Hyatt and Chase just announced an expanded partnership that brings new perks to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and hints at a new premium Hyatt credit card coming in 2026.

What's Changing

Starting mid-2026, top-spending Chase Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business cardholders will automatically receive World of Hyatt Explorist status. While the official announcement doesn't specify the exact spending threshold, it's likely $75,000 in calendar year spending based on the existing IHG Diamond status benefit at that level.

This adds meaningful value to the Sapphire Reserve, especially when combined with the card's existing $500 annual Edit credit for prepaid hotel stays.

World of Hyatt Explorist Benefits

Explorist is Hyatt's mid-tier elite status and includes:

• Room upgrades when available (including suites)
• Late checkout up to 2 p.m.
• Bonus points on stays (20% base point bonus)
• Club lounge access at select properties
• Complimentary premium internet
• Waived resort fees

It's not Globalist (Hyatt's top tier), but it's still valuable for the added upgrades and late checkout alone.

More Hyatt Hotels Coming to The Edit

Hyatt will increase the number of luxury properties participating in The Edit by Chase Travel, Chase's premium hotel portal. This includes more Park Hyatt and Alila properties.

This matters because The Edit gives you 50% more value when you book through the portal (2 cents per point instead of 1.33 cents), and you still earn Hyatt points and status credit on these stays. With the new Explorist benefit, you'd also qualify for upgrades and other perks.

New Premium Hyatt Card Expected

The announcement mentions Hyatt plans to "expand its card portfolio" in partnership with Chase. The current lineup includes the World of Hyatt Credit Card and Business Card, both with $95 annual fees.

Speculation points to a new premium card with a higher annual fee, possibly offering:

• More free night certificates
• Higher category free nights
• Additional elite qualifying nights
• Potentially Globalist status (though this seems unlikely)

We'll update this article when more details emerge.

Why This Matters

The Chase Sapphire Reserve keeps getting better. Earlier this year, it added IHG Platinum Elite status. Now it's adding Hyatt Explorist. For travelers who stay at both IHG and Hyatt properties, that's significant value before you even consider the travel credits and points earning potential.

If you spend $75,000+ annually on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you're getting two hotel elite statuses automatically, which would normally require dozens of paid nights to earn.

Bottom Line

If you already have the Chase Sapphire Reserve and stay at Hyatt properties, you'll automatically benefit from this change starting mid-2026. No action needed.

If you're on the fence about the card's $550 annual fee, this is another data point in favor of keeping it, especially if you value Hyatt properties.

And if you're a Hyatt loyalist waiting for a better co-branded card, 2026 might finally bring the premium option you've been hoping for. In the meantime, check out the current World of Hyatt card offer to start earning points toward your next stay.

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