Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card Review

The Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card is a compelling choice for travelers who frequently stay at Hyatt properties. This card offers a range of benefits and rewards that can significantly enhance your travel experience. With a strong focus on earning points for Hyatt stays, dining, flights, gym memberships, and everyday purchases, this card is designed to provide value for both frequent travelers and occasional vacationers. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the key features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your financial and travel needs.

Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card Key Takeaways

Before diving into the detailed review, let’s highlight some of the key takeaways of the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card:
1. Generous Rewards Structure: The card offers 9x points for Hyatt stays, 2x points for dining, flights, gym memberships, and getting around, and 1x points on all other purchases.
2. Significant Sign-Up Bonus: Earn up to 60,000 bonus points within the first 6 months of account opening: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional 30,000 bonus points by earning 2x points on purchases that normally earn 1x point, up to $15,000 spent in the first 6 months.
3. Annual Fee: The card comes with a $95 annual fee, which can be offset by the rewards and benefits offered.
4. Travel and Shopping Protections: The card includes valuable travel protections such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and baggage delay insurance.
5. Elite Status: Cardholders receive automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status, which includes a 10% point bonus and several amenity upgrades.
6. High Regular APR: The card has a variable APR ranging from 21.49% to 28.49%, which can be a drawback for those who carry a balance.
7. No Foreign Transaction Fees: The card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travelers.

Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a significant advantage for international travelers as it eliminates the additional cost of using the card abroad.
2. High-Value Rewards: The card’s rewards structure, especially the 9x points for Hyatt stays, can lead to substantial savings for frequent Hyatt guests.
3. Free Night Every Anniversary Year: Cardholders receive a free night certificate at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel every year, which can easily offset the annual fee.
4. Solid Shopping and Travel Protections: The card’s travel and shopping protections provide peace of mind and can save you money in case of unexpected events.
5. Automatic Elite Status: The automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status offers several perks, including room upgrades and premium WiFi.

Cons:

1. Annual Fee: The $95 annual fee may be a deterrent for some individuals, especially if they don’t travel frequently.
2. Extra Fees: The card charges fees for balance transfers, cash advances, and late payments, which can add up if not managed carefully.
3. High Regular APR: The high variable APR (21.49% – 28.49%) can be costly for those who carry a balance.
4. No Intro APR Offer: The card does not offer an introductory APR for purchases or balance transfers, which may be a drawback for those looking to finance large purchases.
5. Limited Redemption Options: The primary redemption option is Hyatt properties, which may not be ideal for those who prefer more flexible rewards programs.

Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card Benefits

Rewards Structure

The Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a tiered rewards structure that caters to various spending categories. Here’s a breakdown of the rewards you can earn:
– 9x Points for Hyatt Stays: This is the card’s standout feature, making it extremely valuable for frequent Hyatt guests. You’ll earn 9 points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties, which can quickly add up to free nights and other rewards.
– 2x Points for Dining Out: Earn 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants, cafes, and other dining establishments. This category is broad and includes both domestic and international dining.
– 2x Points for Flights: Earn 2 points per dollar spent on airline tickets, making it a great choice for frequent flyers.
– 2x Points for Gym Memberships: Health and fitness enthusiasts will appreciate earning 2 points per dollar spent on gym memberships and fitness clubs.
– 2x Points for Getting Around: This category includes various forms of transportation, such as rideshares, taxis, and public transit.
– 1x Points on All Other Purchases: For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1 point per dollar spent.

Sign-Up Bonus

The Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a generous sign-up bonus that can significantly boost your points balance:
– 30,000 Bonus Points: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
– Additional 30,000 Bonus Points: Earn another 30,000 bonus points by earning 2 bonus points per dollar spent (on purchases that normally earn 1 point) within the first 6 months, up to $15,000 spent.

Travel and Shopping Protections

The card comes with a range of travel and shopping protections that add significant value:
– Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: If your trip is unexpectedly canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons such as illness or severe weather, you can be reimbursed up to $5,000.
– Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you can be reimbursed for necessary expenses such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.
– Travel Accident Insurance: When you pay for travel using your card, you’re covered for accidental death or dismemberment up to $500,000.
– Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If your luggage is lost or damaged while traveling, you can be compensated up to $3,000 per person.
– Baggage Delay Insurance: If your baggage is delayed by more than 6 hours, you can be reimbursed for essential items, up to $100 per day for five days.
– Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company’s insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card to receive coverage against damage and theft.

Additional Benefits

– World of Hyatt Discoverist Status: Cardholders automatically receive Discoverist status, which includes benefits such as a 10% point bonus, room upgrades (when available), premium WiFi, and late checkout.
– Free Night Every Anniversary Year: Cardholders receive a free night certificate at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel every year, which can easily offset the annual fee.
– Travel Concierge Service: Access to Visa’s concierge service, available 24/7 for assistance with restaurant reservations, travel tips, event tickets, and more.

Conclusion

The Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent Hyatt guests and travelers who can take full advantage of its rewards and benefits. With its generous rewards structure, significant sign-up bonus, and valuable travel protections, this card offers substantial value for those who frequently stay at Hyatt properties. The automatic Discoverist status and annual free night certificate further enhance the card’s appeal.
However, the card’s $95 annual fee, high regular APR, and limited redemption options may be drawbacks for some individuals. It’s important to evaluate your spending habits and travel preferences to determine if this card aligns with your financial goals.
Overall, if you’re a loyal Hyatt customer and can maximize the card’s rewards and benefits, the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card is a valuable addition to your wallet. Its robust rewards program, travel protections, and elite status benefits make it a top choice for travel enthusiasts and Hyatt loyalists alike.