Your Complete Guide to the World of Hyatt Program: Earning, Redeeming, and Travel Sweet Spots

World of Hyatt is often seen as one of the best hotel loyalty programs out there—and for good reason. If you’re someone who enjoys great hotels, values elite perks, and wants to get more from your points, Hyatt delivers in a big way.

Compared to other hotel programs like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt points often stretch further. Many travelers find that their points are worth more when used for free nights at Hyatt properties—especially luxury stays. In fact, Hyatt points regularly rank at the top of value charts, often worth 2 cents or more per point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much are World of Hyatt points worth?

On average, Hyatt points are worth about 2.0 cents each when used for free hotel nights. The value can be even higher at luxury properties or all-inclusive resorts.

Do Hyatt points expire?

Yes, but only if your account has no activity for 24 months. Earning or using even one point resets the clock.

What’s the best use of Hyatt points?

The best value comes from free hotel nights, especially at high-end brands like Park Hyatt, Alila, or Andaz. You’ll often get 2–3 cents per point in value.

Can I transfer points to a friend or spouse?

Yes. You can combine points with another member once every 30 days. You’ll need to fill out and email a request form, but there’s no fee.

Can I use Chase points with Hyatt?

Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards points from cards like Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Preferred transfer 1:1 to Hyatt instantly.

Can I earn Hyatt points by paying rent?

Yes! If you use the Bilt Rewards program, you can earn points on rent and transfer them to Hyatt at a 1:1 rate with no fees.

Does Hyatt charge resort fees on free stays?

No. Resort fees are waived on award stays. If you’re a Globalist, parking fees are also waived.

Can I use my points to book a room for someone else?

Yes. You can call Hyatt and book a stay for someone else using your points. Globalists can also use the Guest of Honor perk to share elite benefits with others.

Can I buy Hyatt points?

Yes. You can buy up to 55,000 Hyatt points per year. The regular price is about 2.4 cents per point, but Hyatt often runs promotions offering bonus points that lower the effective cost.

Which credit cards transfer points to Hyatt?

You can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Chase Sapphire and Ink Preferred are the main cards that support transfers.

For example, you can book the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course for 23000 points or $587+taxes. This redemption gives you a value of 2.3 CPP (Cents per point), which is great! If you are attending sporting events like football games or an F1 race, you can get much more value out of your points.

You’ll also find generous elite status benefits, award night perks like waived resort fees and free parking, and fewer blackout dates. The program is smaller than some of the big chains, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality.

Here’s what makes Hyatt points so valuable:

Benefit TypeWhy It Matters
High Point ValueOften 2.0+ cents per point, especially for luxury stays
Easy-to-Earn OptionsStay, spend, transfer from Chase
No Resort Fees on AwardsSave money even when using points
Free Parking for ElitesGreat for road trips and family stays
Small but Strong PortfolioOver 1,150 properties, many with premium service

Why World of Hyatt is Great?

If you’re wondering whether Hyatt is really that good, you’re not the only one. Hyatt offers some of the best value, perks, and consistency in the hotel world.

Here is why:

  • Better Value for Points: Hyatt points go further. A night at a Park Hyatt or all-inclusive resort often costs just 30,000–45,000 points. That’s way less than the 90,000–120,000 points you might need for a similar stay with Hilton or Marriott.

  • More Reliable Elite Benefits: Globalist status with Hyatt isn’t handed out easily, and that’s a good thing. With fewer top-tier elites in the program, upgrades are more likely to happen.

  • Guest of Honor Program: Globalists can book stays for friends or family and share their elite perks—like breakfast, upgrades, and waived fees.

  • Chase Point Transfers: Hyatt’s partnership with Chase means you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points 1:1, making it easy to build your balance.

  • Consistency and Service: Travelers praise Hyatt for consistently excellent service. Even when something goes wrong, many say Hyatt makes it right without needing to ask.


What Travelers Love About HyattWhy It Matters
Generous Globalist perksReal benefits like upgrades, breakfast, and no fees
Great point valueGet more nights for fewer points
Chase transfer partnerEasy to build your Hyatt balance
Guest of Honor bookingsShare your benefits with friends and family
Consistency across brandsFewer surprises, better service
Expanding partnershipsSLH and Mr & Mrs Smith add unique locations

Discover the Many Brands of Hyatt

One of the best things about the World of Hyatt program is the wide variety of hotel brands you can book with your points. No matter what kind of trip you’re planning—a luxury beach getaway, a family vacation, a wellness retreat, or a city break—Hyatt has something for you.

