Hyatt to Sunset Legacy Card, Upgrade All Holders to World of Hyatt in 2021

Hyatt Credit Card customers will be automatically migrated to the newer version of the card, with a higher annual fee but more benefits.

Erin HurdNov 18, 2020
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Hyatt and Chase will soon be putting the legacy Hyatt Credit Card to bed.

World Of Hyatt Credit Card
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On Jan. 11, 2021, holders of that older product will be migrated to the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which was rolled out in summer 2018. Since that time, the older version hasn't been accepting new applications, although existing cardholders had the option of retaining it or upgrading to the new card.

But now, those who opted to keep the older card will end up being automatically upgraded. Here's what they can expect.

» MORE: Full review of the World of Hyatt Credit Card

How the cards compare, at a glance

Hyatt Credit Card

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Points earned at Hyatt

  • 8 points per $1 spent on Hyatt stays and experiences including restaurants/spas. (3 points from the card; 5 base points as a World of Hyatt member.)

  • 9 points per $1 spent on Hyatt stays and experiences including restaurants/spas. (4 points from the card; 5 base points as a World of Hyatt member.)

Points earned on other purchases

  • 2 points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly from the airline and on car rentals.

  • 1 point per $1 spent all other purchases.

  • 2 points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly from the airline; on local transit and commuting; on dining; on fitness club and gym memberships; and on Headspace subscription purchases.

  • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Free night certificate

  • Free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every cardmember anniversary.

  • Free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every cardmember anniversary.

  • Earn a second free night at any Category 1-4 hotel or resort after $15,000 spent during an anniversary year.

Elite status

  • Automatic Discoverist status.

  • Automatic Discoverist status.

  • Ability to accelerate to higher elite status with 5 Tier-Qualifying Night credits within 8 weeks of migrating to the World of Hyatt Credit Card and 5 more every year thereafter.

  • 2 additional Tier-Qualifying Night credits for every $5,000 in spending.

Annual fee

$75

$95

» MORE: NerdWallet's best hotel credit cards

What it means for existing Hyatt Credit Card holders

While the annual fee on the World of Hyatt Credit Card is $20 higher, existing Hyatt Credit Card holders won’t start to be charged that higher fee until August 2021. That means if your cardholder anniversary is before August 2021, you won’t be charged the higher fee until the following year.

If you’re still holding the Hyatt Credit Card, you can take advantage of special offers on it through the end of the year:

  • Spend $4,000 on the card from Oct. 27 through Dec. 31, 2020, and you’ll earn a free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel. (You must register for the promotion by Nov. 30, 2020.)

  • Eligible cardholders can also earn bonus points on Amazon and grocery store purchases through Dec. 31, 2020. Terms apply. Get the details here.

» MORE: Hyatt tops NerdWallet's list of hotel chains that have handled COVID-19 best