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 on purchases at all Hyatt hotels. Plus, 5 Base Points from Hyatt per eligible $1 spent for being a World of Hyatt member. 2x Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting as well as fitness club and gym memberships. Plus, earn 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 | Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases. |
0% Intro APR | N/A | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | |
Purchase APR | 20.24% – 29.24% variable APR | 21.49%–28.49% 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 more points compared to the World of Hyatt card. However, the redemption options differ, and you’ll get a lower redemption rate with Hilton, as we’ll explain in the next section.
That said, remember that these numbers should be adjusted based on your regular spending habits, which may vary. So, the exact value will depend on how you typically spend.
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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 = ~0.6 cent | 1 point = ~1.8 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $780 | $756 |
Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Hilton offers several ways to redeem the points you earn through its loyalty program. You can use your points to book free hotel stays, covering the cost of your room.
Hilton also provides flexibility with its Points & Money option, allowing you to combine points and cash. Beyond hotel stays, you can redeem your points for experiences, travel, shopping, and more through the Hilton Honors program.
World of Hyatt offers diverse redemption options for its members. You can use points for free hotel nights at various Hyatt properties, from budget-friendly to luxurious resorts worldwide.
Additionally, points can be exchanged for room upgrades and spa services. The program extends beyond hotels, allowing members to use points for car rentals, FIND experiences, and even credits with participating luxury brands.
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.
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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.
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 on purchases at all Hyatt hotels. Plus, 5 Base Points from Hyatt per eligible $1 spent for being a World of Hyatt member. 2x Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting as well as fitness club and gym memberships. Plus, earn 1 Bonus Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
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1x – 6X
6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. Earn 3X points for every $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X points for every $1 you spend 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 |
60,000 points
Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases.
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125,000 points
Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
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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 | 21.49%–28.49% variable | 21.49%–28.49% variable | 20.24% – 29.24% variable APR |
Compare Hilton Honors American Express Card
The Surpass card boasts a notably higher annual fee, justified by its superior rewards ratio and benefits compared to the Hilton Honors card.
The Hilton Honors Amex is our winner with higher cashback value and great overall rating for a hotel card with no annual fee.
Hilton Honors American Express vs. Marriott Bonvoy Bold: Side By Side Comparison
Both Hilton Honors Amex and Wyndham Rewards Earner cards offer a decent point rewards ratio and basic extra hotel perks.
Hilton Honors American Express vs. IHG One Rewards Traveler: Side By Side Comparison
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Compare World of Hyatt Card
The World of Hyatt Card is our winner – it offers a significantly higher annual cash back for the average consumer than Marriott Boundless.
World of Hyatt Card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Side By Side Comparison
The Hilton Surpass and World of Hyatt card are two of the best medium tier hotel cards with great cash back rates and extra hotel perks.
World of Hyatt Card vs. Hilton Amex Surpass: Side By Side Comparison
With this hotel rewards cards battle, the World of Hyatt Card is our winner as it offers a higher annual cash back for the average consumer
World of Hyatt Card vs IHG One Rewards Premier: Side By Side Comparison
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