Hyatt manages over 30 different brands around the world. Some focus on luxury and lifestyle, while others are perfect for business trips or longer stays. This variety makes it easier to find a hotel that fits your travel style and your budget.

Brand NameTravel StyleTypical Room CountBest For
Park HyattUltra-luxury50–250Special occasions, high-end city stays
AndazStylish & local125–250City explorers, boutique lovers
AlilaLuxury in unique places50–250Wellness, nature retreats
Grand HyattPremium luxury350–700Upscale resorts, international travel
Hyatt RegencyFull-service business hotels200–2,000Conferences, family trips
Hyatt CentricLifestyle & location-focused100–250Hip neighborhoods, active travelers
Hyatt Place / Hyatt HouseCasual & extended stay120–200Road trips, business travel, families
Thompson HotelsDesign-forward luxury50–250Urban vibes, nightlife, trendy dining
MiravalLuxury wellness resorts100–400Mindfulness, spa, relaxation
Hyatt Ziva / ZilaraAll-inclusive beach resorts200–600Family-friendly (Ziva) or adults-only (Zilara)
Caption by HyattSocial, budget-conscious130–250Young travelers, digital nomads
SLH & Mr & Mrs SmithBoutique hotel partners20–100Unique, independent hotel experiences

Earning World of Hyatt Points

Hyatt makes it easy to earn points in multiple ways. You don’t have to be a frequent traveler to build up a strong balance—just use the right tools and take advantage of the program’s flexibility.

Here are the main ways to earn:

  • Stay at Hyatt Hotels: Earn 5 points per dollar spent at most Hyatt properties. If you have elite status, you get a bonus on top.

  • Use the World of Hyatt Credit Card: With this Chase-issued card, you earn bonus points on Hyatt stays, restaurants, flights, and even gym memberships. You also get a free night certificate every year and a fast-track to elite status.

  • Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points: If you have Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can transfer points to Hyatt at a 1:1 rate.

  • Book With Partners: Earn extra points by booking car rentals or experiences through Hyatt’s partners.

  • Watch for Promotions: Hyatt regularly runs promotions like double points on stays or extra points for booking multiple nights.

Can You Buy World of Hyatt Points?

Yes! Hyatt lets you buy points directly through its website. This can be helpful if you’re just short of a redemption or want to top off your account for a specific booking.

  • You can buy up to 55,000 points per calendar year
  • The standard price is 2.4 cents per point
  • Hyatt often runs promotions offering 20–30% bonuses, reducing the effective price to ~1.8 cents per point

This isn’t the best long-term strategy, but it can make sense when:

  • You’re a few thousand points away from an award stay
  • You want to book a luxury hotel during a promotion
  • The cash price of a room is much higher than the point cost

Tip: Always do the math. If buying points gets you a night worth $500 for $300, that’s a win.

Credit Card Points That Transfer to Hyatt

The easiest and most powerful way to earn Hyatt points is through credit card rewards programs that transfer directly.

Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1 Transfer to Hyatt)

These Chase cards allow 1:1 point transfers to Hyatt:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred®
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • Chase Ink Business Preferred®

You can also earn points with Chase Freedom Flex® and Freedom Unlimited®, but you’ll need a Sapphire or Ink Preferred card to transfer them to Hyatt.

Bilt Rewards (1:1 Transfer to Hyatt)

Bilt lets you earn points by paying rent with no fee, plus rewards on dining, travel, and more.

  • Points transfer instantly to Hyatt
  • A great option if you’re a renter or want to diversify your earnings

Summary Table: How to Earn Hyatt Points

Earning MethodPoints You EarnBonus Opportunities
Hyatt Hotel Stays5 points per $1Extra for elite members
World of Hyatt Credit Card4–9 points per $1 (depending on category)Free night certificate, elite credits
Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer1:1 from Chase Sapphire cardsOften instant
Bilt Rewards Transfer1:1 from Bilt pointsEarn points on rent and dining
Hyatt PartnersVaries by partnerLook out for seasonal promos
Hyatt PromotionsVariesMust register in advance

Redeeming World of Hyatt Points

Once you’ve earned some points, the fun part begins—redeeming them. Hyatt offers several ways to use your points, but some options are far better than others.

