World of Hyatt Loyalty Program Benefits, Rewards, Credit Cards, & Membership in 2024

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The World of Hyatt loyalty program is one of the most-loved hotel loyalty programs as you can enjoy high-quality properties and affordable free night rewards. It’s also easy to earn Hyatt points that are arguably the most valuable hotel points around.

Loyalty Program	World of Hyatt
Cost to Join	Free
Membership Tiers	Member, Discoverist, Explorist, Globalist, Lifetime Globalist
Total Destinations	1,054+
Number of Brands	26
Popular Brands	Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt House, Andaz, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara
Average Point Value	2.0 cents
Point Expiration Policy	24 months of inactivity
Points Needed for Reward Nights	3,500 – 45,000
Point Redemption Options	Hotel Nights, On-Site Experiences, Expeditions, Meetings & Events, Rental Cars, Airline Miles
Number of Co-Brand Credit Cards (Accepting New Applications)	2

Here is a closer look at the World of Hyatt membership perks to make your leisure and business trips more relaxing.

Joining the Program

You can join World of Hyatt for free at world.hyatt.com by entering your name, email address, and country of residence.

The minimum age to join is 18 or the age of majority in your state. After joining, you automatically qualify for the entry-level membership tier and can start earning points.

World of Hyatt Levels

There are four different Hyatt membership tiers and one lifetime status level:

• Member
• Discoverist
• Explorist
• Globalist
• Lifetime Globalist

You can climb the ladder by earning a minimum number of eligible nights, base points, or meetings and events each year.

Membership Level	Nights	Base Points	Meetings and Events
Member	None	No Minimum Requirements	No Minimum Requirements
Discoverist	10	25,000	3
Explorist	30	50,000	10
Globalist	60	100,000	20
Lifetime Globalist	N/A	1 million Lifetime Base Points	N/A

Member

As the starting point for all applicants, World of Hyatt Members enjoy these benefits:

• Earn 5 base points per $1
• Redeem points for free nights
• Discounted member rates
• Resort fees waived on Free Night Awards
• Sapphire MGM Rewards Status Tier Match
• Small Luxury Hotels of the World benefits

Discoverist

Discoverist status is the first elite tier and it’s yours after logging 10 nights, 25,000 base points, or 3 meetings/events. You can automatically have this status each year by holding the World of Hyatt Credit Card ($95/year)

Benefits include:

• 5x base points
• 10% bonus points on eligible purchases
• Pearl MGM Rewards Status
• Premium internet
• Bottled water
• Room upgrades within preferred room type (when available)
• Elite check-in
• 2 pm late checkout (at participating locations)
• American Airlines AAdvantage bonus

Explorist

The Explorist mid-elite tier requires 30 nights, 50,000 base points, or 10 meetings. 

Tier perks include:

• 5x base points
• 20% bonus points on eligible purchases
• Gold MGM Rewards status match
• 72 hours Guaranteed Availability
• Space-available room upgrades (excludes suites and rooms with Club access)

Globalist

Globalist is the highest World of Hyatt tier and requires 60 nights, 100,000 base points, or 20 meetings. 

Its unique benefits include:

• 5x base points 
• 30% bonus on eligible purchases
• Resort fees are waived on eligible rates and free night awards 
• Gold MGM Rewards status match
• Room upgrades include Standard Suites
• 4 pm late checkout (when available)
• 48 hours Guaranteed Availability
• Club access or breakfast
• Free parking on free night awards
• Priority access to rooms
• Guest of Honor (share benefits with others)

Lifetime Globalist

You qualify for Lifetime Globalist status after earning 1 million lifetime base points. 

World of Hyatt Status Match

Your best options to participate in a World of Hyatt status match is through MGM Rewards or American Airlines. Unfortunately, this hotel loyalty program infrequently offers matching programs with competing hoteliers.

Learn More: American Airlines AAdvantage Loyalty Program Benefits Guide.

MGM Rewards

If you have MGM Rewards elite status, you can automatically qualify for a World of Hyatt tier.

