Earning Hyatt points is a fantastic way to unlock free nights, upgrades, and other valuable travel perks at Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide. The fastest way to accumulate these points is through strategically using Hyatt-branded credit cards. This guide will explore the best Hyatt credit card options available in 2024, helping you choose the card that best aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.

Hyatt points are highly valued in the travel rewards world, often exceeding the redemption value of points from other hotel loyalty programs. By leveraging the right credit card, you can maximize your earnings and enjoy luxurious Hyatt experiences for less.

Credit Card Key Benefits Annual Fee
World of Hyatt Credit Card Free night award each year after account anniversary, bonus points on Hyatt stays, automatic Discoverist status, no foreign transaction fees. $95
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card Adaptive rewards, bonus points on top spending categories, automatic Discoverist status, no foreign transaction fees, access to Hyatt Leverage program. $199
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferable to Hyatt, bonus points on travel and dining, travel insurance benefits, no foreign transaction fees. $95
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferable to Hyatt, bonus points on travel and dining, travel insurance benefits, airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees. $550
Chase Freedom Unlimited Card Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferable to Hyatt, bonus points on all purchases, no annual fee. $0
Chase Freedom Flex Card Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferable to Hyatt, bonus points on rotating categories, no annual fee. $0

Detailed Explanations

World of Hyatt Credit Card:

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great option for frequent Hyatt guests and those new to the World of Hyatt program. It offers a valuable free night award each year after your account anniversary, valid at Category 1-4 Hyatt hotels. You'll also earn bonus points on Hyatt stays and achieve automatic Discoverist status, which provides perks like room upgrades (when available) and late check-out. The card’s reasonable annual fee makes it an accessible option for many travelers. Cardholders also benefit from no foreign transaction fees.

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card:

The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is designed for business owners who want to earn Hyatt points on their business expenses. Its "adaptive rewards" system allows you to earn bonus points on your top spending categories each quarter. It also grants automatic Discoverist status and offers access to the Hyatt Leverage program, providing discounted rates for business travelers. The card comes with no foreign transaction fees.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a versatile travel credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. While not a Hyatt-branded card, its points can be transferred to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, making it a valuable tool for accumulating Hyatt points. The card offers bonus points on travel and dining purchases and provides robust travel insurance benefits. Its annual fee is relatively low for the value it provides.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card that also earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Like the Sapphire Preferred, these points can be transferred to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. The Reserve card offers even more generous bonus points on travel and dining, along with enhanced travel insurance benefits and valuable perks like airport lounge access and a credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. However, it comes with a significantly higher annual fee.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Card:

The Chase Freedom Unlimited Card is a cash back credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. While marketed as a cash back card, these points can be combined with points earned from the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve cards and then transferred to Hyatt. The Freedom Unlimited earns bonus points on all purchases, making it a great card for everyday spending. It also has no annual fee.

Chase Freedom Flex Card:

The Chase Freedom Flex Card is another cash back credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. It offers bonus points on rotating categories each quarter, which can be maximized for even greater rewards. Like the Freedom Unlimited, its points can be combined with Sapphire Preferred or Reserve points and then transferred to Hyatt. The Freedom Flex also has no annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Hyatt credit card for earning free nights?

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great option due to its annual free night award at Category 1-4 Hyatt hotels.

Can I transfer points from other Chase cards to Hyatt?

Yes, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Chase Freedom Flex to your World of Hyatt account at a 1:1 ratio.

What is Hyatt Discoverist status, and how do I get it?

Hyatt Discoverist status offers benefits like room upgrades (when available) and late check-out. You automatically receive it as a cardholder of the World of Hyatt Credit Card or the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve card worth the high annual fee?

If you travel frequently and can utilize the travel insurance benefits, airport lounge access, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, the Chase Sapphire Reserve can be a worthwhile investment.

How do I maximize my Hyatt point earnings?

Use your Hyatt credit card for all Hyatt stays and strategically use your Chase Ultimate Rewards earning cards for travel, dining, and everyday purchases to maximize point accumulation.

What are the benefits of the Hyatt Leverage program?

The Hyatt Leverage program offers discounted rates for business travelers at participating Hyatt hotels. This is a perk offered with the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

Are there any foreign transaction fees on these cards?

No, none of the Hyatt-branded or Chase Sapphire cards mentioned have foreign transaction fees.

Conclusion

Choosing the best credit card for earning Hyatt points depends on your individual spending habits and travel preferences. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a solid choice for frequent Hyatt guests seeking a free night award each year, while the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card caters to business travelers. For those seeking flexibility and premium travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferable to Hyatt. The Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex provide valuable points on everyday spending with no annual fee. By strategically utilizing these cards, you can significantly enhance your Hyatt points earning potential and enjoy unforgettable travel experiences.