Travel (Best Use)

The best way to use World of Hyatt points is for free nights at Hyatt hotels. The award chart ranges from just 3,500 points per night at Category 1 hotels to 55,000 points for top-tier properties. You can also use points to upgrade rooms or book all-inclusive resorts like Hyatt Ziva and Zilara.

You’ll typically get 2–3 cents per point in value when redeeming for luxury stays, which is hard to beat.


World of Hyatt Award Chart (Points Per Night)
Here’s a short paragraph you can include before or after the award chart:


World of Hyatt uses a dynamic award chart based on hotel category and travel dates (off-peak, standard, or peak). You can redeem points for four types of rooms: Standard Room, Club Room, Standard Suite, and Premium Suite. Standard Room redemptions start as low as 3,500 points per night, while Premium Suites at top-tier properties can cost up to 90,000 points during peak times. Planning around off-peak dates can help you stretch your points much further.

CategoryStandard RoomClub RoomStandard SuitePremium Suite
13,500–6,5005,500–8,5006,500–10,0007,000–13,000
26,500–9,50010,500–13,50013,000–19,00016,000–19,000
39,000–15,00014,000–20,00018,000–30,00024,000–30,000
412,000–18,00018,000–24,00024,000–36,00030,000–36,000
517,000–23,00024,000–30,00034,000–46,00040,000–46,000
621,000–29,00029,000–37,00042,000–58,00050,000–58,000
725,000–35,00034,000–44,00050,000–70,00060,000–70,000
835,000–45,00045,000–55,00070,000–90,00080,000–90,000

Hotel Categories and Partners

Hyatt owns or partners with brands that cover every type of trip:

  • Budget & Extended Stay: Hyatt Place, Hyatt House
  • Mid-Range: Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Regency
  • Luxury: Park Hyatt, Alila, Andaz
  • All-Inclusive: Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara
  • Boutique: SLH, Mr & Mrs Smith

These partners give you more places to use your points, even in cities where Hyatt’s footprint is small.

Best Travel Sweet Spots

There are some standout uses where you can stretch your points the most:

  • Alila Ventana Big Sur: $1,500+ rooms for 45,000 points
  • Hyatt Ziva Cancun: All-inclusive family resort for ~25,000 points
  • SLH Properties in Europe or Asia: Often just 12,000–20,000 points per night
  • Suite Upgrades: Use 6,000–9,000 points per night to upgrade your room

Room Upgrades

Use points to upgrade to Club access, standard suites, or premium suites. Upgrade costs start at:

  • 3,000 points for Club rooms
  • 6,000–9,000 points per night for suites

Points + Cash

Stretch your points by combining them with cash. Book a room, standard suite, or premium suite with fewer points upfront—starting at 1,750 points + cash.


Dining, Spa, and Experiences

You don’t need a room night to use your points. At participating hotels, you can redeem points for:

  • Dining and spa services (starting at 1,000 points)
  • FIND Experiences like truffle hunting, mixology, or cultural tours

Meetings & Events

Redeem 15,000 points for a $200 credit toward meeting or event bookings at Hyatt hotels.


Travel Extras

You can also redeem your points for AA status or car rental.

  • American Airlines AAdvantage® Status for a Day
    Explorists and Globalists can redeem 5,000+ points for one-day AA status at select airports.
  • Airline Miles Transfers
    Transfer points to 20+ airlines. The transfer rate is usually 2.5 Hyatt points to 1 airline mile (5,000 minimum).
  • Avis® Car Rentals
    Use points for rental cars starting at 6,000 points at participating Avis® locations.

Airline Travel Partners

You can transfer Hyatt points to over 25 airline programs. But the transfer ratio is usually 2.5 Hyatt points to 1 airline mile, so it’s rarely a good value. Only use this if you need to top off your airline account.

Summary Table: Redemption Options

Redemption TypePoints RequiredBest For
Free Night (Standard Room)3,500 – 45,000Highest value per point
All-Inclusive Resorts12,000 – 45,000Meals + activities included
Homes & HideawaysVariesPrivate homes, villas
Mr & Mrs Smith HotelsVariesBoutique luxury experiences
Room Upgrades3,000 – 9,000/nightClub rooms and suites
Points + Cash1,750+ + cashStretching points for longer stays
Dining & Spa Credits1,000+On-property extras
FIND Experiences1,000+Local and global adventures
Meetings & Events Credit15,000Event space and business perks
AAdvantage Status for a Day5,000+ (elite only)Airport perks on AA flights
Transfer to Airlines5,000+ (2.5:1 ratio)Only useful to top off miles
Avis Car Rentals6,000+Road trips and vacation add-ons

Key Things to Know

Before you start redeeming Hyatt points or planning your next stay, there are a few rules and facts that can help you get more out of the program. These tips will save you from surprises and help you travel smarter.

