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World of Hyatt vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card is best for frequent travelers who stay at Hyatt properties and want to earn valuable hotel points and elite status.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card is ideal for frequent Delta flyers looking for premium travel perks like lounge access and a faster path to Medallion status.
World of Hyatt Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down the key reasons why we think The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a strong contender for travelers.
- The card offers a suite of valuable travel perks, including an annual free night certificate and automatic Discoverist status, all while charging an annual fee but no foreign transaction fees.
- Cardholders can earn up to 9 points total per dollar spent at Hyatt, making it a rewarding choice for brand loyalists.
- The annual free night certificate can easily offset the card's annual fee if redeemed at a property with a nightly rate greater than the fee (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Receive an anniversary free night award and automatic Discoverist elite status, providing significant value from the start.
- Accelerate your journey to higher elite tiers with qualifying night credits awarded annually and earned through spending.
- Enjoy travel-friendly perks such as waived resort fees on award stays and no foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
Cons
- Hyatt's relatively small hotel footprint can limit opportunities for earning and redeeming points.
- The card's rewards structure can be complex, and some benefits, like the free night award, come with restrictions.
- An annual fee is charged from the first year, and not all applicants will be eligible for the welcome bonus due to application rules.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express card.
- It provides premium lounge access, including 15 annual visits to the Delta Sky Club® and access to Centurion Lounges when flying Delta.
- Valuable statement credits for rideshares and dining help offset the card's significant annual fee (See Rates & Fees).
- The annual companion certificate for a domestic first-class, Delta Comfort, or main cabin flight can easily justify the card's cost. (publisher-formulated estimate)
Pros
- Premium travel perks, including an annual companion certificate for domestic flights and extensive airport lounge access.
- A clear pathway to earning Delta Medallion elite status faster, plus priority boarding and a free first checked bag on Delta flights.
- Valuable statement credits for eligible dining and rideshare purchases, which help offset the annual fee.
Cons
- A high annual fee that is difficult to justify for anyone but the most frequent Delta flyers.
- The card's benefits and rewards structure are heavily focused on Delta, limiting its value for non-Delta spending or for travelers who fly with multiple airlines.
- SkyMiles lack a published award chart, which can lead to unpredictable redemption values and less flexibility compared to other travel rewards programs.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express vs World of Hyatt
Categories
The question of which is better, World of Hyatt or Delta SkyMiles Reserve, ultimately depends on whether your loyalty lies with a hotel chain or an airline.
- World of Hyatt Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who prefer to stay at Hyatt properties and want to earn hotel-specific rewards and elite status.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is ideal for frequent Delta flyers looking for premium airline perks, lounge access, and a fast track to elite airline status.
Redemption
World of Hyatt Credit Card: Points are primarily redeemed for stays within the Hyatt portfolio, but can also be transferred to airline partners or used for other travel experiences.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: SkyMiles are used for booking flights with Delta and its partner airlines, securing upgrades, and accessing other premium travel benefits.
Travel Perks
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Offers complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club and The Centurion® Lounge when you book your Delta flight with the card. World of Hyatt Credit Card: Does not include airport lounge access as a primary benefit; its perks are focused on on-property benefits at hotels.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: The travel ecosystem is built around Delta Air Lines and its SkyTeam partners, with booking available through American Express Travel. World of Hyatt Credit Card: Its ecosystem is the global portfolio of Hyatt hotels and resorts, with points primarily used for booking stays directly with Hyatt.
- Both cards are ideal for international travel as neither charges foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
If you're unsure which card is right for you, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards: Using your real spending data, Kudos can show you your potential earnings with a new card before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
- Personalized recommendations: Get matched with a card that will earn you the most based on your unique spending history.
- Monitor your credit score: Keep track of your credit score directly within the platform.
- Access exclusive offers: Joining gives you access to special incentives, including a welcome offer guarantee and bonus rewards.
Who Should Choose the World of Hyatt?
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is tailor-made for frequent travelers who consistently choose to stay at Hyatt properties. This card is particularly beneficial for those looking to fast-track their way to elite status, maximize hotel points on stays, and take advantage of no foreign transaction fees while traveling abroad. Ultimately, travelers loyal to the Hyatt brand will find the most value in the card's ecosystem of rewards and perks, as detailed in this card review.
Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express is tailor-made for loyal Delta flyers who take several domestic or international trips each year. These travelers value premium perks like access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges and can maximize the annual companion certificate for first-class or comfort-plus travel. It's also an exceptional tool for those chasing Medallion status or business travelers looking to enhance their journey, as our card review details.
Alternatives to Consider
After reviewing the World of Hyatt vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve comparison, you might find that your travel and spending habits don't perfectly align with either card. Fortunately, the travel rewards landscape is vast, and other cards might offer a better fit for your wallet.
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score: Most premium cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
- Plan your spending: Make sure you can meet the minimum spend requirement for the welcome offer without overspending.
- Review the benefits: Ensure the card’s perks, like lounge access or hotel status, align with your travel habits.
Application Strategy
- Know the issuer’s rules: Some issuers have restrictions on recent card openings or welcome offer eligibility.
- Time your application: A planned large purchase can help you meet the spending requirement for the welcome offer.
- Be patient when offer hunting: The best welcome offers may not always be publicly available and can vary.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for airport lounge access?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card provides complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and The Centurion Lounge when flying on a Delta-marketed or operated flight. The World of Hyatt card does not offer airport lounge access as a standard benefit.
Can I transfer points between World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles?
No, you cannot directly transfer points between World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles. They are separate loyalty programs with their own distinct partners and redemption options.
Which card offers a better path to elite status?
Each card provides a shortcut to elite status within its own ecosystem. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card offers a Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) Headstart, while the World of Hyatt card grants automatic Discoverist status and provides elite night credits.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos 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 within the post.
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