Earn elite status from spending on the new Hyatt card. Got the old card and thinking of upgrading? Here’s what you need to know after you upgrade your Hyatt card.
Free breakfast, suites upgrades and more? Heck, yeah. Those are just a few of the perks when you are a World of Hyatt Globalist member. Did you know you can earn Globalist status from credit card spending? Yep, all the purchases you make with the new Hyatt card count towards earning elite nights.
So if shopping is your favorite hobby (besides traveling, you’re in luck). But before you upgrade, read my post on if you should upgrade to the new Hyatt card. It’ll tell you what you need to know to upgrade your Hyatt card.
What You Need to Know After Upgrade Hyatt Card
Upgrade your Hyatt card and spend your way to Globalist benefits Photo courtesy: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Out with the old, in with the new? Because you can only have one Hyatt card at a time, you have to either cancel and reapply in 30 days or upgrade.
Here’s how to upgrade and what you need to know after you upgrade your Hyatt card. I’ve updated my post on should you upgrade your Hyatt card to reflect my experience.
Call to Upgrade Hyatt Card
This was my experience upgrading my World of Hyatt credit card, your miles may vary (YMMV).
I called a week ago first thing Monday morning. Alex offered me 2,000 points to upgrade if I make 1 charge.
Pro-tip: The 2,000 point offer expires on September 30, 2018.
What to Say When You Call In
“I heard from a friend that the Hyatt card has more benefits.”
Let the rep talk and explain it’s for new applicants. If they ask if you want to upgrade and don’t offer any points ask, “Do I get points if I upgrade?”
If they say no, tell them you have to think about it. Hang up and call again (HUCA).
Anniversary Date Will Change
Contrary to some other blog posts, my anniversary date changed. My old card had an anniversary date of April, my new card renews in July. My friend Steve also upgraded his card and his anniversary date changed too.
This resets the calendar so instead of earning another free night in April, I’ll earn one in July. But it also gives me more time to spend on the card to earn elite qualifying nights.
Pro-tip: Upgrade as close to possible to your anniversary date. But see the pro-tip above.
Refund of Annual Fee
I received an immediate pro-rated refund of my annual fee of $56.25. My statement closed but the new annual fee of $95 hasn’t posted.
Pro-tip: You’ll still earn points on your purchases. The annual fee refund doesn’t offset any earned points.
Free Night Awards
You won’t lose free nights or suite awards when you upgrade. I had several free night awards and suite upgrades in my account. After upgrading to the new Hyatt card, they were still in my account.
Five Qualifying Nights
Alex said the five qualifying nights would post after my statement closed. They posted on Wednesday (two business days).
Expedite Your Card
Chase will expedite your card but you have to ask.
Pro-tip: There’s no fee and you’ll get it the next day. 🙂
Posted Points
On my statement, the 2,000 points appear as a separate line item, “Additional bonus points earned. They posted to my Hyatt count a few hours later.
What was interesting is the category bonus points posted to Hyatt separately instead of together. Normally, points post as a lump total. But my restaurant spending and everyday spending each posted separately.
This could be a fluke. Or Chase is actively paying more attention to the categories we’re earning points in. After all, we super users cost them $330 million last year.
Conclusion
Earning elite status with the World of Hyatt Globalist status is easier. Instead of staying 60 nights a year, you can spend your way to top-tier elite status with the new Hyatt card.
You can’t get the new card if you currently have the old card so you have to upgrade.
I’m glad I upgraded vs canceling and waiting 30 days to reapply. This way I can take advantage of Hyatt’s 10% rebate on redeemed points offer. Plus, it was worth it not to risk the chance of not getting approved for the new Hyatt card. Especially now that the new Hyatt card counts towards the Chase 5/24 rule. I’m happy with my decision.
What about you? Are you upgrading? If so, what was your experience?
Comment, tweet, or share this post.
Get the best credit card bonuses.
Follow us on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube
Got a question? Or want help, suggestions, travel tips, learn how to travel for free, find out about travel deals, and maximize your miles and points? Use the subscription box below to sign-up and get post updates by email.
Traveling Well For Less has partnered with Your Best Credit Cards for our coverage of credit card products. Traveling Well For Less and YBCC may receive a commission from card issuers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and how to apply
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
