World of Hyatt to Roll Out New Enhancements Including Digital Points Sharing and Early Award Access

World of Hyatt today announced a thoughtful update to the program, including its published award chart, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, predictability and long-term member value. Beginning in May, World of Hyatt will expand from three to five redemption levels within each of its existing eight categories.

Award Chart Update
- Effective May 2026
- Expands from 3 redemption levels to 5 levels: Lowest, Low, Moderate, Upper, Top
- Purpose: Allows more precise alignment at the hotel level, reduces need for broad category shifts, and manages peak demand more smoothly.
- Hyatt emphasizes it will retain fixed point thresholds (not dynamic pricing), reinforcing transparency and predictability.

New Enhancements
- Digital Points Sharing: Members will be able to share points digitally with loved ones, making gifting and shared travel easier.
- Early Award Access: Explorists, Globalists, Lifetime Globalists, and Hyatt Credit Cardmembers will gain early access to award night availability, improving planning confidence.

Annual Category Changes
- Hyatt will continue its annual hotel category review each April, giving members advance notice to book at current levels before changes take effect.
- Recent shifts include:
- Up one category: Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, Hyatt Centric Malta, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, Hyatt Place San Antonio-Northwest/Medical Center, Grand Hyatt Incheon
- Up two categories: Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa (opening 2026)
- Down one category: The Barnett (JdV by Hyatt brand)

Strategic Context
- Hyatt’s loyalty program now spans 63 million members and integrates lifestyle brands like The Standard, Bunkhouse Hotels, and all-inclusive resorts such as Zoëtry, Secrets, Dreams.
- The update is positioned as a stability measure, not a fundamental change, ensuring long-term sustainability while expanding flexibility.

This move is interesting because Hyatt is doubling down on fixed award charts while competitors like Marriott and Hilton lean into dynamic pricing.