Sure, here is a lengthy post on how to transfer Marriott points to Hyatt, with a step-by-step guide, engaging content, and FAQs.
Is It Possible? The Truth About Transferring Marriott Points to Hyatt!
Hey there, fellow travel enthusiast! Are you sitting on a mountain of Marriott Bonvoy points, dreaming of that luxurious Hyatt stay, and wondering if you can bridge the gap between these two loyalty giants? Well, let's dive right into it!
The short and sweet answer is: No, you cannot directly transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to World of Hyatt points.
I know, I know, that might not be the news you were hoping for. It's a common misconception, but loyalty programs from competing hotel chains generally don't allow direct transfers between each other. They want to keep you within their ecosystem, after all! Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt are distinct programs, each with its own set of rules, partners, and redemption values.
However, don't despair just yet! While a direct transfer isn't possible, there are indirect strategies and alternative ways to maximize your points across both programs, or to shift your loyalty effectively. Let's explore these options!
Understanding the Landscape: Why No Direct Transfers?
Before we delve into workarounds, it's crucial to understand why this direct transfer isn't an option. Marriott and Hyatt are direct competitors in the hospitality industry. Allowing seamless point transfers between them would be akin to Coca-Cola letting you exchange their loyalty points for Pepsi rewards – it simply doesn't align with their business models. Each program aims to incentivize you to stay within their brand portfolio.
Step 1: Acknowledge the Reality and Explore Direct Redemption Options
First and foremost, let's accept that a direct transfer is off the table. Your best bet for maximizing your Marriott Bonvoy points is usually to redeem them within the Marriott ecosystem for hotel stays, or to transfer them to one of Marriott's many airline partners.
Sub-heading: Marriott's Strong Suits: Where Bonvoy Points Shine
Marriott Bonvoy has an extensive global footprint, with over 8,000 properties across a vast array of brands. This means you have an incredible selection of hotels, from budget-friendly options to ultra-luxury resorts, where you can redeem your points.
Free Night Awards: This is often the best value for your Marriott points. You can find fantastic deals, especially during off-peak seasons or at lower-category properties.
PointSavers and PointBreaks: Keep an eye out for these promotions, which offer discounted point redemption rates for specific hotels during certain periods. They can provide phenomenal value.
Cash + Points: If you're a bit short on points, this option allows you to combine points and cash for a stay.
Marriott Bonvoy Moments: For unique experiences, from concerts to culinary adventures, you can bid on or redeem points for exclusive "Moments." While often high in points, they can be truly memorable.
Step 2: The "Indirect" Route: Leveraging Airline Partners (with a Catch!)
While you can't transfer Marriott points directly to Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy does have a long list of airline transfer partners. This is where a very, very indirect, and often sub-optimal, strategy could theoretically come into play.
Sub-heading: How Marriott Bonvoy to Airline Transfers Work
Marriott Bonvoy points generally transfer to most airline programs at a 3:1 ratio. This means 3 Marriott Bonvoy points equal 1 airline mile. Crucially, for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, you receive a bonus of 5,000 airline miles, effectively making it a 2.5:1 ratio for blocks of 60,000 points.
Sub-heading: The Hypothetical (and Usually Bad) Link to Hyatt
Here's the extremely convoluted and generally not recommended "indirect" path:
Transfer Marriott Bonvoy to an Airline Partner: You'd transfer your Marriott points to one of their airline partners. For example, if you have 60,000 Marriott points, you could get 25,000 airline miles with a partner like American Airlines AAdvantage (3:1 ratio + 5,000 mile bonus).
Can that Airline Partner Transfer to Hyatt? This is the crucial, almost universally negative, step. Most airline loyalty programs do not allow transfers to other hotel loyalty programs, including Hyatt. Hyatt primarily partners with Chase Ultimate Rewards for credit card point transfers and has its own direct earning methods.
Why this is generally a bad idea:
Terrible Conversion Ratio: Even if an airline did allow a transfer to Hyatt (which they don't, for the most part), the double conversion would result in a drastically devalued number of points. You'd lose a significant portion of your points in each transfer.
Loss of Value: Marriott Bonvoy points and World of Hyatt points both have generally good value when redeemed for hotel stays (Hyatt often being considered higher value, around 2.2 cents per point, compared to Marriott at around 0.9 cents per point). Chasing this indirect route would likely lead to a substantial loss of value.
Complexity and Time: The process would be cumbersome and take a lot of time, with no guarantee of success or good value.
Step 3: Focus on Earning Hyatt Points Directly: The Smart Approach
Instead of trying to force a square peg into a round hole, the most sensible and rewarding strategy is to focus on directly earning World of Hyatt points if your goal is to stay at Hyatt properties.
Sub-heading: Credit Card Powerhouses for Hyatt Points
This is where the real magic happens for accumulating Hyatt points quickly.
Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer: If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred credit card, you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. This is widely considered one of the best uses of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, as Hyatt often provides exceptional value for its redemptions.
Action: Log into your Chase Ultimate Rewards account, navigate to "Transfer to Travel Partners," select World of Hyatt, and enter your Hyatt membership details.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: Hyatt offers its own co-branded credit cards, like the World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase. These cards offer generous sign-up bonuses and ongoing earning opportunities specifically for Hyatt stays and other eligible purchases. This is a direct and efficient way to earn Hyatt points.