  • Points Don’t Expire (If You’re Active): Hyatt points expire after 24 months of no activity. But if you earn or use even a single point, the clock resets. This includes staying at a hotel, transferring points, or using the credit card.

  • No Blackout Dates: If a standard room is available for cash, you can book it with points. That means no hidden restrictions like you’ll find with some other programs.

  • Waived Fees on Award Stays: When you book a stay with points, you don’t pay resort fees—even at properties that normally charge them. If you’re a Globalist, parking fees are waived too.

  • You Can Book for Others: Want to use your points for a friend or family member? You can! Just call Hyatt and book the room in their name.

  • Free Nights Count Toward Status: Award stays using points count toward elite status qualification. That means your free nights help you earn even more perks.

  • Combine Cash + Points: If you don’t have enough points for a full award night, you can pay with a mix of cash and points. This is a great way to stretch your balance.

Summary Table: Hyatt Program Facts

FeatureWhat You Should Know
Point Expiration24 months of no activity = expiration
Blackout DatesNone for standard rooms
Resort Fees on Award StaysWaived
Parking Fees for ElitesWaived for Globalist members
Booking for OthersAllowed—call Hyatt customer service
Award Stays Count Toward StatusYes
Cash + Points OptionAvailable at select properties

Manage Hyatt Points

Keeping track of your points and using them wisely is key to getting the most from the World of Hyatt program. Here’s how to stay organized and flexible with your rewards.

View and Track Points

You can view your points balance anytime by logging into your Hyatt account online or through the Hyatt app. The dashboard also shows recent transactions, your elite status progress, and upcoming reservations.

Hyatt sends monthly emails with your balance and activity, so you’ll never forget where you stand.

Combine Points Across Accounts

Need a few more points to book that dream stay? Hyatt lets you combine points with another member—like a spouse or travel buddy.

  • You can combine or transfer points once every 30 days
  • There’s no cost to transfer
  • You must fill out a paper form and email it to Hyatt
  • The sender and receiver must both have active Hyatt accounts

This is a great way to pool points for big redemptions.

Key Rules for Sharing Points

You can share points with any other World of Hyatt member, even if you’re not related. However, there are a few important rules:

  • You can only share or receive points once every 30 days
  • You’ll need to fill out a Points Combining Request Form
  • Both accounts must be active and have been open for at least 60 days
  • The process usually takes a few business days

There’s no fee, and it’s a great way to team up on big redemptions.

Summary Table: Combining Hyatt Points

RuleDetails
Transfer FrequencyOnce every 30 days
CostFree
Form RequiredYes—email submission needed
Relationship RequirementNone (can be friends, partners, etc.)
Account Age RequirementBoth accounts must be active

Transfer to Travel Partners

Hyatt points can be transferred to airline partners, though it’s usually not the best value. The standard ratio is 2.5 Hyatt points to 1 airline mile, with a 5,000-point minimum per transfer.

Use this only if you’re topping off an airline account for a specific flight.

Summary

The World of Hyatt program stands out for offering some of the most valuable hotel points in the travel world. Whether you’re booking a luxury vacation, a weekend getaway, or a work trip, your Hyatt points can go far—especially if you know how to earn and redeem them smartly.

You’ll find great value by:

  • Staying at luxury or all-inclusive properties
  • Using Chase Ultimate Rewards points to boost your balance
  • Taking advantage of elite status perks like waived fees and upgrades
  • Sharing points or combining them with others for big redemptions
  • Booking during off-peak times to stretch your points even further

Hyatt may not have the largest footprint, but its quality, consistency, and program flexibility make it a favorite among frequent travelers. If you’re serious about getting more from your points—and from your hotel stays—Hyatt is hard to beat. Now that you know the ins and outs of the program, you’re ready to travel smarter, stay better, and unlock more value from every trip.

Your Complete Guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards: Earning, Redeeming, and Sweet Spots

Citi ThankYou Rewards is a flexible program that lets you earn points on everyday spending. You can redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more. The value of your points depends on which Citi card you have. If you have multiple Citi cards, you can combine their benefits to get better redemptions.

