Comparing Credit Card Offers: Weighing the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve against the Chase Hyatt Visa
Straight Talk: Hilton or Hyatt? Let's help our TPG reader Jeff find the best card for his travel needs as he prepares to hit the books and travel less:
First off, you got two fantastic options on the table: the Citi Hilton HHonors™ Reserve Card and the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card. Both cards come with exciting sign-up bonuses, top-tier benefits, and elite status perks – but which one's the best fit for Jeff? Let's break it down!
Jeff has got an affinity for the Starwood Preferred Guest program and some Hilton points stashed away, but he's got no stash with Hyatt. If we're strictly talking sign-up bonuses, you'll get two free weekend nights at most Hilton properties (exclusions apply) with the Hilton card after spending $2,500 in 4 months. On the other hand, the Hyatt card offers two free nights at any Hyatt property, any day of the week, once you hit a $1,000 spending threshold in 3 months. Hyatt nudges ahead in the sign-up bonuses race, but Hilton's got more properties backing it up.
Since Jeff will be channeling his inner scholar, let's shed some light on the remaining perks:
Jeff's yet to climb the Hyatt elite status ladder, but if you're already a Hyatt Diamond when you apply for the card, you'll get two free nights in a suite! If you manage Platinum, you'll score some fancy suite upgrades too. Moving on to annual free nights, the Hilton card offers a free weekend night certificate at any property (again, exclusions apply) if you reach $10,000 in spending in a year. The Hyatt card dishes out a free night at Category 1-4 properties each year, without a need for spending. In Jeff's case, I'd say the Hilton card's annual free night might be more useful, especially with its impressive value at high-end properties like the Conrad Maldives.
Another essential consideration: chip technology. The Hilton card arrives with SmartChip technology, while both cards accept chip and signature for international transactions. During my travels abroad, I've used both cards without any issues, even though those that require chip depend on chip and pin.
The usual run-down: both cards come with a hefty dose of elite status, with the Hilton card granting Hilton Honors Gold and the Hyatt card offering World of Hyatt Discoverist. If you manage to reach $40,000 in spending annually, the Hilton Reserve card will git you to Hilton Diamond status, their top tier, while the Hyatt card offers fewer perks for spending. In conclusion, you'll score more value out of the Citi Hilton HHonors™ Reserve Card, but why not wait and get both down the line? Sign up for the Hilton card, aim for that $40,000 spending threshold, then status match to Hyatt Diamond so you can reap the benefits of that bonus two free nights in a suite.
In a nutshell, the Hilton Reserve card makes for the better pick in this case, but remember: keep both options in mind for a sweeter card duo in the future! Go on and make those hotel reservations shine!
(card card-name='Citi® Hilton HHonors Reserve Card' card-id='22146296' type='javascript' bullet-id='1')
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