Which is better for travel rewards: Hilton or Hyatt credit card?
Hilton Honors points are generally valued at around 0.6 cents per point, while World of Hyatt points are valued at around 1.7 cents per point, making Hyatt points more valuable for redemptions.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card offers a higher earning rate on Hilton stays at 12x points per dollar, compared to the World of Hyatt Card's 4x points per dollar at Hyatt properties.
Hyatt has a more straightforward award chart with fixed redemption rates, while Hilton uses dynamic pricing, which can lead to higher point requirements during peak travel periods.
The World of Hyatt Card provides automatic Discoverist status, which includes benefits like late checkout and bonus points, while the Hilton Surpass Card offers complimentary Hilton Gold status.
Hyatt has a smaller global footprint compared to Hilton, with around 1,000 properties worldwide versus Hilton's 6,500+ properties, which may limit redemption options for some travelers.
The Hilton Surpass Card comes with a free weekend night reward after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, while the World of Hyatt Card offers a free night certificate after your card anniversary.
Hilton's dynamic pricing can sometimes result in higher point requirements for award nights, particularly during peak travel times, while Hyatt's fixed award chart provides more predictable redemption values.
The World of Hyatt Card offers bonus points on dining, air travel, and fitness club/gym memberships, which can be valuable for travelers who don't solely focus on hotel stays.
Hilton's partnership with American Express allows cardholders to earn points through a wide range of everyday purchases, including at U.S.
supermarkets and gas stations, which can be beneficial for non-travel spending.
Hyatt's award chart caps standard room redemptions at 40,000 points per night, while Hilton's dynamic pricing can result in higher point requirements for high-end properties during peak seasons.
The World of Hyatt Card provides a path to earning elite status through spending, with the ability to earn up to 4 elite night credits per $5,000 spent on the card.
Hilton's Honors program offers more opportunities to earn points through various means, such as credit card spending, partner transactions, and status bonuses, which can be advantageous for frequent Hilton guests.
Hyatt's loyalty program is often praised for its customer-centric approach, with a reputation for better award availability and more personalized service compared to larger hotel chains like Hilton.
The Hilton Surpass Card's complimentary Hilton Gold status provides benefits like room upgrades, late checkout, and free breakfast, which can be valuable for frequent Hilton travelers.
Hyatt's partnership with Chase allows for easy transfers from Ultimate Rewards, providing more flexibility in earning and redeeming points compared to Hilton's exclusive partnership with American Express.
Hilton's use of dynamic pricing can sometimes result in higher point redemption rates during peak travel periods, making it more challenging to maximize the value of Hilton Honors points.
The World of Hyatt Card's annual free night certificate can be redeemed at any Hyatt property, regardless of the standard room rate, providing potential outsized value for high-end hotel stays.
Hilton's expansive global footprint and diverse range of hotel brands, from budget-friendly to luxury, may be more appealing for travelers who value breadth of options and convenience.
Hyatt's focus on a more curated selection of high-end properties can be beneficial for travelers who prioritize quality over quantity and are willing to forgo the convenience of a larger hotel portfolio.
The Hilton Surpass Card's statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases can help offset the annual fee and provide ongoing value for frequent Hilton guests.