How to Get a Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt offers 1,100 hotels and resorts in 71 countries, ranging from the five-star Park Hyatt in New York to more affordable Hyatt Place locations. While it may not have the same reach as other larger hotel chains, Hyatt is known for how well it treats its World of Hyatt loyalty members.

Whether you’re already a die-hard Hyatt fan or you just stay at Hyatt hotels sporadically, you may be considering a Hyatt credit card to increase your World of Hyatt benefits. You can get one by applying online.

But first, let’s take a look at the different Hyatt credit cards, how to get them and what to consider before applying.

» Learn more: Is the World of Hyatt Credit Card right for me?

Which Hyatt credit cards are available?

While other hotel chains offer several choices when it comes to co-branded credit cards, Hyatt has just two options: the World of Hyatt Credit Card for personal use and the ​​World of Hyatt Business Credit Card for small business owners. Both of these cards are issued by Chase. Note that many people can qualify for a small business credit card even if they just have a side hustle or sole proprietor business.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

• Welcome offer: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

• Earning rates: 9x at hotels in the World of Hyatt program, 2x on local transit, commuting, dining, flights booked directly with the airline and gym memberships and 1x everywhere else.

• Automatic elite status: Discoverist.

• Free nights: Each year, receive a free night certificate valid at category 1-4 hotels.

• Earn two qualifying night credits toward your next tier status for every $5,000 in spend with no limit.

• Foreign transaction fees: None.

• Annual fee: $95.

Other benefits: Five qualifying night credits toward your next tier status each year, and earn a second free night certificate after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

• Welcome offer: 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

• Earning rates: 9x at hotels in the World of Hyatt program, 2x in your top 3 spending categories each quarter through Dec. 31, 2024, then 2x in your top 2 spending categories — including dining, gas stations and internet — 2x on fitness clubs and gyms and 1x everywhere else.

• Automatic elite status: Discoverist for you and five employees.

• Earn five qualifying night credits toward your next tier status for every $10,000 in spend with no limit.

• Foreign transaction fees: None.

• Annual fee: $199.

Other benefits: Up to $100 in statement credits each year when you spend $50 or more at a Hyatt property, and get 10% back on any points used after spending $50,000 in a calendar year.

Things to ask before you apply for a Hyatt credit card

If you’re looking to commit to the World of Hyatt program, it may make sense for you to get one of these credit cards. The same can be true even if you’re not a frequent traveler — the free night certificate offered by World of Hyatt Credit Card can more than make up for the annual fee it charges, even if you rarely use the card.

Do you want to pay an annual fee? How much?

Both of Hyatt’s credit cards charge an annual fee. The consumer version, as we noted above, costs $95 per year. The business card, meanwhile, charges $199 each year.

If you’re averse to paying annual fees, you may want to skip out on these cards. However, the benefits of holding the card can more than outweigh the fees you’re paying.

You’ll also want to consider your eligibility for the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card; although you may not think you’re eligible, many people who have side gigs or earn income independently can qualify. While it is subject to approval by the issuer, you can always apply if you’re interested in holding the business card.

» Learn more: Reasons to consider the World of Hyatt Credit Card

Which card has bonus categories that overlap with your frequent expenses?

Perhaps one of the most important questions you’ll want to consider when applying for a credit card is how often your bonus categories apply to your spend. If you don’t stay often at a Hyatt and almost never dine out, the World of Hyatt Credit Card may not be a good fit.

The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card offers a more flexible earning option, but you’ll still want to be sure that your expenses hit bonus categories rather than that 1x point on other purchases.

In that case, you’d be better off with a flat-earning reward card that’ll give you 2x points spent on all purchases.

Should you opt for a different credit card?

If you’re not loyal to the World of Hyatt program, you may want to opt for a more general travel card. This is especially true if you’re not worried about earning elite status with Hyatt.

As a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you can transfer points over to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. This means that travel credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can earn you more flexible rewards while still retaining the ability to give you Hyatt points.

How to apply for a World of Hyatt credit card

Applying for a World of Hyatt credit card is simple. You’ll just need to select the Apply Now button on each card’s review page:

• World of Hyatt Credit Card.

• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

The application process is much like other cards. You’ll need to provide your personal information — and if you’re applying for the business card, the information for your business as well.

How hard is it to get a Hyatt credit card?

Although there are only two Hyatt credit cards from which to choose, you’ll want to consider some of the restrictions that come along with these cards:

• 5/24. Chase operates using the 5/24 rule, which means you cannot open a new Chase card if you’ve already been approved for five credit cards (with any bank) within the last 24 months. Personal cards are almost always subject to this rule and often co-branded business cards as well. It is best to assume the rule applies if you plan to apply for either card.

• Credit score. Both Hyatt credit cards require a good to excellent credit score. Although requirements aren’t as high as for other travel cards, we recommend a score of at least 690-850 before applying.

» Learn more: Things to know before getting the World of Hyatt Card

If you’re looking to apply for a Hyatt credit card …

Hyatt’s two credit card offerings can be a great option for those who frequent Hyatt properties when traveling. Even if you don’t travel often, there’s still value to be had with the free night certificate the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers.

However, if you’re looking for a more generic travel card with the option to transfer points over to Hyatt, you may want to consider opting for a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards®, whose points provide greater flexibility than these co-branded Hyatt credit cards.

Photo courtesy of Hyatt.