Hyatt and Chase are set to introduce significant new benefits for high-spending credit card customers, including a direct path to elite hotel status. Starting in mid-2026, select Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders will be able to earn World of Hyatt Explorist status after meeting specific annual spending thresholds.
The collaboration also includes an expansion of luxury hotel offerings through Chase's travel portal and plans for new co-branded credit cards, signaling a deeper integration between the two companies in the competitive travel rewards market.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can earn World of Hyatt Explorist status by meeting annual spending targets starting in mid-2026.
- The spending requirement is $75,000 for personal cardholders and $120,000 for business cardholders.
- More luxury Hyatt brands, including Park Hyatt and Alila, will be added to The Edit by Chase Travel booking platform.
- Hyatt and Chase have announced plans to launch new co-branded credit cards in the future.
A New Path to Hyatt Elite Status
In a move that links high credit card spending directly to hotel loyalty perks, Chase will grant World of Hyatt's mid-tier Explorist status to its top Sapphire Reserve customers. The new benefit is scheduled to take effect in the middle of 2026, though a specific date has not yet been announced.
To qualify, cardholders must meet substantial spending requirements within a calendar year. The thresholds are set at $75,000 for the personal Chase Sapphire Reserve® and $120,000 for the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠.
Once a cardholder reaches the required spending level, they will receive Explorist status for the remainder of that year and through the end of the following calendar year. For example, a customer who spends $75,000 in 2026 will hold the status until the end of 2027.
Understanding World of Hyatt Explorist Status
Explorist is the second of three elite tiers in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, positioned above Discoverist and below the top-tier Globalist. It typically requires staying 30 nights or earning 50,000 base points in a year. Key benefits include:
- A 20% bonus on points earned during stays.
- Room upgrades (excluding suites), subject to availability.
- A 2 p.m. late checkout, subject to availability.
This new pathway offers an alternative to earning status through hotel stays, primarily benefiting those who already direct significant annual expenses through their Sapphire Reserve cards. For travelers who do not meet these spending levels, earning status through qualifying nights at Hyatt properties remains the more accessible option.
Expanding Luxury Travel Options
Alongside the new status benefit, the partnership will also enhance Chase's premium travel booking service, The Edit by Chase Travel℠. This platform, available to Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders, will soon feature more high-end Hyatt properties.
Luxury Hyatt brands such as Park Hyatt and Alila are slated to join the collection. Bookings made through The Edit provide travelers with elite-like perks, regardless of their status with the hotel's loyalty program.
Benefits of Booking Through The Edit
Travelers using the platform for eligible stays receive a suite of complimentary benefits designed to enhance their experience. These often include:
- Daily breakfast for two people.
- A special property credit, valued up to $100, which can be used for services like spa treatments or dining.
- Room upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout, when available.
A significant advantage of booking through this portal is that travelers still earn World of Hyatt points and elite night credits on their stays. This allows them to accumulate loyalty benefits while taking advantage of the immediate perks offered by The Edit.
Sapphire Reserve cardholders can also use their annual travel credits for prepaid reservations made through the platform, adding another layer of value to the partnership.
Future Credit Card Developments
Hyatt and Chase have also confirmed their intention to expand their portfolio of co-branded credit cards. While specific details about the new cards have not been released, the announcement suggests a strategy to cater to a wider range of travelers.
Industry observers speculate that the new offerings could include a premium card with more robust benefits than the current World of Hyatt Credit Card. Such a card might offer complimentary status, enhanced earning rates on Hyatt stays, or access to exclusive perks like club lounges.
Another possibility is the introduction of a no-annual-fee card. This would appeal to infrequent travelers who want to earn World of Hyatt points without committing to an annual fee, similar to entry-level cards offered by other major hotel loyalty programs.
The expansion reflects a growing trend among travel brands to offer a tiered credit card lineup that captures customers at various spending levels and travel frequencies.
A Deepening Partnership
These initiatives underscore the strengthening relationship between Hyatt and Chase, which has spanned more than 15 years. By integrating Hyatt's loyalty program more deeply with Chase's premium credit card ecosystem, both companies aim to provide greater value to their shared customer base.
"We are proud to deepen our over 15-year relationship with Hyatt, expanding our collaboration across not only co-brand, but also our branded cards and Chase Travel," said Allison Beer, Chase's CEO of Card and Connected Commerce. "The participation from Hyatt in our luxury hotel program, The Edit, and offering loyalty status to Sapphire Reserve cardmembers allows us to deliver even greater value and flexibility to our mutual customers when they stay at world-class Hyatt properties."
For consumers, these changes present both opportunities and considerations. The high spending thresholds for Explorist status mean the benefit will be reserved for a select group. However, the addition of more luxury properties to The Edit and the prospect of new credit cards provide more accessible value for a broader range of travelers loyal to the Hyatt brand.
As 2026 approaches, cardholders and travel enthusiasts will be watching for further details on the rollout of these new benefits and the specific features of the upcoming credit cards.
