Table of Content
The World of Hyatt and the Hilton Honors American Express Card offer great hotel perks for loyal customers. In spite of both charge an annual fee, if you're finding yourself traveling +10 nights/year – they are definitely worth a try. But which of them is better?
In this comparison, we review them side by side in order to understand which of them offer more – and which one can be the best fit for your needs. Let's start.
General Comparison
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Hilton Honors American Express | The World of Hyatt | |
Annual Fee | $0 . See Rates and Fees. | $95 |
Rewards | 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases . Terms Apply. | 4 bonus points per $1 spent for Hyatt stays and experiences including restaurants and spas, 2x for flights purchased directly from the airline, local transit, commuting, restaurants, fitness club, gym memberships and 1 bonus point per $1 spent on all other purchases |
Welcome bonus | 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership | 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening |
0% Intro APR | N/A | None |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | |
Purchase APR | 20.49%-29.49% Variable
| 19.74 – 26.74% Variable |
Simulation: Which Card Gives More Rewards?
Without a scenario comparison, it's difficult to understand the actual reward potential.
As we can see, the Hilton card earns much more points compared to the world of Hyatt. But, the redemption options are different, and you'll get a much lower redemption rate compared to the world of Hyatt, as you can see in the following section.
However, keep in mind that the numbers should be adjusted to your regular spending categories, which may differ – so the exact calculation is dependent on your personal habits.
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|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Hilton Honors American Express | The World of Hyatt |
$12,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 60,000 points | 12,000 points |
$4,000 – Restaurants
| 20,000 points | 8,000 points |
$3,000 – Airline | 9,000 points | 6,000 points |
$3,000 – Hotels | 21,000 points | 12,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | 20,000 points | 4,000 points |
Total Miles/Points | 130,000 points | 42,000 miles |
Redemption Value (Estimated) | 1 point = ~0.5 cent | 1 point = ~1.8 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $650 | $756 |
Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Compare The Perks
Hilton Honors American Express
- Hilton Honors Silver Status: You’ll receive complimentary Silver status with your card. However, if you spend $20,000 or more on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you’ll receive an upgrade to Gold status through to the end of the next calendar year.
- Car Rental Damage and Loss Insurance: When you use your card to pay for your entire rental and you decline the rental company collision damage waiver, you’ll be covered for theft or damage to the rental vehicle in covered territories.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: When you use your card abroad, you’ll not incur additional fees on your purchases.
- Global Assist Hotline: If you run into problems with a lost passport, sudden illness or other emergencies when you’re away from home, you can access the Global Assist Hotline. If you’re 100 miles or more from home, Global Assist Hotline provides assistance and coordination services including medical, and legal.
- American Express Experiences: This provides exclusive access to member only events and ticket presales for popular shows, tours and events.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
The World of Hyatt
- One Free Night Per Year: In addition to any stays you earn with your rewards, you’ll get a free night at any one to four category Hyatt resort or hotel on your card anniversary.
- Bonus Free Night: You’ll also get an extra free night if you spend $15,000 or more in the calendar year.
- World of Hyatt Discoverist Status: You’ll receive complimentary Discoverist status providing your credit card account remains open. You’ll also receive credits towards your next tier status each year and each time you spend $5,000 on your card.
- Room Perks: During your stay you can enjoy premium in room internet and late check out where available, upon request.
- Bonus Points: You can also earn 10% bonus points when you earn points on eligible Hyatt spending.
Compare The Drawbacks
As with all credit cards, there are both positives and negatives to these cards. It is important to be aware of the potential cons, before you make a decision about which card is best for you.
So, to help you make a smart decision, we'll highlight potential drawbacks here.
Hilton Honors American Express
- Limited to the Hilton Loyalty Program
As with the World of Hyatt, the reward redemptions are tailored to the specific hotel chain. While it is possible to transfer points to partner airlines, the redemption rates are poor. So, if you want to earn other types of rewards, you may be better off with a travel miles card.
- No Free Award Night
Unlike the World of Hyatt card, you won’t automatically get a free award night for each anniversary. This is a nice perk of the other card, which creates a potential drawback for this card when you make a comparison.
The World of Hyatt
- Complicated Rewards Categories
While the card does offer generous rewards for your Hyatt stays, the other reward tiers can be tricky to track.
For example, you’ll only get two points for your airline tickets if they are purchased directly through the airline. You’ll need to be very detail oriented to ensure that you qualify for non Hyatt stay rewards.
- Limited Redemption Options
You can redeem your points for hotel stays, room upgrades and some other purchases. So, if you’re looking for gift cards or other flexible redemption options, you may find this card a little frustrating.
Compare Redemption Options
Both American Express and Chase considered among the top issuers when it comes to redemption options. Here are the main things each card offers for cardholders:
Hilton Honors Card
The Hilton Honors American Express card also has a tiered reward structure, but it is a little more straightforward compared to the World of Hyatt card. You’ll earn seven points per dollar on purchases at Hilton portfolio hotels and resorts, five points on dining including takeout and delivery, five points on gas at U.S gas stations, and three points for every dollar on all other eligible purchases.
