For those who cherish the Hyatt experience, the World of Hyatt Credit Card is a veritable treasure trove of rewards. Beyond earning points, it's crafted to enhance every facet of your travel journey — from dining at local eateries to venturing across borders. The card’s strength isn't just in its generous rewards but in the peace of mind you get while on the move, thanks to extensive travel protections. Additionally, perks like free nights and swift ascension in the Hyatt loyalty ladder sweeten the deal. However, if your wanderlust surpasses Hyatt's embrace or seeks more airport luxuries, the card’s charm may wane slightly.
World of Hyatt Credit Card Review
Explore the World of Hyatt Credit Card: a blend of enticing welcome bonuses, diverse rewards and the allure of free nights. Ideal for travelers and everyday spenders, this review unveils the card’s unique value.
Updated: November 11, 2024
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- PROS
- Earn bonus points when spending at Hyatt
- Get a complimentary night's stay every year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel and purchase cover
- Ability to elevate your World of Hyatt membership status
- Use for balance transfers
CONS- High annual fees
- High cash advance APR
- High balance transfer and cash advance fees
Introductory Offers
- Earn up to 60,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points with an introductory offer: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus up to 30,000 more by earning 2 points per $1 on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first 6 months.
Rewards
- Earn up to 9 points per $1 on Hyatt stays: 4 Bonus Points from the card and up to 5 Base Points as a World of Hyatt member.
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from airlines, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships.
- Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status for every $5,000 spent.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- Get 1 free night each year at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort after your Cardmember anniversary.
- Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year.
- Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening and each year thereafter.
World of Hyatt Credit Card Overview
When choosing a credit card, thoroughly examining its features is essential to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle needs.
- Rewards rate: 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, 2X points on restaurants, directly purchased airfare, local transit, commuting and gym and fitness club memberships. Regular everyday spending can earn 1X points per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome offer: Earn up to 60,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points with an introductory offer: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus up to 30,000 more by earning 2 points per $1 on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first 6 months.
- Regular APR: 20.99% - 27.99% variable
- Annual fee: $95
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Introductory APR offer: None
Important Card Details
In the intricate landscape of credit card features, every detail can be a game-changer. As we dissect the World of Hyatt Credit Card, let's impartially evaluate its offerings, balancing the allure of bonuses with the subtleties of its benefits.
Lucrative Rewards Structure but Limited Value to Hyatt
The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers an appealing reward system with up to 4X points on Hyatt hotel purchases and diverse 2X point categories like restaurants, flights and fitness clubs. However, the card's utility and rewards are primarily aligned with Hyatt brand loyalty, which can greatly benefit frequent Hyatt customers. If you prefer diverse travel and accommodation choices, you may find the redemption options limited or restrictive.
Travel Perks
In addition to earning points and offering insurance protections, cardholders are entitled to free nights and opportunities to accelerate your tier status within the World of Hyatt program. These added benefits make it an attractive option for frequent travelers who stay at Hyatt properties. Also, the purchase protection feature for damage or theft adds an extra layer of confidence in everyday spending. Yet, these perks primarily appeal to Hyatt loyalists, and broader travelers might find the card's perks less applicable to their travel and lifestyle needs.
Travel Protections
This card is a strong ally for travelers seeking peace of mind, with its trip cancellation, interruption insurance, baggage delay and lost luggage reimbursement. Secondary car rental insurance is another welcome feature, assuring support when things don’t go as planned. However, the absence of airport lounge access could be a drawback, especially if you are looking for relaxation and comfort during extended layovers or frequent travel.
Annual Fee
The World of Hyatt Credit Card has a moderately priced annual fee of $95. While this might seem a little steep for some, the value the card provides in terms of free nights at Category 1–4 hotels, additional qualifying night credits and no foreign transaction fees might justify this fee if you are a Hyatt enthusiast. However, for occasional travelers or those not aligned with Hyatt, this annual fee might be less compelling.
How the World of Hyatt Credit Card Compares
Let's compare these two credit cards side by side to discern which one aligns best with your financial and lifestyle needs.
How This Card Compares
World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Rewards rate: Earn 4X points on Hyatt hotel purchases (plus 5X points for being a World of Hyatt member); 2X points on restaurants, flights purchased directly from airlines, local transit, commuting, and gym and fitness club memberships; 1X points on all other spending
- Welcome offer: Earn up to 60,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points with an introductory offer: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus up to 30,000 more by earning 2 points per $1 on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first 6 months.
- **Regular APR:**20.99% – 27.99% variable
- Annual fee: $95
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Intro APR offer: None
- Best for: Travelers with loyalty to Hyatt
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Rewards rate: Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
- Welcome offer: Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
- Regular APR: 20.24%-29.24% variable see Rates and Fees
- Annual fee: $650 see Rates and Fees
- Foreign transaction fee: None see Rates and Fees
- Intro APR offer: None
- Best for: Travelers with loyalty to Marriott
All information about The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Moneygeek.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here.
About Grace Pilling
Grace Pilling was the Senior Content Manager for Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. She previously led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com and MoneyUnder30.
Pilling has a bachelor's degree in English from Western Sydney University and a diploma in book editing, proofreading and publishing. She is focused on empowering readers to make informed financial choices that support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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