Citi ThankYou Points FAQ

What are Citi ThankYou Points?

ThankYou Points are Citi’s flexible rewards currency, earned through various Citi credit cards. They can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more.

Which Citi cards earn ThankYou Points?

Popular cards include Citi Premier, Citi Rewards+, Citi Double Cash, Citi Custom Cash, and the now-discontinued Citi Prestige. Each offers different redemption and transfer options.

What is the best value use of ThankYou Points?

Transferring to travel partners like Turkish Airlines or Choice Privileges typically yields the highest value—often more than 1 cent per point—especially with premium cards like Citi Premier.

Can you transfer Citi ThankYou Points to travel partners?

Yes, if you hold an eligible card like Citi Premier. Transfer options include Turkish Airlines, Singapore KrisFlyer, EVA Air, and Choice Hotels.

Can you combine ThankYou Points from multiple cards?

Yes, Citi allows you to pool points across your eligible cards, enabling more flexibility in redemptions and transfers.

Can you share ThankYou Points with others?

You can share up to 100,000 points per year with another ThankYou member. However, shared points expire after 90 days and cannot be transferred to partners.

What are some redemption options for Citi ThankYou Points?

You can redeem points for travel through Citi’s portal, transfer to partners, cash back, gift cards, or purchases at Amazon and Best Buy. Travel and transfer redemptions usually offer the best value.

Do ThankYou Points expire?

Points generally do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. Shared points expire 90 days after receipt.

Are all Citi ThankYou Points worth the same?

No. Points from cards like Citi Premier are more valuable due to partner transfers. Lower-tier cards may offer reduced redemption rates and limited options.

Not Every Citi ThankYou Point Is Created Equal

The best ThankYou points come from the Citi Premier card or the discontinued Prestige card. These points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. You can get more than 1 cent per point when booking flights and hotels.

Citi Double Cash and Citi Custom Cash points are worth 1 cent per point. This value applies when redeemed for statement credits or direct deposit. These cards are great for earning on everyday spending.

Citi Rewards+, ThankYou Preferred, and some older Citi cards have lower cash-out rates. They do not allow travel transfers unless you also have a Citi Premier card. Gift cards are usually the best redemption option for these points.

If you have multiple Citi cards, you get the best value. Use the Custom Cash to earn 5x in a top category. Use the Premier for travel spending. The Double Cash is ideal for everything else. The Rewards+ card rounds up small purchases, helping you earn extra points. Combining cards allows you to maximize both earning and redemption options.

Earning Citi ThankYou Points

You earn ThankYou points based on which Citi card you use:

  • Citi Premier earns 3x on air travel, hotels, dining, supermarkets, and gas stations. It earns 1x on everything else.
  • Citi Rewards+ earns 2x on supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1x). It also rounds up every purchase to the nearest 10 points.
  • Citi Custom Cash earns 5x on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 per month, then 1x).

The best strategy is to combine these cards. Use Custom Cash for 5x bonus categories, Premier for travel spending, and Double Cash for everything else.

Redeeming Citi ThankYou Points

There are several ways to redeem ThankYou points, but some options give you far more value than others.

Travel (Best Use)

Travel redemptions provide the highest value. You can book flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Citi Travel. Citi Premier lets you transfer points to airline and hotel partners. This unlocks redemptions worth more than 1 cent per point.

Airline Travel Partners

Below are the Airline Travel Partners.

