If you’ve spent any time in the points and miles world, you’ve probably heard this:

“Hyatt points are the most valuable hotel points.”

And honestly? They often are. (Even with the massive changes to their award chart happening May 2026, but that’s a story for another day. Actually – that story is here if you want to read all about it.)

But lets get back to it, shall we?

Hyatt offers:

• A mostly predictable award chart
• Family friendly properties
• Brand consistency

But the big question is:

How do you actually earn Hyatt points?

Let’s break it down.

World of Hyatt Credit Cards

The most direct way to earn Hyatt points is through Hyatt’s own co-branded credit cards.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

This is the simplest starting point (but not necessarily the one I recommend getting first). More on that in a bit.

You’ll earn:

• Hyatt points on Hyatt stays
• Bonus points in common spending categories
• An annual free night certificate
• Elite night credits toward status

If you regularly stay at Hyatt, this is often the most straightforward way to build points. I love having this card on hand for the annual free night certificate that comes with it!

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

For business owners, this version allows you to:

• Earn Hyatt points on business expenses
• Unlock status benefits
• Add employee cards

If you’re already putting business spend on a card, this can be a strategic way to earn Hyatt points faster. This card is great for people who are hoping to use credit card spend to unlock Globalist status through elite nights. For every $10,000 spent on the card, you earn 5 Elite Qualifying Nights.

Chase Ultimate Rewards (Transfer to Hyatt)

Here’s where things get exciting. (Well, it’s exciting to me because this is my favorite way to earn points for Hyatt stays).

Hyatt is a 1:1 transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards. That means points earned from eligible Chase cards can be transferred directly to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. (I mean, you can transfer them to other partners – but nine times out of ten – those points go straight to Hyatt for me!)

This is one of the reasons Hyatt remains so powerful — because you’re not limited to just Hyatt cards to earn points.

Popular Chase cards that earn transferable Ultimate Rewards include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: (when paired correctly)
• Chase Freedom Flex®: (when paired correctly)

Chase Business Cards

• Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: (when paired correctly)
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: (when paired correctly)

Keep in mind that any no-annual fee card has to be paired with (any) Sapphire or Ink Preferred in order to access transfer partners. I like to think of it as ‘you have to pay to play’.

So why do we like earning Chase Ultimate Rewards so much more than earning Hyatt points outright?

Well its because the earn rates are often much better on the Ultimate Reward earning cards! Depending on the card – think 3x on dining, drugstore, online groceries. 5x on phone, internet, streaming and office supply stores. 5x quarterly rotating categories that are usually easy to max out and earn some serious points.

Earn you flexible points now. Then transfer to Hyatt when you’re ready to book.

Flexibility first. Transfer later.

That’s the strategy.

But that’s not the ONLY flexible currency player in town…

Bilt Rewards (Also Transfers to Hyatt)

Bilt is another 1:1 transfer partner of Hyatt.

This is a whole ecosystem that just refreshed their credit card line up, points earning structure and has added in some great partners. Read all about Bilt here.

Bilt points transfer directly to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio — just like Chase.

Here’s their current lineup of cards:

• Bilt Blue Card (No Annual Fee)
• Bilt Obsidian Card ($95 Annual Fee)
• Bilt Palladium Card ($495 Annual Fee)
  
  

Honorable Mention: Rakuten + Bilt

This one is more of a stacking opportunity.

Rakuten allows you to earn rewards through online shopping. In certain setups, those rewards can convert into transferable points — including Bilt — which can then transfer to Hyatt.

Check out a full breakdown on that strategy here: Earn Bilt Rewards with Rakuten

It’s not your primary Hyatt-earning method — but it can be a nice boost.

Keep in mind that after the May 15, 2026 Payout, Rakuten will transfer to Bilt at 1:0.5 points unless you have Bilt elite status.

Next Level: Hyatt Globalist

Hyatt’s top-tier status, World of Hyatt Globalist, is one of the most loved hotel statuses in the points and miles world — and for good reason.

Globalist members can enjoy valuable perks like complimentary breakfast, waived resort and parking fees on award stays, room upgrades (including suites when available), and lounge access at properties that offer a club lounge. These benefits can dramatically improve a stay, especially when traveling with family.

Earning Globalist typically requires 60 qualifying nights or 100,000 base points in a calendar year, which is why many Hyatt loyalists strategically earn and redeem Hyatt points throughout the year to help reach that goal. If you don’t want to be sleeping in an actual Hyatt hotel for 60 nights a year, spending on the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card or The World of Hyatt Credit Card can help earn qualifying nights to help you get there much more quickly!

Occasionally you’ll see fast tracks or status matches to earn Globalist status. We had it for about two years, and let me tell you, it was lovely. That said, it isn’t completely necessary! In my opinion, you’ll have a lovely trip with or without Globalist status because – hey- it’s a nearly free trip!

Conclusion

Okay, so you don’t need every card. You don’t need a complicated setup.

You just need to understand where Hyatt points come from — and choose the path that fits your spending.

Hyatt likely remains one of the most strategic hotel programs out there.

And now you know exactly how to earn the points.