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. Cardholders also earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and select streaming services, 2x points on other travel, and 1x points on other purchases.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned with this card can be redeemed for travel through Chase Travel for a 25% bonus. More importantly, points transfer to Chase airline and hotel partners, including the World of Hyatt program, at a 1:1 ratio.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes with a reasonable $95 annual fee, and new cardholders can earn 60,000 points worth $750 in travel redeemed through Chase Travel℠ when they spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. Cardholders also earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and select streaming services, 2x points on other travel, and 1x points on other purchases.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned with this card can be redeemed for travel through Chase Travel for a 25% bonus. More importantly, points transfer to Chase airline and hotel partners, including the World of Hyatt program, at a 1:1 ratio.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® charges a $550 annual fee each year, but it comes with luxury benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge membership, up to a $100 fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership, to name a few. It shares the same welcome bonus as the Preferred, but it’s worth more thanks to the card’s higher redemption bonus -- a 50% point-bonus for redeeming for travel through Chase Travel℠.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also earns 10x points on hotel stays and car rentals through Chase Travel, 10x points Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards, 5x points on flights through Chase Travel, 3x points on restaurant and other travel purchases and 1x points on other purchases. You’ll earn the elevated rewards on travel after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Users get 50% more value when they redeem points for travel through Chase, and points transfer directly to World of Hyatt and other programs.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 22.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® charges a $550 annual fee each year, but it comes with luxury benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge membership, up to a $100 fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership, to name a few. It shares the same welcome bonus as the Preferred, but it’s worth more thanks to the card’s higher redemption bonus -- a 50% point-bonus for redeeming for travel through Chase Travel℠.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also earns 10x points on hotel stays and car rentals through Chase Travel, 10x points Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards, 5x points on flights through Chase Travel, 3x points on restaurant and other travel purchases and 1x points on other purchases. You’ll earn the elevated rewards on travel after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Users get 50% more value when they redeem points for travel through Chase, and points transfer directly to World of Hyatt and other programs.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 22.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers flexible rewards for traveling business owners. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can transfer to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Users also get a 25% point bonus for redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel.
For $95 annually, this card offers an exceptional welcome bonus and great earning rates for business expenses. Specifically, business owners can earn 100,000 points (worth $1,250 in travel booked through Chase Travel) after spending $8,000 on purchases within three months of account opening.
This card also earns 3x points on up to $150,000 spent each year on shipping purchases, social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable and phone services, and travel (then 1x points) and 1x points on other purchases.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 26.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers flexible rewards for traveling business owners. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can transfer to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Users also get a 25% point bonus for redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel.
For $95 annually, this card offers an exceptional welcome bonus and great earning rates for business expenses. Specifically, business owners can earn 100,000 points (worth $1,250 in travel booked through Chase Travel) after spending $8,000 on purchases within three months of account opening.
This card also earns 3x points on up to $150,000 spent each year on shipping purchases, social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable and phone services, and travel (then 1x points) and 1x points on other purchases.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 26.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
What are the benefits of using a credit card for Hyatt points?
Flexible travel rewards credit cards from Chase offer points that transfer to Hyatt without offering any specific perks for stays in Hyatt hotels.
However, if you choose a co-branded Hyatt credit card, you can get these benefits:
Hotel award nights
The World of Hyatt Credit Card for consumers gives you a free night award for a category 1-4 property each year after your cardholder anniversary. This is a perk you get just for being a cardholder each year after the first year, and there are no minimum spending requirements involved.
A second free night is available for cardholders who use their card for at least $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year.
Elite status
Both co-branded Hyatt credit cards (the consumer and business versions) come with automatic World of Hyat Discoverist status. This level of elite status can help you get perks like premium internet access, bottled water, elite check-in at Hyatt properties, exclusive benefits with American Airlines and more.
Rewards
Rewards earned with a Hyatt credit card are offered on top of rewards you earn just for being a member of the program. This means both Hyatt credit cards end up earning up to 9x points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties (4x points per dollar for using the card and another 5x base points per dollar for being a World of Hyatt member).
Perks
Both cards make it possible to earn tier-qualifying nights toward the next level of elite status, although the business version of this card has spending requirements.
With the personal version of the card, members get five qualifying night credits toward elite status each year and two additional tier-qualifying night credits each time they spend $5,000 on the card.
How to choose a credit card for earning Hyatt points
Here’s what to consider when deciding between a flexible travel credit card or a hotel credit card from the Hyatt brand if your goal is to earn Hyatt points.
