The World of Hyatt credit card offered by Chase was the only co-branded credit card offered by Hyatt until the recently launched Hyatt business credit card. This credit card has become a staple in my wallet as I chase(no pun intended) Hyatt Globalist Status each year through a mix of credit card spend and stays. Here’s the my full and honest review.
World of Hyatt Credit Card Summary
Annual Fee: $95
Earnings Rates:
- 4x at Hyatt Properties
- 2x on transit/commuting, dining, airfare
- 1x on everything else
Benefits:
- Complimentary Hyatt Discoverist Status
- 5 Elite Night credits per year
- 2 Elite Night credits for every $5,000 of spend
- Free night certificate (category 1-4) on anniversary date
- Free night certificate (category 1-4) with $15,000 spend annually
Breakdown of Hyatt Elite Status Here
What’s great about this card?
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is great for earning a couple of free night certificates and for chasing top tier Hyatt Globalist. The card offers the ability to earn 2 free night certificates with $15,000 of spend which are good for any category 1-4 hotels. I value each certificate at about $160 effectively wiping off the annual fee. This credit card also comes with 5 elite night credits with the ability to earn 2 addition elite night credits for every $5,000 if spend. If you’re able to spend big, this could be a streamlined way to qualify for one of the best top tier hotel status in Hyatt Globalist.
Complimentary Hyatt Discoverist is another solid perk. This status usually given after 10 elite night credits per year, offers 2pm late checkout, free bottled water, and upgraded to a preferred room in the same room type. While these are marginal benefits, they do help justify the $95 annual especially since most Hyatt’s have a very friendly free bottled water policy.
Who should get this credit card?
If you’re planning to on chasing Hyatt Globalist Status through a combination of stays and credit card spend then this card is perfect for you. I personally love the ability to earn Hyatt Globalist using a mix of spend and stays, but this card is mighty worth it for even the infrequent traveler. Effectively paying $95 for a free night certificate ( includes waived resort fees) provide solid value. With this certificate, you can book nights at properties such as the Andaz San Diego, Hyatt Regency Sonoma, Thompson Chicago, Hyatt Regency Birmingham UK, and even the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach. Room rates at some of these properties can hover or be upwards of $300 per night!
If you’re able to meet the 15,000 annual spend threshold, you could potential get over $500 in value from just two certificates!
Side Note: In order to use these certificates the hotel needs to have standard rooms available on points. On the bright side, as long as their is space, you can use these certificates to book free nights. These certificates do not differentiate between peak and off peak award pricing.
Other Benefits that Make this card worth?
The increased earnings rates for spend on Hyatt properties is nice but not a game changer. In my opinion, Hyatt points are some of the most valuable in the travel game but Chase is a transfer partner. In the other benefits department, I don’t find any of the benefits particularly intriguing. With other travels cards in my wallet, I already get trip insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
Final Thoughts
For those who enjoy staying at Hyatt hotels, this credit card is definitely a great option. The true value is for those who are also able to hit the $15,000 spend mark netting you an additional category 1-4 free night certificate. Each certificate can net you upwards of $300 each. On the other hand, if you find yourself with no real methods of manufactured spending or organic ways to hit the 15,000 this may not be the best option. Although you still get a free night certificate for $95, you may be more inclined to stay at a cheaper property since you could be paying cash on the other nights. Overall, the ability to earn Hyatt Elite Night Credits with credit card spend is excellent and helps me requalify for one of the best elite statuses in the game.
Let me know if you have this card or have had it in the past! I would love to hear your thoughts.
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