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If you want to explore the world without breaking the bank like us, you’re in for a treat. We’re diving into the magic of travel hacking, specifically with the Hyatt Hotel Chain & Chase Points.

You might be wondering, what’s the buzz with travel hacking and why is everyone raving about it? Well, we’re about to explain everything on how to do this too, and how travel hacking can be a total game-changer for your wanderlust adventures! It’s a huge way in how we travel and we’re going to explain how you can do it too.

What is Travel Hacking and How is it Done?

Alright, let’s break it down. Travel hacking is like having a secret stash of golden keys that unlock unbelievable travel opportunities without emptying your pockets. You earn them by using your credit card to pay for things. Sometimes you get one key per dollar you spend and sometimes you get 5 keys for each dollar you spend. How many keys you get all depends on what each payout is for different categories you made a purchase in. After you collect so many keys, you’re able to exchange them to snag free flights, hotel stays, and epic experiences. If you think of the keys as points you’ll understand better the exchange happening.

How Does Travel Hacking Work with Chase Points

The points you earn from using your Chase Credit card is a currency of magic in the travel hacking world. And guess what? They play super nicely with Hyatt. That means you can convert those Chase Points into Hyatt rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Translation: Big savings and amazing stays await! Essentially you’re transferring these points to Hyatt because this brand is a travel partner of the Chase Credit Card.

Many credit cards offer rewards but we specifically like the chase points for how we travel. We travel using SpaceA for free flights so redeeming them for lodging is most important to us. Making the Chase Points and Hyatt exchange the best points for us to work towards because of the 1:1 transfer ratio.

Starting Strong with the Right Credit Card

First things first – getting a good credit card is like finding a treasure map. For a great start, consider Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Why? Because they’re the key to earning those precious Chase Points. You’ll want to consider what card has the best bonus points offer too but generally both will offer 60-90k points when you hit the minimum spend. This right off the start will give you a few free nights in a hotel once you’ve spent what you’d spend anyway

Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Choosing the right credit card can feel like picking the perfect travel destination – it all depends on what you’re looking for. Let’s check out the highlights of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to help you decide which one suits your goals and circumstances.

Chase Sapphire Preferred®: The Solid Starter

This card is like your trusty travel companion. With a lower annual fee compared to its counterpart, the Preferred® offers a sweet intro to the world of Chase Points. You’ll earn valuable points on dining and travel, making it a great pick for foodies and explorers.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: The Luxury Upgrade

Now, if you’re eyeing the VIP treatment, the Reserve® might be calling your name. Sure, it comes with a higher annual fee, but hold onto your hats – the perks are mind-blowing. Think top-notch travel credits, airport lounge access, and boosted earning potential on dining and travel. And here’s a game-changer: for military members, the annual fee gets waived, making it an unbeatable choice.

Choosing Your Champion

Here’s the deal: if you’re new to travel rewards or prefer a lower annual fee, the Preferred® could be your go-to. But if you’re a travel aficionado seeking luxe benefits and don’t mind a higher fee (unless you’re in the military – then, hello, waived fee!), the Reserve® might just be your golden ticket.

Remember, your choice should align with your travel dreams and spending habits. Whether it’s maximizing points or indulging in premium travel perks, the right card is the one that suits YOU best.

We have both of these cards and we run with Reserve most of the time. You can maximize your points by referring your partner to get a card after you have one and double dip on the bonus point offers while also getting bonus points for the referral. If you would like to learn more specifically on Travel hacking I recommend checking out the beginner guide from The Points Guy! Travel Hacking gets super in depth and The Points Guy shares tons of ways to hack as new opportunities are released.

Why Hyatt Rocks in the Travel Hacking Game

So, why set your sights on Hyatt when there are so many options out there? Simple – it’s all about the perks! Hyatt’s loyalty program is a goldmine for travelers. With your Chase Points converted to Hyatt, you can book fantastic stays at luxurious hotels worldwide, from vibrant cities to dreamy beachfront paradises.

The Most Bang for Your Buck

Let’s talk benefits! When you transfer those Chase Points to Hyatt, you’re getting more value for each point compared to other hotel chains. Plus, Hyatt’s redemption options are super flexible. Whether you’re eyeing a cozy Hyatt Place or dreaming of a luxurious stay at a Park Hyatt, there’s something for every traveler.

Unlocking Rewards with Hyatt: The Power of Status

Hyatt’s loyalty program is your golden ticket to a world of perks and rewards. When you use your points and their free loyalty program together you will start seeing some really awesome perks and savings. Let’s dive into how you can level up and score amazing benefits through their tier system.

Discovering Hyatt’s Tiers

Hyatt’s loyalty program has several tiers, each with its own set of benefits:

• Member: Your starting point, where you earn points for each stay.
• Discoverist: Enjoy perks like room upgrades and late checkout after completing 10 qualifying nights or earning 25,000 Base Points.
• Explorist: Unlock even more benefits, including lounge access and higher room upgrades, after completing 30 qualifying nights or earning 50,000 Base Points.
• Globalist: The pinnacle of luxury, offering top-tier perks like suite upgrades and complimentary breakfast, earned after completing 60 qualifying nights or earning 100,000 Base Points.

Earning Rewards Along the Way

Each tier brings its own set of rewards, making every stay with Hyatt more rewarding:

• Points: Earn points for every dollar spent on qualifying stays, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and more.
• Night Credits: Get closer to the next tier by earning night credits for every night stayed, accelerating your journey to higher status.
• Tier-Qualifying Nights or Base Points: Accumulate these to progress through the tiers, unlocking richer rewards with each level up.

Riding the Wave of Benefits

As you climb the tiers, expect a wave of benefits to enhance your stay:

• Room Upgrades: Enjoy better views or more luxurious accommodations.
• Bonus Points: Earn extra points on eligible spending during your stay.
• Priority Check-In: Skip the lines and dive straight into your Hyatt experience.
• Lounge Access: Relax in style with access to exclusive lounges.

Maximizing Your Status

The more you stay, the more you gain. With each tier, you’re not just earning rewards; you’re elevating your travel experience. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Hyatt’s loyalty program ensures that your loyalty is generously rewarded every step of the way.

• Promotions & Offers: Hyatt often runs promotions where you can participate and earn extra points
• Brand Explorer: You can earn a free night for every 5 brands you stay at under the Hyatt umbrella
• Buying Points: You can save money and still qualify for nights by buying points at a cheaper price point.
• Redeeming Points to waive Resort Fees: You can redeem points for an award night and get the resort fees waived, saving you money.

We just stayed at the Hyatt Regency Guam for 7 nights completely free by transferring chase points to cover our lodging. This coupled with my status allowed us to have resort fees waived. I also redeemed an award through their loyalty program for the Club Access Lounge. Giving my family of four a free breakfast buffet every morning. The Club Access also included nightly cocktails, drinks and snacks completely free too. This my friends is the beauty of credit card hacking!

Top Tips to Start Travel Hacking with Hyatt

• Earn Those Chase Points: Use your Chase credit card for everyday purchases and watch those points stack up.
• Transfer Wisely: Convert your Chase Points to Hyatt for maximum value and unforgettable stays.
• Plan Ahead: Keep an eye out for Hyatt promotions and sweet deals to maximize your points.

And there you have it, fam! A beginner’s guide to unlocking the magic of travel hacking with Hyatt and Chase Points. Get ready to pack your bags, because epic adventures are waiting for you!

Until next time, happy travels and stay adventurous!

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included throughout this post.