Rewards
Which card offers the most rewards points based on your normal spending habits? Generally speaking, Chase credit cards offer more rewards for regular spending and bills, whereas co-branded Hyatt credit cards offer their best rewards rates on paid hotel stays.
Rewards redemption
Co-branded Hyatt credit cards earn World of Hyatt points that have limited redemption options outside of hotel stays and suite upgrades. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase portal, point transfers to Hyatt and other programs, cash back, statement credits, gift cards and merchandise, to name a few.
Welcome offers
Pick a card that has a generous welcome bonus with a minimum spending requirement you can easily hit with regular spending and bills.
Hyatt perks
If you want automatic elite status with Hyatt, free anniversary nights and the chance to earn tier-qualifying nights toward the next levels of elite status with credit card spending, you’ll definitely want to go with a co-branded credit card from Hyatt.
Annual fees
While all the best credit cards for earning points with Hyatt charge an annual fee, the higher $550 annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be worth it if you want premium travel benefits like airport lounge access.
Foreign transaction fees
None of the cards in this ranking charge foreign transaction fees, which means any of them can be a good option for international trips.
What are Hyatt points worth?
World of Hyatt points are worth an average of 2.3 cents each when redeemed for hotel stays through the World of Hyatt website, according to Bankrate. This means that, generally speaking, 50,000 World of Hyatt points are redeemable for $1,150 in hotel stays.
In addition to redeeming points for traditional hotel stays with the brand, rewards can also be redeemed for:
- All-inclusive resorts
- Miraval Resorts
- Small Luxury Hotels of the World stays
- Room upgrades
- FIND Experiences
- Dining and spa benefits
- Lindblad Expeditions
How to maximize your credit card for Hyatt points
To get the most out of your World of Hyatt credit card, consider the following strategies:
- Use your credit card for everything you buy: Using your Hyatt credit card for all your regular purchases and bills will inevitably help you earn more rewards over time.
- Earn the welcome bonus: Do the math and make sure you know exactly how much you’ll have to spend to earn the welcome bonus on your card, and how much time you have to do it. Avoid overspending to reach it. Any extra spending could cut into the value you get from the bonus.
- Take advantage of free night awards: Don’t forget about free night awards your Hyatt card offers when you renew your card.
- Utilize off-peak rates: Hyatt offers off-peak awards that cost considerably fewer points, so take advantage when you can.
Is a Hyatt credit card worth it?
A co-branded Hyatt credit card or flexible rewards card that lets you transfer points to Hyatt helps you earn more rewards for travel than you would with the loyalty program alone. Plus, these travel credit cards each have their own benefits that can offer even more value.
Compare cards and pick the one that matches your needs and lifestyle. If you can’t seem to decide, note that many people have a co-branded credit card for Hyatt and a Chase travel credit card to cover all their bases.
How to apply for a credit card that earns Hyatt points
Once you decide you’re ready for a card that earns Hyatt points, take the following steps to apply:
- Pick a card. Decide which Hyatt credit card you want, whether you prefer a co-branded credit card or a flexible travel credit card that lets you move points to your World of Hyatt account.
- Gather important information. Make sure you know your household income, your Social Security number (SSN) and your existing World of Hyatt loyalty number (if you have one) before you apply.
- Fill out the application. Hit the button that says “apply now” and provide personal and contact information and your World of Hyatt number. If you’re applying for a business card, you’ll also be asked for critical business information and your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Get approved. If you’re approved for a co-branded Hyatt credit card or a Chase travel credit card, it should arrive in the mail within seven to 10 business days.
FAQs
Both co-branded credit cards (the consumer version and business version) from World of Hyatt give you automatic Discoverist status.
World of Hyatt credit cards earn Hyatt bonus points for spending. Base points you earn with World of Hyatt are offered for paid hotel stays and other qualifying activities with the brand.
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Methodology
To find the best credit cards for Hyatt, we looked at a range of travel credit cards to find ones most useful for stays with the brand. We found that cards that are co-branded with Hyatt or earn points that transfer to World of Hyatt are most valuable since they let users redeem points for hotel stays directly with the program.
Our credit card methodology also requires us to compare cards based on their welcome offers, earning rates, regular perks and features and fees. Note that none of the cards in our ranking charge foreign transaction fees for overseas purchases, which makes any of them ideal for Hyatt hotel stays at properties around the world.
*All information about the World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
