You can transfer World of Hyatt points to other members: Here's how

Near the end of 2020, I applied for the World of Hyatt Credit Card and started my quest to earn World of Hyatt Globalist status. Until I started spending on my new card, though, I'd never actually earned or redeemed my own World of Hyatt points.

Instead, I'd always used points from someone else's account when staying at Hyatt hotels. When I got the World of Hyatt Credit Card, however, and decided to aim for Globalist status in 2021, my husband transferred his World of Hyatt points to my account so that it would be our main hub of activity in the program. After all, he only has Explorist status, so it made sense to stay under my Hyatt account going forward.

Like World of Hyatt, several other loyalty programs allow you to pool, combine or transfer points with other members. But today, I'll discuss everything you need to know about combining World of Hyatt points from two accounts to make the most of all the program has to offer.

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How to combine points from World of Hyatt accounts

You can combine your World of Hyatt points with any other World of Hyatt member. No family affiliation is required, but Hyatt says you can only combine points "to have a sufficient number of points to redeem a particular award." Additionally, Hyatt notes that each member can only "transfer or receive points once every 30 days."

To combine points, you must fill out a PDF form. In particular, you'll need to fill in the name, World of Hyatt number, phone number, mailing address and email associated with both members' accounts.

Then, the member who wishes to transfer points will need to fill in a section authorizing Hyatt to deduct a specific number of points from their account and transfer the points to another member. Both members will then need to sign the form.

Once both members fill out the form, you can email the form to worldofhyatt@hyatt.com. Alternatively, you could mail in a printed-out paper form, but email will almost certainly be more convenient for most members.

When my husband transferred his points into my account earlier this year, slightly more than 31 hours elapsed from when he sent an email to Hyatt and when the points reached my account. However, the time it takes for your combination transaction may vary.

Hyatt's terms and conditions note that both members must have active accounts and that the member transferring points relinquishes all rights to the combined points. The terms also note that "only the number of points necessary to redeem the specific award for which the transfer is being requested may be combined." However, when my husband combined about 17,000 points with my account, we didn't need to tell Hyatt how we planned to redeem the combined points and there didn't seem to be an issue.

Related: 6 ways to redeem Hyatt points as travel rebounds

When should you combine World of Hyatt points?

If you're teaming up with other World of Hyatt members to plan a vacation, combining points might seem like an excellent idea. After all, pooling your points together could unlock the ability to book a premium suite at a Hyatt property or extend your trip additional nights. Here are some of the other main reasons why you might want to combine World of Hyatt points:

• Stop points from expiring: You'll forfeit your World of Hyatt points if your account is inactive for 24 months. However, transferring points counts as account activity for your account and can let you move your points into an account that is more active than yours.
• Save up for a specific award: While World of Hyatt has some excellent low-category redemptions, like the Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort in Malaysia, you might have your sights set on a higher-category redemption. By combining points into a single account, more costly award stays may be within reach.
• Share elite benefits: World of Hyatt Globalist members can share their elite benefits with friends and family by redeeming points to book Guest of Honor stays. If you happen to be close friends with (or related to) a Globalist, you can transfer points to their account and then the Globalist can book Guest of Honor award stays for you.

Related: How to leverage Hyatt partnerships for cruises, flights and more

How to earn more World of Hyatt points

If you need to earn more World of Hyatt points for a redemption, you (or anyone willing to combine points with you) could transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt. You can transfer points from Chase to Hyatt instantly at a 1:1 ratio.

As such, you can use cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Ink Business Preferred Credit Card to effectively earn World of Hyatt points (assuming Hyatt is your Ultimate Rewards point transfer partner of choice).

Alternatively, you could earn Hyatt points directly with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. This card is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 30,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2x points in the first six months from account opening on purchases that typically earn 1x points (on up to $15,000 spent).

And small business owners can earn Hyatt points with the new World of Hyatt Business Credit Card. This small business card is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.

Related: Plan ahead: The 50 most in-demand World of Hyatt hotels for point redemptions

Bottom line

Hyatt is a popular program with award travelers thanks to its well-priced award chart and the ease of earning points (especially with 1:1 transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards). Other than requiring a paper form (instead of a web form), Hyatt earns high marks for making it free and easy for members to combine points.

When World of Hyatt Globalist elites book award stays for others, these stays carry Globalist benefits thanks to the Guest of Honor perk. As such, if you have a trusted friend or family member with Globalist status, it can make sense to combine points with the Globalist and then ask them to book Hyatt stays for you.

Additional reporting by Ethan Steinberg.