5 reasons I love my World of Hyatt Credit Card and plan to keep it for the long term
It seems every hotel brand has a credit card (or six, in the case of Marriott). So, it can be difficult to choose which one to get.
Out of the 33 credit cards currently in my wallet, a quarter of them are from hotel brands. And one of my top choices is the World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees), which is the personal credit card from Chase and my favorite hotel loyalty program, World of Hyatt.
Here are five reasons I got the card — and plan to keep it for the long term.
Annual fee that pays for itself
The World of Hyatt card's $95 annual fee is average for a mid-tier cobranded hotel card. And it's offset by more than just one benefit — making it a no-brainer to keep in your wallet year after year.
This card offers an annual free night certificate at a Category 1-4 property, valid for peak, standard and off-peak dates. That means you can redeem it for a night costing between 3,500 and 18,000 points, with a preference for the higher end to get maximum value out of the certificate.
I redeemed my free night certificate at the Andaz Mexico City Condesa (a Category 4 property) last year, and at the Hyatt House Manchester (Category 2) the year before. Given cash rates for these properties start at $250 and $170, respectively, I got my annual fee's worth — and then some.
You can also combine your points and free night certificate on the same stay; I usually use my certificate for the first night and then add nights booked with points.
Valuable hotel points
According to TPG's February 2025 valuations, World of Hyatt points are among the most valuable hotel points, worth at least double the value of Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy points.
Part of the reason is that World of Hyatt is the only one of these four major loyalty programs that still sticks to an award chart (for the most part). Standard room redemptions at most Hyatt-affiliated properties cost between 3,500 and 45,000 points.
While some people aim for luxury hotel stays at brands like Park Hyatt, I prefer to squeeze the most nights out of my Hyatt points by using them at high-value Category 1 and 2 properties. For example, I recently stayed at the excellent Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur for only 5,000 points a night (the property increases to 8,000 points a night March 25).
It's important to do the math to decide whether using points or cash to book a hotel stay is better. When I use cash, I earn 4 points per dollar spent with Hyatt — including on meals and spa services — which is equivalent to an almost 7% return on my spending, according to our February 2025 valuations.
Top up with Chase and Bilt points
I direct most of my general travel and dining spending to my Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), which earns 8 points per dollar spent on purchases through Chase Travel℠, 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct and 3 points per dollar spent on dining. And since Hyatt is one of Chase's 14 transfer partners, I can transfer my points at a 1:1 ratio to top up my account.
You can also transfer Bilt Rewards Points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.
Transfers are typically instant, but over the past six months, I have had two instances of Chase points taking three to seven days to appear in my Hyatt account.
Automatic elite status
It's safe to say I've boarded the Hyatt status train. This card gives me my ticket, granting me complimentary Discoverist status just for having it in my wallet.
While this entry-level status doesn't give me many perks, the notable ones include:
- A 10% points bonus on Hyatt stays
- Upgrades to preferred rooms (subject to availability)
- 2 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability)
Fast track to higher status
My aim last year was to get to mid-tier Explorist status, which requires 30 nights in a year. I reached this status tier thanks to the five elite night status credits this card grants me and staying 25 nights at Hyatt hotels.
While not a perk specific to the card, I appreciate the program's Milestone Rewards, which granted me 2,000 bonus points when I reached 20 nights, and a free night certificate and two club access awards when I reached 30 nights.
This year, I aim to reach top-tier Globalist status, which requires 60 nights. Thanks to this card's five elite nights, some recent stays and upcoming ones, I'm on track to get halfway there by the middle of the year.
This card will give me a boost in the second half of the year, granting me two elite night credits for every $5,000 spent on it. By year's end, I plan to put my almost $10,000 property tax bill on this card, plus another $5,000 or so in general spending, totaling $15,000.
This is the sweet spot to aim for, as it will not only give me six elite night credits toward my 60-night target but also an additional free night certificate to redeem at a Category 1-4 property.
Bottom line
If you ask TPG veterans and experts on points and miles which hotel program they're most loyal to, the most common answer is Hyatt. So, if you want to aim for top-tier hotel status and enjoy some Milestone Rewards along the way, the World of Hyatt card is a great choice.
Given the high-value redemptions and free night certificate, it's also a no-brainer for those looking to minimize the cash cost of hotel stays.
If you don't particularly care about status but have a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, the Hyatt card is a great choice, too. Its annual fee easily pays for itself each year.
To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt Credit Card.
Apply here: World of Hyatt Credit Card
Related: My top 3 picks for the best cobranded hotel credit card
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.