You can redeem your points via the Hilton Honors loyalty program. This means that you can use your points for Hilton stays and other Hilton purchases. However, it is also possible to transfer points to use for your Amazon.com purchases or partner airline flights. Generally speaking, Hilton Honors points are worth 0.5 cents each, but you will get a lower redemption rate if you don’t use the points for Hilton purchases.
The World of Hyatt Card
The World of Hyatt card has a tiered structure to earn bonus points. You’ll earn up to 9 points for your Hyatt stays; four points for each dollar you spend at Hyatt hotels and a further five points for each eligible dollar for being a World of Hyatt member.
You’ll earn two points for every dollar you spend at eligible restaurants, gym memberships, local transit and commuting and airline tickets when you purchase directly from the airline. You’ll also earn two bonus points for each dollar up to $15,000 in the first six months, but one point for all other purchases.
You can redeem your World of Hyatt points for room upgrades, hotel stays and eligible purchases at participating Hyatt locations such as dining, spa therapies and fitness classes. It is also possible to transfer your points to some airline partners, but you’ll get a far lower redemption rate. With Hyatt redemption, you can expect a value of 1.9 cents per point.
How to Maximize Cards Benefits?
Like any other card, there are some things that can help you to get more rewards with the same use, here are some:
- Qualify for Gold Status: You’ll get Silver status automatically with this card, but if you spend $20,000 in a calendar year, you’ll qualify for Gold status the following year. This not only provides greater point earning potential, but you’ll also get some better deals when you redeem your points.
- Double Check the Cash Value: Before you assume that a lower point room is the better value option, be sure to double check the cash value. For example, if you’re considering booking at a peak time such as New Year’s Eve, while the room may cost far more points than a week previous, the cash value of the room will be sky high. So, you could actually get far greater value for your points.
- Book for Five or More Nights: When you book stays of five or more nights using your points, you’ll get a fifth night free as a perk of being Silver or higher status. So, try to take advantage of this free night which has the potential to save you a great deal.
- Focus on Category One Awards: While you may want to have a luxury break, you’ll need three times as many points for a night in a category four hotel compared to a category one. So, if you want the best value for your points, consider lower tier awards.
- Look at Room Upgrades: Hyatt allows members to upgrade their eligible paid stays with their points at reasonable rates. So, you can upgrade to a club level room or enjoy other perks without needing to break the bank.
Customer Reviews: Which Card Wins?
Hilton Honors American Express
Satisfied customers also report a fantastic benefits package that can make your stay more pleasant. The card is also praised for its wider reward categories that make it easier to accumulate points.
Negative reviews highlight that there are higher paying rewards offered with other Hilton Honors cards.
The World of Hyatt
Satisfied customers report that they enjoy the preferential treatment that they receive each time they stay at a Hyatt hotel. This includes bypassing the queues at check in and check out.
Negative reviews discuss issues with the reward structure. There is a lot of fine print to qualify for points, which can make maximizing your rewards a little tricky.
Bottom Line
If you’re brand loyal to Hyatt or Hilton hotels, and seek them out when you’re planning your vacations, these cards offer a great way to earn free nights and other hotel perks.
While the cards are weighted towards the appropriate hotel, you can also earn points for other types of spending, making them a great option for those who want to earn rewards for their everyday purchases.
Why You Might Want the Hilton Honors Card?
The Hilton Honors American Express is a great option that could be good if:
You Don’t Want to Pay an Annual Fee: Despite the impressive rewards on offer with this card, you don’t need to worry about earning enough rewards to negate an annual fee. The card has no annual fee, so you can start benefiting from rewards immediately.
You Want Hilton Honors Elite Status: This card provides immediate Silver status, which provides some great perks including a fifth night free, bonuses on points earned, and complimentary amenities at select locations.
You Want Generous Bonuses on Other Spending: Many hotel branded cards tend to neglect other spending categories, so they are a little one dimensional. However, this card has generous points for many non hotel categories, with even three points for all other eligible purchases. This means that you can use this as your everyday spending card and quickly accumulate hotel rewards.
When You Might Want the The World of Hyatt Card?
The World of Hyatt can be a good fit for your needs if you're looking for:
Ongoing Rewards: You’ll earn additional points as a World of Hyatt member, which can add up to decent ongoing rewards even after you’ve received the welcome bonus.
Elite Status: You’ll have Discoverist status automatically with this card, which gives bonuses, upgrades and other perks when you stay in Hyatt hotels.
Higher Elite Status: if you’re not satisfied with Discoverist status, this card provides an accelerated path to further elite status levels.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a hotel credit card with travel rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
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|---|---|---|---|
World of Hyatt Credit Card | Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | Hilton Honors American Express Card | |
Annual Fee | $95 | $95 | $0 |
Rewards |
1X – 4X
4 bonus points per $1 spent for Hyatt stays and experiences including restaurants and spas, 2x for flights purchased directly from the airline, local transit, commuting, restaurants, fitness club, gym memberships and 1 bonus point per $1 spent on all other purchases
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1x – 17X
up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, 3X on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining and 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
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3X – 7X
7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
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Welcome bonus |
30,000 points
30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
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5 Free Nights
5 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases
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100,000 points
100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership
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Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | 0%. | $0. See Rates and Fees. |
Purchase APR | 19.74 – 26.74% Variable | 20.49% – 27.49% variable | 20.49%-29.49% Variable
|
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