World of Hyatt vs. IHG Credit Card: Which Is Right For You?

Hotel credit cards can pack a punch when staying with a related brand. They can add bonus points, potential elite status and even free hotel nights to a member’s loyalty account.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card are worth having the next time you stay with either brand.

But, which one is better?

When it comes down to the World of Hyatt versus the IHG credit card, the answer will vary. It depends on which brand you stay with most often and where your future travel plans take you (especially if you’re saving up for a big redemption).

This analysis will help you decide which card works best for you.

Comparing earning rates and annual fees

Both have similar annual fees, which evens the playing field in that regard. Hyatt’s card costs $95 each year, while the IHG card carries a $99 fee. Neither is too daunting in exchange for the benefits that come with them. Also, each card offers bonus points when staying at its own hotels and within specific spending categories.

Points within each program carry different values. According to NerdWallet analysis, World of Hyatt points are worth 2.3 cents each whereas IHG One Rewards points are worth 0.8 cents.

Here’s what to expect when it comes to how many points you will earn from each card:

» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now

When to choose the World of Hyatt Credit Card

You travel where Hyatt has a presence

It is important to actually benefit from the perks and opportunities that come with a credit card. World of Hyatt has a smaller global footprint than IHG, so where you go matters.

This card will make sense for you if you can take advantage of perks like the free Category 1-4 anniversary night certificate and earn higher status through stays from your travels.

Since the card comes with Discoverist status plus five elite qualifying nights, you also have a head start on earning the next elite status level if you can find World of Hyatt hotels in your destinations.

These are the perks that come with the card — and come in handy when staying at a Hyatt property:

• An anniversary free-night certificate to use at a World of Hyatt Category 1-4 property after the account anniversary each year.

• Another free night certificate for a Category 1-4 property after spending $15,000 within a calendar year.

• World of Hyatt Discoverist status.

• Five elite qualifying nights toward achieving the next status tier.

• Another two elite qualifying nights each time you spend $5,000 with the card.

» Learn more: The complete guide to the World of Hyatt

You spend a lot on travel, food and working out

The bonus spending on the World of Hyatt Credit Card can be quite lucrative, especially on travel, dining and gym memberships. For many, these may be common purchases that yield extra points, and the more you spend, the more you can earn.

It goes beyond points with this card, as you can earn additional elite qualifying nights resulting in a higher elite status and an additional free night certificate.

These added perks provide extra incentive to keep spending on the card, especially since its points tend to extract greater value.

When to choose the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

You stay often with IHG

Compared to World of Hyatt, IHG has a much larger global presence. This means you have more opportunities to earn bonus points and take advantage of perks like the free night certificate at IHG properties.

Receiving the fourth night free on award redemptions of at least four consecutive nights can represent major value if you make several award stays. And the more points you earn, the more redemptions you can make. You even receive a bonus if you pay for points.

When you stay at IHG properties, you also benefit from the perks of Platinum status. The benefits of this credit card can be generous if you spend a lot. They include:

• Free night certificate on your account anniversary each year, valid for a stay worth up to 40,000 IHG One Rewards points per night (additional points from one’s account can supplement the certificate to book a more expensive property).

• Receive the fourth night free on award reservations of four consecutive nights.

• 20% off the purchase of IHG One Rewards points.

• $50 in United flight credits.

• A credit for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee once every four years.

• IHG One Rewards Platinum status.

» Learn more: Your guide to IHG elite status

You spend a lot on the card, especially on gas

While the World of Hyatt Credit Card does provide perks for spending more than $15,000 as well as for every $5,000, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers even more bonuses.

Cardmembers receive a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000. An even bigger bonus is in store for spending at least $40,000: IHG One Rewards top-tier Diamond status.

This can be useful if you put a lot of business or other expenses on a credit card (like gas, which earns 5x bonus points) and travel frequently to IHG family hotels.

World of Hyatt vs. IHG: Which card is right for you?

It depends on which brand you prefer for hotel stays and makes the most sense for your travel patterns.

If all things are equal, the World of Hyatt card offers more value for the points earned and comes with the potential for two free anniversary night certificates. But, if you tend toward IHG stays, the credit card can catapult you to top-tier status if you spend a lot and lots of points along the way.

They’re both packed with value for a small annual fee.