Airline PartnerStandard Transfer Ratio (per 1,000 points)Promo (if any)Notes and Sweet Spots
Avianca LifeMiles1,000 → 1,000 LifeMiles1,000 → 1,250 until 04/12/2025Instant transfer. Great for Star Alliance awards. Good for booking United, Lufthansa.
Aeromexico Rewards1,000 → 1,000NoneUses kilometers, not miles. Less competitive for redemptions.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles1,000 → 1,000NoneGood for multi-carrier oneworld awards. Complex chart.
Emirates Skywards1,000 → 1,000NoneHigh surcharges. Best for JetBlue or short-haul flights.
Etihad Guest1,000 → 1,000NoneGood for partner awards like Royal Air Maroc or American Airlines.
EVA Air1,000 → 1,000NoneUnique to Citi. Good for long-haul Asia flights. Slow to transfer.
Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)1,000 → 1,000NoneDynamic pricing. Watch for promo awards.
JetBlue TrueBlue1,000 → 1,000 (Premier-level cards)None1,000 → 800 with other cards. Fixed-value points. No blackout dates.
Qantas Frequent Flyer1,000 → 1,000NoneBest for intra-Australia travel. Often high taxes.
Qatar Privilege Club (Avios)1,000 → 1,000NoneCan move Avios between Qatar, British Airways, and Iberia. Use for QSuites.
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer1,000 → 1,000NoneStar Alliance partner. Good for Singapore Suites or upgrades.
Thai Royal Orchid Plus1,000 → 1,000NoneVery slow transfers. Limited value unless you fly Thai Airways.
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles1,000 → 1,000NoneBook United flights for 7.5k one-way. Chicago–Hawaii round-trip for 15k miles.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club1,000 → 1,000NoneGreat for ANA first class, Delta One to Europe. Surcharges can be high.

Hotel Partners

Here is a detailed table of Citi ThankYou hotel transfer partners.

Hotel PartnerTransfer Ratio (per 1,000 points)Notes and Sweet Spots
Choice Privileges1,000 → 2,000 (Premier, Prestige, Strata Premier, AT&T Access More)Best value among hotel transfers. Great for Cambria and Ascend properties. You can get rooms that sell for $300–$400+ for under 30,000 Choice points.
1,000 → 1,500 (other Citi cards)Still decent value. Redemption value depends on location and season.
Wyndham Rewards1,000 → 1,000 (Premier, Prestige, Strata Premier, AT&T Access More)Works well for Vacasa vacation rentals (15k points per bedroom per night). Can pair with Wyndham credit cards and Caesars status match.
1,000 → 800 (other Citi cards)Lower transfer value. Not ideal unless you need to top up an account.
ALL – Accor Live Limitless1,000 → 500Poor value. Rewards are cash-based (~€0.02 per point), so value is below 1 cpp.
Leaders Club1,000 → 200Very low transfer value. Best avoided unless targeting a specific luxury redemption.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts1,000 → 4,000 I Prefer PointsLimited hotel footprint. Decent point multipliers but limited award availability.

If you’re looking for hotel value, Choice Privileges at the 1:2 transfer ratio is by far the best Citi hotel transfer option.

Best Travel Sweet Spots

Citi has several sweet spots that let you get high value from your points.

  • Choice Hotels 1:2 Transfer Ratio
    Citi is the only issuer that offers a 1:2 transfer to Choice Privileges. Amex and Capital One only have 1:1 transfers. This makes Citi points more valuable for Choice stays. Ascend and Cambria properties range from good to luxury depending on location. You can often book a Cambria hotel that costs over $400 per night for 30,000 points. That is $150 worth of Citi points. This is especially useful during peak season.
  • Turkish Airlines 1:1 Transfer
    Citi and Capital One are the only issuers with Turkish Airlines as a transfer partner. Turkish offers cheap United Airlines flights. Domestic United flights cost only 7,500 miles each way. A round-trip from Chicago to Hawaii costs 15,000 miles in economy. That is much cheaper than booking with United miles.
  • EVA Air 1:1 Transfer
    Citi is one of the few issuers that partners with EVA Air. This is a great option for travel to Asia.
  • Virgin Atlantic 1:1 Transfer
    Virgin Atlantic has some of the best redemptions for Delta flights. You can book Delta One to Europe for 50,000 points instead of the high rates Delta usually charges.
  • Wyndham 1:1 Transfer for Vacasa Vacation Rentals
    Citi’s Wyndham transfers are useful for booking Vacasa vacation rentals. You can book a rental for 15,000 points per bedroom per night. This works well if you also have Wyndham Earner+ or Earner Business cards. Those cards offer a Caesars status match, which is a great perk for Las Vegas.
Cash Back & Statement Credits (Good Use)

Citi Double Cash and Citi Custom Cash allow you to redeem points for 1 cent per point. You can redeem them as a statement credit or direct deposit. If you have Citi Rewards+ or another basic Citi card, the cash-out rate may be lower. If you do not use travel redemptions, this is a solid option.

Gift Cards (Decent Use)

Most gift cards redeem at 1 cent per point. Occasionally, Citi offers discounts on gift cards, which can provide extra value.

Shopping & Other Redemptions (Worst Use)

Amazon, Best Buy, and PayPal redemptions often give less than 1 cent per point. Avoid using points for direct purchases unless necessary.

