By Shawn Gallagher
I’ve spoken highly of the World of Hyatt loyalty program many times. It’s a high-value program with many benefits for elite status members, and non-elite members can also enjoy many perks and free nights.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is part of this program, and helps members earn points quickly and receive additional benefits. For Hyatt loyalists (and even if you stay at Hyatts just a few times a year!), I argue this card is extremely worth it. Here are 3 reasons why.
1. Enjoy a Free Night Every Year
The World of Hyatt Credit Card has a $95 annual fee. However, one of the perks of the card is a category 1-4 free night award every year. This free night will easily offset the $95 fee, and this benefit alone will make the card worth it for a lot of people. You’ll also receive another category 1-4 free night award after spending $15K on the card.
There are many category 1-4 hotels that go for more than $95, and utilizing the free night during peak seasons or last minute airport stays can make it even more worth it. Read more about the best ways to use the category 1-4 free night award here.
Note that free nights also count towards elite status with the World of Hyatt; a generous part from the program.
Related: The best ways to use your Hyatt category 1-4 free night award
2. Get a Head Start on Elite Night Credits
For those chasing elite status, cardholders enjoy 5 elite night credits at the start of every year. This gives you a head start towards next year’s status.
In addition, you’ll receive another 2 elite night credits every time you spend $5K on the card, which I’d say is very good value.
If you primarily stay at Hyatt properties, the value you get from these elite night credits is hard to beat. Elite status will feel much closer with the credit card.
3. Rack Up Points Quickly With High Rates
With this card, you’ll have a chance to rack up points very quickly with higher earning rates. For Hyatt purchases, you’ll earn 4 points per qualifying dollar spent in addition to the 5 points you’d already earn as a World of Hyatt member. Since you also have a 10% bonus for having Discoverist status, which is complimentary with this card, you’ll earn a total of 9.5 points per dollar. This is tremendous value.
For purchases outside Hyatt, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent on dining, airline tickets, and gym memberships. Gym memberships are not a common category to earn bonus points on, so this card is something to keep an eye on if you’re looking to maximize this category. All other purchases will earn 1 point per dollar.
Since World of Hyatt points are typically worth about 2.2 cents per point, you’ll be getting a lot of value even from everyday spending. This makes it one of the best hotel credit cards on the market.
Related: When do World of Hyatt points expire?
Bottom Line
The World of Hyatt loyalty program is an incredible program with tremendous benefits for both elite and non-elite members. This credit card provides even more benefits by speeding up status earning and points, offering free night credits, and more. Even if you don’t stay at Hyatt properties a lot in a given year, this card can still be worth it.
Featured image by Hyatt.