Here’s some unfortunate information for Bilt members, as transfers of points to World of Hyatt will soon become less advantageous than they currently are. I’m disappointed to witness this, but I’m also not caught off guard.
In this post:
Bilt to Hyatt points transfers reduced to 4:3
At present, Bilt Rewards points exchange into World of Hyatt points at a 1:1 ratio. That will soon change. Starting January 1, 2027, all Bilt points will be transferred to World of Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio. This means you’ll receive 750 World of Hyatt points for every 1,000 Bilt Rewards points you transfer. That same transfer ratio will be consistent regardless of your Bilt elite status, which Bilt credit card you possess, and so forth.
For the remainder of 2026, however, you can still transfer points at the previous ratio. Bilt has not provided additional clarification regarding this modification. Clearly, this is disappointing, as converting Bilt points into World of Hyatt points has been one of the top uses of the currency, apart from taking advantage of Rent Day transfer bonuses.
Bilt is lowering the value of Hyatt points transfers
What’s prompting the change in the Bilt & Hyatt partnership
The devaluation of the Bilt to World of Hyatt points transfer ratio shouldn’t really come as a shock. This is despite Bilt having somewhat outperformed competitors in maintaining favorable transfer ratios — just look at what’s happening with programs like Emirates Skywards.
Nonetheless, it’s known that Hyatt is currently attempting to capitalize on its loyalty program by significantly increasing margins. This appears to involve a few key initiatives:
Now, it’s uncertain whether this change is a result of Hyatt simply demanding greater compensation for points transfers (and Bilt not being inclined to comply), or if this is merely a contractual requirement that Hyatt must adhere to with Chase, since it’s reasonable to assume that Chase wouldn’t want individuals applying for a Bilt card over its own cards.
I suspect this is also motivated by a general intention to encourage more individuals to apply directly for co-branded Hyatt cards, rather than solely transferring points. So while this is an unfortunate turn of events, it was somewhat anticipated that this would occur.
Hyatt is aiming to profit from its loyalty program
Bottom line
Beginning January 1, 2027, the transfer ratio from Bilt Rewards to World of Hyatt will drop from 1:1 to 4:3. This is indeed an unfortunate turn of events and aligns with a similar alteration we’ve recently observed with Chase points transfers.
Hyatt is looking to take advantage of loyalty, and this is evidently part of that strategy. I’m not pleased with the trajectory World of Hyatt is taking, but then again, publicly traded companies are always seeking more, correct?
What are your thoughts on the worsening Bilt to Hyatt points transfer ratio?