MGM Rewards Status	World of Hyatt Status
Sapphire	Discoverist
Pearl	Explorist
Gold, Platinum, NOIR	Globalist

American Airlines

American Airlines AAdvantage elite members may qualify for Hyatt elite status although you must inquire after linking your accounts. 

The program terms state that AAdvantage elite members can have relaxed qualifications and can complete a limited-time status challenge. 

American Airlines ConciergeKey members will automatically qualify for World of Hyatt Globalist status. 

World of Hyatt Credit Cards

The hotel loyalty program offers two co-branded rewards credit cards through Chase Bank. You will earn bonus points on purchases and can also receive free night awards and automatic elite loyalty status.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. Some of the featured benefits include:

• 4x bonus points on Hyatt purchases
• 2x bonus points at restaurants, on airfare purchases directly from airlines, local transit & commuting, and fitness club & gym memberships
• Free night award each year at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• One additional free night award after $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year
• World of Hyatt Discoverist status
• 5 qualifying night credits each year
• 2 qualifying night credits per $5,000 in card purchases

Learn More: World of Hyatt Credit Card Benefits & Review

Chase World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is perfect for small business owners. It carries a $199 annual fee but no foreign transaction fee.

Its most valuable card perks include:

• 4x bonus points on Hyatt purchases
• 2x points on the top 2 spend categories each quarter
• 2x on fitness clubs and gym memberships
• World of Hyatt Discoverist status
• Gift Discoverist status to up to 5 employees
• 5 Tier-Qualifying night credits per $10,000 in annual card purchases
• Hyatt Leverage membership

Related: Best Hotel Credit Cards

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt

If you’re not going to be exclusively loyal to World of Hyatt, a travel rewards credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards (and has an annual fee) can be your best alternative. 

You can redeem these points for award travel through the credit card travel portal for a redemption bonus of either 25% or 50%. It’s also possible to transfer them at a 1:1 ratio in 1,000-point increments to your World of Hyatt account. 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee and is considered the best all-around travel credit card for many due to its flexible redemption options and card benefits.

Some of the best perks include:

• Up to 5x points on travel purchases
• 25% point redemption bonus on travel
• 1:1 point transfers
• 10% bonus points each card anniversary
• $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit 

Learn More: What Credit Score Do You Need for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

Chase Sapphire Reserve®  

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel credit card with a $550 annual fee. It’s worth considering if you want frequent flyer benefits such as airport lounge access.

• Earn up to 10x Ultimate Rewards on travel (after the annual $300 travel credit)
• Annual $300 travel credit
• 50% award travel redemption value
• 1:1 point transfers
• Priority Pass Select airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS fee credit

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has a $95 annual fee and is the only Ink Business credit card offering point transfers to Hyatt and other travel partners.

• Earn up to 3x points on purchases
• 25% travel redemption bonus
• 1:1 points transfers
• Up to $1,000 per claim in cell phone protection (with a $100 deductible)

Transferring Bilt Rewards to Hyatt

If you pay rent, the Bilt Rewards Alliance lets you earn 1 point per $1 (on the first $50,000 per year) on Rent Day. You will need to apply for the Bilt co-brand credit card to earn points if your landlord isn’t part of the Bilt Alliance. Other purchases can also earn points. 

You can transfer your Bilt Points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. You may also get a 25% redemption bonus when booking award travel directly through the Bilt App.

Bilt Mastercard®

The Bilt Mastercard® earns up to 1 point per dollar on rent payments with zero transaction fees. Travel purchases can net 3x points and dining earns 2x points.

You will need to make at least five purchases per month to earn points during the statement cycle.

There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee.  

World of Hyatt Brands

The World of Hyatt portfolio contains 26 hotel and resort brands. There are just over 1,000 properties worldwide, with most in the United States. 

This hotel program is relatively small compared to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy which offer competitive experiences. While you may have a more challenging time finding a property, your loyalty points can be more valuable and beneficial.

Hyatt breaks its brands into four different collections.

Timeless Collection

The entry-level Tmeless Collection is the most expansive. You can find many mid-level brands for short-term and long-term stays. 

