World of Hyatt sits at the top of our rankings as one of the few remaining hotel programs that still uses an award chart. It is the one hotel system where you can consistently get outsized value from your points. The range of properties is another major highlight, spanning luxury brands like Park Hyatt, Miraval, Andaz, and Alila; all-inclusive resorts such as Impressions, Secrets, Dreams, and Hyatt Ziva and Zilara; and more budget-friendly options like Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. There is truly something for every type of traveler. Hyatt currently has two co-branded credit cards backed by Chase, one personal and one business, and is also a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt. The main downside is Hyatt’s smaller footprint compared to brands like Marriott and Hilton, with many of its properties concentrated in larger cities.

While Chase Ultimate Rewards have become slightly more difficult to earn than in years past, they remain the most valuable transferable points system for hotels thanks to their partnership with Hyatt. Despite tighter restrictions on the Ink cards, Chase still offers a strong lineup of cards that generate points through signup bonuses and everyday spend, which is what places it ahead of both Citi and Bilt. Chase also offers two co-branded Hyatt cards, with rumors of a third in the future. The program does partner with Marriott and IHG as well, though we generally don’t recommend transferring points to either unless you need a small top-off. The option is there if needed, but Hyatt remains the clear standout.

Citi’s partnerships and transfer ratios with Preferred Hotels and Choice are what earn it a top-three spot in these rankings. Hotels are generally difficult programs for earning outsized value, with only a select few standing out. Hyatt is the obvious example, but Preferred Hotels and Choice can often provide even better value, especially given Citi’s 1:4 transfer rate to Preferred Hotels and 1:2 transfer rate to Choice. Citi also partners with Leaders Club. While the transfer rate to Leaders Club is 5:1, Leaders Club points are worth approximately 8¢ each, which still gives you about 1.6¢ per point in value from Citi points, not far behind Hyatt. The main reason Citi ranks behind Hyatt is that points are harder to earn, since the Strata Elite and Strata Premier are the only cards that transfer at these rates and there are fewer cards overall to earn points with.

Bilt earns a spot in our rankings as the only other transferable points program that partners with Hyatt. That alone gives it solid value for hotel redemptions, especially when paired with Hyatt’s award chart. You can earn Bilt points on both rent and mortgage payments, with the earning rate tied to how much non-housing spend you put on the card each month. If you spend an amount equal to your housing payment on other purchases, you can earn up to 1.25 points per dollar on housing. The structure isn’t for everyone, but for high spenders willing to consolidate most of their purchases onto a Bilt card, it creates a legitimate path to building a sizable points balance you can then transfer to Hyatt.

While its footprint isn’t quite as large as Marriott’s, Hilton’s reach is still substantial, with nearly 8,000 properties around the world. Award redemption rates are high, so the program tends to work best for travelers who are loyal to Hilton. American Express offers four co-branded Hilton cards, many with large signup bonuses that help offset the higher award pricing. Hilton also offers a fifth night free on award stays, though you must hold at least Silver status to take advantage of this perk. All Hilton cards include at least complimentary Silver status, and some cards offer opportunities to earn free night awards. Amex and Bilt are Hilton’s only transfer partners, with Amex transferring at a 1:2 rate, which can make small top-ups worthwhile in the right situations.

Marriott is the largest hotel chain in the world, with more than 9,000 properties across 30 brands in 140 countries. You’ll almost always be able to find a Marriott wherever you’re traveling, which alone earns it a spot in our rankings. Redemption rates are high, and if you’re used to Hyatt, the sticker shock can be real. Marriott helps soften that blow by offering a fifth night free on award stays. Unlike Hilton, no status is required to use this perk. There are also six co-branded credit cards across Chase and Amex that allow you to earn points, though navigating their rules can be complicated. Many of these cards offer annual free night awards, which further increases their value. Marriott is also a transfer partner of Chase, Amex, and Bilt, which makes topping up balances easier when needed.