Sub-heading: Other Ways to Earn World of Hyatt Points
Hyatt Stays: The most obvious way! Earn 5 base points for every eligible dollar spent at Hyatt hotels. Elite members earn even more.
Peloton Partnership: Link your World of Hyatt and Peloton accounts to earn points for qualifying workouts at participating Hyatt hotels.
American Airlines AAdvantage Partnership: World of Hyatt elite members can earn 1 point for every dollar spent on American Airlines flights, and AAdvantage elite members earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on Hyatt stays. You need to link your accounts.
Avis Car Rentals: Earn 500 Bonus Points and discounts on Avis car rentals.
FIND Experiences: Earn points for booking unique experiences through Hyatt's FIND platform.
Step 4: Consider "Point Combining" within World of Hyatt
While not a transfer from Marriott, if you're trying to pool points for a specific Hyatt redemption and another World of Hyatt member (a friend or family member) has points they're willing to share, World of Hyatt allows you to combine points.
Sub-heading: How to Combine Points within World of Hyatt
Eligibility: Two World of Hyatt members can combine points to redeem an award.
Frequency: Members may only transfer or receive points once every 30 days.
Process: You'll need to complete and sign a World of Hyatt Point Combining Request Form. This form is typically available by calling Hyatt Customer Service or by visiting hyatt.com. Both members involved in the transfer (the one transferring points and the one receiving) need to sign the form.
Submission: Once completed, you can email the form to combinepoints@hyatt.com.
Purpose: The points must be combined for the purpose of redeeming an award. Once the points are transferred, the transferring member relinquishes all rights to them.
Remember: This is for combining Hyatt points between two Hyatt members, not for bringing Marriott points into Hyatt.
In Summary: Play to Each Program's Strengths
The key takeaway here is to leverage each loyalty program for what it does best.
Use your Marriott Bonvoy points for fantastic stays across Marriott's diverse portfolio or for airline transfers if you have a specific flight redemption in mind where the 3:1 (or 2.5:1 with bonus) ratio makes sense for your travel goals.
Actively earn World of Hyatt points through their co-branded credit card, Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers, and direct stays if you aspire to experience Hyatt's often highly-valued redemptions, particularly at their luxury properties.
Trying to funnel Marriott points into Hyatt via indirect, circuitous routes is likely to lead to frustration and significant loss of value. Stick to the direct paths for each program, and you'll get the most out of your hard-earned points!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to an airline?
To transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to an airline partner, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account, go to "Redeem Points," select "Flights," and then "Transfer Points to Miles." Choose your desired airline, enter your frequent flyer number, and specify the number of points to transfer. Transfers are typically at a 3:1 ratio (3 Bonvoy points = 1 airline mile), with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.
How to earn World of Hyatt points quickly?
The quickest ways to earn World of Hyatt points are by applying for and using the World of Hyatt Credit Card (for its welcome bonus and ongoing earning), or by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve.
How to check the value of my Marriott Bonvoy points?
While values vary based on redemption, NerdWallet estimates Marriott Bonvoy points are worth about 0.9 cents per point. You can calculate the value for a specific redemption by dividing the cash cost of a stay (minus any fees) by the number of points required.
How to check the value of my World of Hyatt points?
World of Hyatt points are generally considered highly valuable. NerdWallet estimates their value at around 2.2 cents per point. To find the value for a specific redemption, divide the cash cost of a stay (minus any fees) by the number of points required.
How to combine World of Hyatt points with another member?
To combine World of Hyatt points, you and another World of Hyatt member must complete and sign a "Point Combining Request Form" (available from Hyatt Customer Service or their website). Email the completed form to combinepoints@hyatt.com. This allows you to pool points for a specific award redemption.
How to find Marriott Bonvoy PointSavers or PointBreaks?
Marriott Bonvoy previously had a program called PointBreaks, which offered fixed discounted rates. While that specific program has evolved, Marriott occasionally offers "PointSavers" or other promotional point redemption rates for specific hotels and dates. Check the "Deals" or "Offers" section on the Marriott Bonvoy website and within the booking process.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for experiences?
You can use Marriott Bonvoy points for unique experiences through "Marriott Bonvoy Moments." Visit the Marriott Bonvoy Moments website, browse available experiences (which range from sporting events to culinary classes), and either bid on them or redeem a set number of points for them.
How to get elite status with Hyatt?
You can earn World of Hyatt elite status by accumulating qualifying nights or base points through stays at Hyatt hotels, or by spending on the World of Hyatt credit card. Chase also offers credit cards that provide a pathway to Hyatt elite status through spending.
How to choose between Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt?
The choice between Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt often depends on your travel patterns and redemption goals. Hyatt is generally favored for its higher point valuations and strong luxury portfolio, while Marriott offers a much larger global footprint and more budget-friendly options. Consider where you travel most frequently and which hotels offer the best redemption value for your desired destinations.
How to maximize loyalty points across different hotel chains?
To maximize loyalty points across different hotel chains, focus on earning points with flexible travel credit cards (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards) that allow transfers to multiple hotel and airline partners. This gives you the flexibility to choose the best redemption value regardless of the hotel brand.