• Hyatt
• Hyatt Regency
• Grand Hyatt
• Park Hyatt
• Hyatt House
• Hyatt Residence Club
• Hyatt Place
• UrCove by Hyatt

Learn More: Best Mid-Tier Hotels

Boundless Collection

For luxury stays, consider these hotel brands:

• Alila
• Andaz
• Caption by Hyatt
• Hyatt Centric
• Miraval
• Thompson Hotels

Independent Collection

Consider these brands for curated stays:

• Destination by Hyatt
• JDV by Hyatt
• The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Inclusive Collection

There are also many all-include resorts to enjoy:

• Alua
• Breathless
• Dreams
• Hyatt Zilara
• Hyatt Ziva
• Secrets
• Sunscape
• Vivid
• Zoetry

Related: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Brands

Earning World of Hyatt Points

There are several ways to earn Hyatt base points that will help you qualify for elite status levels such as Discoverist, Explorist, or Globalist. Most of the offers earn 5 base points per $1.

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts

All Hyatt members earn 5x base points although elite members earn up to 30% bonus points. 

Dining and Spa

On-property dining and spa experiences earn 5 points per $1. 

MGM Resorts

Earn 5x Hyatt points at the 10 MGM Resorts within Las Vegas. There are also standard elite tier bonuses and you can enjoy perks within the MGM Rewards program too.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Stays within the SLH portfolio earn 5x Hyatt points and other unique benefits, including complimentary breakfast for two and WiFi. Space-available room upgrades are possible for all Hyatt guests regardless of your status tier.

Meetings and Events

Hosting conferences and events on Hyatt properties earn 1 base point per $1 (up to 50,000 points per year). This earning offer is in addition to any paid Hyatt overnight stays that will earn 5x base points.

Hyatt Credit Cards 

Either co-brand Hyatt credit card earns bonus points (instead of base points) on purchases. These earnings will help you afford free night awards more frequently.

Your two options include:

• World of Hyatt Credit Card
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Lindblad Expeditions

Cruising through Lindblad lets you earn 5x points. Your travel nights also apply towards Hyatt elite status. You can also receive a $250 onboard credit per reservation.

FIND Expeditions

You get to earn 10x points on over 200 FIND Expeditions that can include world-elite dining, exploring volcanoes, private stargazing tours, and oyster hunting.

American Airlines Bookings

If you have Hyatt Discoverist elite status or higher, you can earn 1 hotel point per $1 on American Airlines bookings. Your flight purchases earn AAdvantage miles too.

Booking Flights

Instead of earning hotel points on hotel night purchases, you can earn airline miles instead. This can be an excellent temporary option to fill a mileage gap to book an award flight. 

However, Hyatt points can be more valuable than airline miles in many situations as they are closer to 2 cents versus 1 cent for airline miles. 

Most airline partners let you earn 500 miles on Hyatt bookings. Some of the best partners include:

• Air France
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines 
• Emirates
• Lufthansa
• Southwest Airlines (600 points)
• United Airlines

Avis Car Rentals

All members can earn 500 Hyatt points on Avis rental car bookings. Additionally, you can save up to 25% off base rates by connecting your hotel loyalty account and using discount code K817700 at Avis.com.

Along with earning Hyatt points through Avis, you can also reserve a free intermediate-size car for 6,000 points per day. Call 1 (800) 544-9288 to secure your car at this exclusive rate.

Buying Hyatt Points

You can purchase from 2,000 to 55,000 Hyatt bonus points per calendar year. It costs $24 per 1,000 points making each point cost 2.4 cents.

Waiting for a limited-time offer, such as buying at least 5,000 points and getting 25% more, can help you get a better return on your investment.

You can purchase Hyatt points for the same cost and gift them to a friend without fees. You may also be able to share your free night awards, upgrades, and Points+Cash rewards with other World of Hyatt members. 

World of Hyatt Milestone Rewards

In addition to earning World of Hyatt points, your qualifying stays can earn Milestone Rewards. This loyalty perk is separate from the loyalty tiers although you will receive these rewards as you advance up the membership levels.

You earn one-time bonuses when you log a specific number of nights or base points.

