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.
RewardsÂ
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.Â
- 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.Â
- Utilize off-peak rates: Hyatt offers off-peak awards that cost considerably fewer points, so take advantage when you can.Â
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.
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.









