Last-minute strategies for earning World of Hyatt status
Editor's Note
As the end of the year approaches, it's a good idea to review your elite status goals and assess your progress toward achieving them. World of Hyatt elite status is one of the most valuable, so you may want to top up your account if you're close to the next status tier.
Here's a reminder of how to earn Hyatt elite status and, if you haven't quite reached your desired tier, an overview of how you can earn more qualifying nights or base points before the end of the year.
World of Hyatt status overview
There are two ways to earn each World of Hyatt status tier: qualifying nights or base points. Specifically, here's a look at the requirements you must meet each calendar year for Hyatt elite status:
- Discoverist: 10 qualifying nights or 25,000 base points
- Explorist: 30 qualifying nights or 50,000 base points
- Globalist: 60 qualifying nights or 100,000 base points
Once you earn a Hyatt elite status tier, you'll keep that status for the year after you qualify, plus two more months. So, if you qualify for a specific Hyatt status in 2025, your status will be valid through February 2027.
Take a look at how many qualifying nights and base points you currently have for this year, and calculate how many you plan to earn before the end of the year based on the Hyatt stays you currently have planned. Then, check out the following section for strategies you can use to earn more qualifying nights or base points before the end of the year.
Related: Comparing the best hotel elite status tiers and how to earn them in 2025
Strategies if you need more qualifying nights
If you are just a few nights short of qualifying for your desired Hyatt elite status tier, below are some strategies you can use.
Open the World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers primary cardmembers five tier qualifying night credits each calendar year. It may take up to eight weeks from when you open your card account for the night credits to be reflected in your World of Hyatt account, though.
Related: Is the World of Hyatt credit card worth the annual fee?
Spend on your World of Hyatt card
You can earn qualifying night credits when you meet specific spending thresholds on the World of Hyatt Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees).
Specifically, primary cardmembers of the World of Hyatt Credit Card earn two tier qualifying night credits for every $5,000 spent on purchases each calendar year, and primary cardmembers of the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card earn five tier qualifying night credits for every $10,000 spent on purchases each calendar year.
These tier qualifying night credits may take up to eight weeks from the last day of the calendar month when you qualify to be added to your World of Hyatt account. However, Hyatt will apply these night credits to the calendar year in which the spending occurred.
So, you could spend on the World of Hyatt Credit Card or World of Hyatt Business Credit Card before the end of the year to meet one or more of these spending thresholds and earn qualifying night credits.
Related: Why I aim to spend $15K on my World of Hyatt Credit Card each year
Plan a new trip or staycation
Finally, if you need more qualifying nights, another option is to plan a new trip for the required number of nights. For example, if you expect to be three nights short, consider booking a three-night stay. The stay could be at a nearby Category 1 Hyatt hotel or perhaps in a destination you've been wanting to visit.
Alternatively, if you have stays at properties outside of the World of Hyatt program before the end of the year, consider cancelling those stays and instead staying at a World of Hyatt property.
Related: How much value does World of Hyatt status provide when you book directly?
Strategies if you need more base points
You have fewer options if you're close to qualifying for a higher status tier via base points. After all, you can only earn base points when you pay an eligible rate for a stay, for eligible incidental charges during a stay or for eligible nonstay charges.
Specifically, you'll earn 2.5 base points per eligible dollar spent at Hyatt Studios hotels and 5 base points per eligible dollar spent at other World of Hyatt properties. Members can earn base points on up to three rooms per stay as long as they occupy at least one of the rooms.
Therefore, if you need additional base points, you can only earn them through qualifying spending with World of Hyatt.
Related: The 14 best Hyatt all-inclusive resorts in the world
Other strategies for earning Hyatt status
If none of these strategies are for you, it may still be possible to earn Hyatt status before the end of the year via one of the following methods.
Get a Hyatt credit card
Primary cardmembers of the World of Hyatt Credit Card or the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card get complimentary Discoverist status. Additionally, the primary cardmember of the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card can designate up to five employees to receive Discoverist status.
So, if you only want a low tier of World of Hyatt status, you could get Discoverist status through one of these cards.
Related: World of Hyatt card vs. World of Hyatt Business card: 2 valuable hotel earners
American Airlines AAdvantage Loyalty Point Rewards
If you're also striving for American Airlines elite status, you could secure World of Hyatt status at select Loyalty Point Reward levels.
Specifically, you'll automatically earn Discoverist status at the 100,000 Loyalty Point Reward level. And you can choose Explorist status at the 175,000 and 250,000 Loyalty Point Reward levels. However, there are other choices, such as systemwide upgrades, at these Loyalty Point Reward levels that are likely more valuable.
Look for a status challenge
Finally, it's sometimes possible to gain World of Hyatt status via a status match or challenge. For example, this August, Hyatt targeted select American Airlines AAdvantage elite members to receive Explorist status for 90 days. These targeted members could stay 10 qualifying nights during their 90-day trial period to keep Explorist status through February 2027 or stay 20 nights and unlock Globalist status.
Related: 3 ways to earn Hyatt Globalist elite status
Bottom line
It's crunch time for getting the last qualifying nights or base points you need to secure your desired World of Hyatt elite status. If you haven't yet reached your goal, consider using some of the strategies discussed in this article to help you cross the finish line.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.