If you have ever wondered whether it is worth it to buy Hyatt points, it depends mainly on timing and a bit of calculation. Buying points could make sense in very particular cases-a matter of being a few thousand points short toward that dream redemption, during an ongoing bonus promotion, or just before category changes affect pricing. Other than that, you could probably get more points through stays, credit card points, or partners. To put it differently, it might be a smart purchase in some cases, but it will not be everyday dollar-store-level buying.
How to Think About Value (Without a Headache)
The Simple Math
At the core, Hyatt points are valued at around 1.8 cents each. Hyatt sells points for about 2.4 cents apiece—or slightly less during promotions. To check if buying is worthwhile, divide the cash price of a stay by the number of points required. If the result (your cents per point, or cpp) is higher than what you’re paying to buy them, you’ve got a winner.
Example Walkthrough
Imagine a night at the Park Hyatt that costs $800 cash or 40,000 points. That’s a cpp of 2.0. If you buy points during a 30% bonus promo (dropping the cost per point to about 1.85 cents), buying points and redeeming them beats paying cash. On the flip side, a $150 Hyatt Place room at 12,000 points gives you just 1.25 cpp—definitely not worth buying.
When Buying Points Is Worth It
Topping Up for a Redemption
Being a few hundred or thousand points short can be frustrating. Buying just enough to reach the award threshold often saves far more than paying full cash rates. Think of it like buying the missing puzzle piece instead of starting a new box.
Taking Advantage of Promotions
Hyatt regularly runs promotions that add 20%–40% bonus points to purchases. These promos can bring the purchase price down close to the actual redemption value, which tips the scales in your favor.
Locking in a Rate Before It Moves
Hyatt’s peak/off-peak pricing and occasional category changes can bump redemption costs. If you know a hotel is moving up a tier or your travel dates are approaching peak season, buying points early can lock in the current rate.
All-Inclusive and Miraval Sweet Spots
All-inclusive resorts and Miraval wellness properties often provide outsized value. A redemption might cover meals, drinks, entertainment, and even spa credits. Buying points to reach one of these stays can be worth it—especially when it saves you from paying inflated resort cash prices.
When Buying Points Is Not Worth It
To Earn Elite Status
Purchased points don’t count toward elite or lifetime status. If you’re chasing Globalist perks, staying at Hyatt properties or using a Hyatt credit card is the way to go.
Everyday Stays with Low Cash Rates
For midweek business hotels or budget-friendly Hyatt Place stays, cash prices are often lower than what buying and redeeming points would cost.
Poor Award Availability
It’s a rookie mistake to buy points before checking whether award nights are actually open. Hyatt has improved its booking tools, but availability can still be tight at popular resorts.
Buying Just Because
Buying points without a redemption in mind is like stocking up on avocados—you think it’s a good idea until they go bad (or in Hyatt’s case, expire after 24 months of inactivity).
Smarter Alternatives to Buying
Transfer from Credit Card Partners
Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt points transfer to Hyatt 1:1 instantly. If you have flexible points, this is almost always better than paying cash for Hyatt points.
Points + Cash Awards
These hybrids let you stretch your stash further. In some cases, the combined value of half points and half cash beats buying points outright.
Earn Through Stays and Partners
Hyatt offers 5 base points per $1 spent on eligible stays, plus extras for elite members. You can also earn through car rentals, dining, and FIND experiences—without reaching for your wallet to buy points.
What Hyatt Points Really Cost
Hyatt typically sells points for $24 per 1,000, up to 55,000 points per year. That’s 2.4 cents each, which is above their typical redemption value. During promotions, however, bonus points can reduce the cost per point to closer to 1.7–1.9 cents, which is where the math starts working in your favor.
Timing is everything: promos usually pop up several times a year. If you need points, waiting for a sale could make all the difference.
Hidden Costs and Pitfalls
Resort Fees and Taxes
One of the perks of booking with points is that Hyatt waives resort fees. But if you buy points and end up redeeming them for a poor-value stay, the savings may disappear.
Nonrefundable Purchases
Purchased points are final—you can’t return them if your plans change.
Processing Time
Though usually quick, points may take a few days to post. If you’re trying to grab a last-minute award seat, buying may not save the day.
Real-Life Scenarios
- Luxury Weekend at Park Hyatt New York: Buying points during a promo saved hundreds compared to cash rates.
- Family Trip to Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: Topping up with purchased points was cheaper than paying nightly rates for two rooms.
- Midweek Stay at Hyatt Place: Buying points would’ve cost more than simply paying cash—proof that not every redemption is a good deal.
A Quick Checklist Before You Buy
- Do you have a specific redemption in mind?
- Have you calculated the cents-per-point value?
- Is there a bonus promotion running?
- Did you check award availability first?
If the answer to most of these is “yes,” buying points could make sense. If not, keep your wallet closed.
What This Means for You
So, is it worth it to buy Hyatt points? Sometimes—but only if the math checks out, you’re chasing a specific redemption, or you’re buying during a bonus promotion. For everyday use or low-cost stays, you’ll usually be better off earning through travel, partners, or credit card transfers. Buying points is best treated like hot sauce—great in moderation, but overwhelming if you pour it on everything.
And if you have points sitting idle and no plans to use them, there’s another option. You can sell Hyatt points with Cash For My Miles, where we buy Hyatt points quickly and at fair rates. If you’d rather turn rewards into real money instead of wrestling with redemption charts, we’ll help you convert them into cash—fast and hassle-free.
