Hyatt to Launch New Devalued World of Hyatt Redemption Chart in May 2026

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced significant changes coming to its World of Hyatt loyalty program, with a new redemption chart set to launch in May 2026 that will substantially increase point costs for award stays. The announcement marks another major devaluation in the hotel loyalty space and will directly impact holders of the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card and frequent Hyatt guests who rely on points for free nights.

Details of the Redemption Chart Changes

While Hyatt has confirmed the timing of the new chart implementation, specific details about the point increases remain limited. The changes are being described as "brutal" by industry observers, suggesting that the devaluation will be more severe than typical adjustments seen in the hospitality sector.

The new chart will affect all property categories within the World of Hyatt portfolio, though the exact magnitude of increases for each category level has not been disclosed. Current World of Hyatt redemptions range from as low as 5,000 points for Category 1 properties to 40,000 points or more for premium Category 8 hotels during peak periods.

Impact on Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card

The Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card, which serves as the primary co-branded credit card for the loyalty program, will see its value proposition diminished by these changes. Cardholders who have been accumulating points through credit card spending will find their rewards purchasing less hotel nights under the new structure.

The card currently offers benefits including:

• Bonus points on Hyatt purchases and other spending categories
• Annual free night awards
• Elite status benefits
• Category bonuses for dining and travel purchases

These benefits remain unchanged for now, but their effective value will decrease when redemption costs increase in May.

Digital Point Transfer Enhancement

In a positive development for program members, Hyatt announced plans to digitize point transfers sometime in 2026, though the company has not provided a specific launch timeline for this feature. Currently, transferring World of Hyatt points between accounts requires manual processing, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient for members.

The digital transfer system will allow members to move points online seamlessly, bringing Hyatt's technology in line with other major hotel loyalty programs that already offer this capability. This enhancement may help offset some of the negative sentiment from the redemption chart devaluation.

Industry Context

This announcement comes during a period of significant activity in the credit card and loyalty program space. The travel rewards sector has seen numerous changes as companies adjust their programs post-pandemic. Other recent developments include Gap Inc.'s launch of its new Encore loyalty program and credit card offering, demonstrating continued innovation in retail loyalty despite challenges in travel rewards.

The timing of Hyatt's announcement, coming just months before implementation, follows a pattern seen with other hotel chains that have devalued their programs with relatively short notice periods. This approach has become increasingly common as loyalty programs seek to manage costs while maintaining member engagement.

Comparison to Competitor Programs

Hyatt's World of Hyatt program has traditionally been viewed as one of the more valuable hotel loyalty programs, offering reasonable redemption rates and beneficial elite status perks. However, this upcoming devaluation may close the gap between Hyatt and competitors who have already implemented similar increases.

Major hotel chains across the industry have moved toward dynamic pricing models and increased award costs in recent years, making Hyatt's changes part of a broader trend rather than an isolated decision.

Timeline and Implementation

The May 2026 implementation date gives current cardholders and program members approximately two months from the announcement to plan their redemption strategies. Members looking to maximize value from their existing point balances may want to book award stays before the new chart takes effect.

Hyatt has indicated that existing reservations made under the current chart will be honored, even if the stay dates fall after May 2026. This protection helps ensure that members who book early won't face retroactive increases.

What This Means for Cardholders

World of Hyatt Credit Card holders should consider several strategic responses to these changes:

Immediate Actions: Cardholders with substantial point balances may want to book future stays before May to lock in current redemption rates. The value of existing points will effectively decrease once the new chart launches. Long-term Strategy: The devaluation may prompt some cardholders to reconsider their credit card portfolio, particularly those who chose the World of Hyatt card primarily for its redemption value. Comparing the post-May value proposition against other hotel credit cards will be important. Elite Benefits: While redemption costs are increasing, other program benefits like elite status perks, upgrades, and bonus point earning remain unchanged. Cardholders who value these aspects may find the card still worthwhile despite the devaluation. Digital Transfers: The upcoming digital transfer feature may create new opportunities for point pooling among family members or transferring points more strategically, though this won't offset the fundamental increase in redemption costs.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card will remain a viable option for frequent Hyatt guests, but its value proposition is undeniably weakening with these changes. Cardholders should evaluate their travel patterns and redemption habits to determine whether the card continues to meet their needs in the new redemption environment.