How to Maximize Citi ThankYou Points

Avoid low-value redemptions. Skip Amazon, Best Buy, and PayPal redemptions. Gift cards are okay, but travel is usually better.

Have multiple Citi cards to combine benefits. Custom Cash earns 5x in a top category. Double Cash earns 2x on everything. Premier allows transfers to airlines and hotels. Rewards+ rounds up small purchases to the nearest 10 points. Combining these cards helps you earn and redeem more efficiently.

Use Citi’s unique sweet spots. Turkish Airlines lets you book cheap United flights. Choice Hotels transfers let you get luxury stays for fewer points. Wyndham transfers are useful for Vacasa vacation rentals.

Transfer points to airlines for maximum value. Instead of cashing out at 1 cent per point, you can get 1.5 to 2 cents per point in value.

Key Things to Know

  • Your points do not expire as long as your account stays open.
  • Not all cards allow travel transfers. You need Citi Premier for the best airline and hotel redemptions.
  • Merging Citi cards gives you better rewards.
  • Citi sometimes offers transfer bonuses. Always check before redeeming.

If you want the most from your Citi ThankYou points, use multiple Citi cards. You will earn more and unlock better travel options. Let me know if you need help choosing the best redemption.

Here’s a quick guide on how to manage and share Citi ThankYou points, based on current program rules:


Manage ThankYou Points

You can manage your points directly through your Citi online account or the ThankYou Rewards website. Here’s what you can do:

View and Track Points

  • Log in to your account at thankyou.com or via the Citi app.
  • See your total points balance, expiration dates (if applicable), and how many points are from each card.
  • Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Combine Points Across Cards

  • If you have more than one eligible Citi card (like Premier, Double Cash, Custom Cash, Rewards+), you can combine points into a single account.
  • This lets you use the best features of all your cards. For example, use Double Cash to earn points, and Premier to transfer to travel partners.
  • You can combine points by calling Citi or via online chat—there is no fee.

Transfer to Travel Partners

  • Eligible cards (like Citi Premier and Prestige) allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
  • You must manually link your loyalty account to Citi before transferring.
  • Some transfers are instant; others may take a few days.

Share ThankYou Points

Citi allows you to share points with another person, but there are rules and limits.

Key Rules for Sharing Points:

  • You can share up to 100,000 points per calendar year with another ThankYou member.
  • You can receive up to 100,000 points per calendar year from another member.
  • Shared points expire 90 days after transfer, regardless of the original expiration date.
  • Shared points cannot be transferred to travel partners, even if the recipient has a Premier card.

How to Share:

  1. Go to thankyou.com and sign in.
  2. Click “Points Sharing” under the More Ways to Redeem section.
  3. Enter the recipient’s full name and ThankYou account number.
  4. Choose the number of points to share and confirm the transfer.

Best Use Case for Sharing:

  • Share points with a household member if they have a Citi Premier card and you don’t.
  • Let them handle the transfer to travel partners for maximum value.

Summary

Citi ThankYou Points are a flexible rewards currency earned through various Citi credit cards. The value of these points depends on which cards you have and how you choose to redeem them. Cards like Citi Premier and the discontinued Prestige offer the most valuable points, as they allow 1:1 transfers to airline and hotel partners. This can yield more than 1 cent per point in value. Cash back cards like Citi Double Cash and Citi Custom Cash allow redemptions at 1 cent per point as a statement credit or deposit. Lower-tier cards like Citi Rewards+ and older Citi cards often offer reduced redemption rates and limited transfer options.

You can redeem ThankYou points for travel through Citi’s portal, cash back, gift cards, or purchases at merchants like Amazon and Best Buy. Travel and transfer redemptions generally offer the best value. Citi has several sweet spots, including a 1:2 transfer ratio to Choice Privileges for select cards, and unique airline partners like Turkish Airlines and EVA Air. Turkish allows high-value redemptions for United flights, while Choice Hotels redemptions can offer luxury stays at lower cost.

You can manage points online, combine them across multiple Citi cards, and transfer them to travel partners if eligible. Citi also allows you to share up to 100,000 points per year with another ThankYou member, though shared points expire in 90 days and cannot be transferred to partners. To get the most from ThankYou points, use multiple Citi cards, take advantage of partner transfers, and avoid low-value redemptions like shopping or partial cash back.