Minimum Nights or Base Points Needed	Milestone Reward
20 nights or 35,000 points	2 Club Lounge Access Awards
30 nights or 50,000 points	1 Category 1-4 Free Night Award and 2 Club Lounge Access Awards
40 nights or 65,000 points	5,000 bonus points or $100 Hyatt gift card or $150 FIND experience credit
50 nights or 80,000 points	2 Suite Upgrade Awards
60 nights or 100,000 points	1 Category 1-7 Free Night Award and 2 Suite Upgrade Awards and Access to My Hyatt Concierge
70 nights	10,000 bonus points or 1 Suite Upgrade Award
80 nights	10,000 bonus points or 1 Suite Upgrade Award
90 nights	10,000 bonus points or 1 Suite Upgrade Award
100 nights	10,000 bonus points or 1 Suite Upgrade Award

Lifetime Globalist members will receive some Milestone Rewards automatically without having to satisfy the earning requirements.

Redeeming World of Hyatt Points

Several travel-related travel options make Hyatt points some of the most valuable hotel rewards points.

Free Night Awards

Reward nights are the most valuable redemption option and your Hyatt points can be worth from 1.5 to 2.5 cents depending on the itinerary. 

Thankfully, Hyatt still publishes an award chart instead of relying solely on a variable pricing model but you will encounter off-peak, standard, and peak pricing.

There are eight hotel categories with a standard room requiring from 5,000 points (Category 1) to 40,000 points (Category 8). In comparison to competing programs, the most expensive categories can require as many points as the mid-tier properties from other brands.

Unlike some hotel brands that may not let you redeem your points for premium rooms, it’s also possible to pay with points for:

• Club: 7,000 to 50,000 points (standard rate)
• Standard Suite: 8,000 to 61,000 points
• Premium Suite: 10,000 to 80,000 points

You’re also able to make Points and Cash bookings at hotels and select resorts. 

All-Inclusive Resorts

It’s also possible to use your points at most all-inclusive resorts. 

For the nine resort collections plus the popular Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva, a standard room costs from 15,000 points (Group A) to 50,000 points (Group F). 

At Miraval Resorts, plan on paying 45,000 points for a standard single occupancy room or 65,000 for a standard double occupancy room. The standard rate for a double occupancy Premium Suite is 125,000 points.

Room Upgrades

On paid stays, you can request room upgrades online for new reservations starting at 3,000 points. For existing reservations, it’s possible to call customer support to see if space is available.

• Club: 3,000 points
• Suite: 6,000 points
• Premium Suite: 9,000 points

Dining and Spa Credits

Hyatt lets you redeem points for on-site experiences to enjoy a spa visit, a meal, or in-room amenities.

The minimum redemption is 1,000 points for a $10 credit. You can redeem up to 65,000 points and get a $1,000 credit.

Tours and Excursions

FIND Experiences start at 1,000 points if you don’t want to pay with currency. For example, you can pay $209 or 14,298 for a hot air balloon ride. 

If you have more points, Lindblad Expeditions require at least 174,000 points.

The average redemption value is approximately 1.4 cents for FIND and 1.6 cents for Lindblad. These point values are very respectable but still lower than most Hyatt free night awards. 

Meeting and Event Credits

You may also use points to host a meeting or an event. You can redeem in increments of 15,000 points for a $200 credit. 

Convert Hyatt Points to Airline Miles

One of the least valuable redemption options is transferring your Hyatt points to a frequent flyer program. Usually, 5,000 Hyatt points become 2,000 airline miles but you can earn 5,000 bonus miles when transferring at least 50,000 points at once. 

Additionally, it can also take up to eight weeks to complete the transfer.

This transfer option is similar to Marriott Bonvoy although it’s usually not your best option with this loyalty program as Hyatt points are usually worth as much or more than airline miles.

There are more than 20 airline partners and include:

• ANA
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Emirates
• Singapore Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

World of Hyatt is one of the best hotel loyalty programs you can join as they make it easy to earn and redeem points. You will usually have no problem redeeming them for at least 1.5 cents each at a mid-tier, luxury, or all-inclusive property. 

One of the program’s most substantial drawbacks is only having around 1,000 properties worldwide while most of the competition has 4,000 or more hotels and resorts. If you travel to destinations that Hyatt serves, a membership can be well worth it.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.