World of Hyatt and Aeroplan Partnership: Canada vs. U.S. Benefits Explained

World of Hyatt and Air Canada Aeroplan have launched a new loyalty partnership, and the value depends heavily on where you live and which cards you have.

For Canadian Aeroplan credit cardholders, this can be genuinely useful because select Canadian-issued Aeroplan cards now add Hyatt earning, Hyatt status benefits, and Hyatt status-challenge access. For U.S. cardholders, the partnership is more limited: you can link accounts, use select redemption and transfer options, and Hyatt elites can get a small Air Canada flight credit, but the best cardholder benefits are not currently available on the U.S. Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card.

Quick Take

The new Hyatt and Aeroplan partnership is worth linking for most members, but I would not move valuable points between the programs unless you have a very specific use case.

Link your accounts here: https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/rewards/aeroplan.html

Here’s the practical version:

My take: link your accounts, ignore most bad-value transfers, and pay attention to status opportunities if you have real Hyatt or Air Canada travel coming up.

What Changed?

World of Hyatt and Aeroplan members can now link their accounts for a new set of earning, redemption, and status-related benefits.

Link your accounts here: https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/rewards/aeroplan.html

The partnership includes:

• Account linking between World of Hyatt and Aeroplan
• The ability to convert World of Hyatt points to Aeroplan points at a 2:1 ratio
• A path for linked Aeroplan Elite Status members to convert Aeroplan points to World of Hyatt points at a 2:1 ratio
• Aeroplan redemptions for select World of Hyatt free night awards
• World of Hyatt redemptions for Aeroplan flight reward certificates
• A $20 CAD Air Canada flight credit for World of Hyatt elite members
• Hyatt benefits for eligible Canadian-issued Aeroplan credit cardholders
• Status-challenge opportunities, including Hyatt challenges for eligible Aeroplan members and a coming Aeroplan challenge for select Hyatt elites

Most people should treat this as a benefits partnership, not a points-transfer partnership. The earning and status pieces are more interesting than moving points at 2:1.

How the Hyatt and Aeroplan Account Linking Works

You need both a World of Hyatt account and an Aeroplan account. Both accounts must be active and in good standing, and the names on the accounts need to match.

You only need to link once unless you later de-link the accounts or one of the accounts closes. Aeroplan and Hyatt can require a waiting period of at least 30 days before you can re-link after de-linking.

If you have World of Hyatt elite status, linking is low-effort because it can trigger the $20 CAD Air Canada flight credit. If you are an Aeroplan member with an eligible Canadian card or Aeroplan elite status, linking is the step that opens the Hyatt-side benefits.

Benefits for Canadian Aeroplan Credit Cardholders

Canadian Aeroplan cardholders get the strongest part of the partnership.

Hyatt’s page limits these extra cardholder earning benefits to eligible Aeroplan credit cardholders in Canada. That wording is important for U.S. readers because the U.S. Chase Aeroplan® Card is not listed as eligible for these new Hyatt cardholder benefits on the Hyatt page.

Extra Hyatt and Aeroplan Points on Hyatt Stays

Eligible Canadian-issued Aeroplan credit cardholders can earn both Aeroplan points and World of Hyatt bonus points at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts when they link accounts and pay with the eligible card.

Those Hyatt points are bonus points, so they do not count toward World of Hyatt elite status. You still earn the normal World of Hyatt points from the stay as a member when the stay qualifies.

There are also merchant restrictions. Hyatt’s terms exclude some purchases that may happen near or around a Hyatt property, including restaurants or shops located at a participating Hyatt hotel but not operated by the hotel, Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt, Mr & Mrs Smith properties, loan payments tied to Hyatt Vacation Club ownership, and fees or payments tied to Unlimited Vacation Club.

Premium Canadian Aeroplan Cards Get the Better Hyatt Perks

Eligible Aeroplan premium credit cardholders in Canada also receive:

• Complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status
• 5 World of Hyatt Tier-Qualifying Night credits each calendar year
• 2 World of Hyatt status-challenge attempts each calendar year

For someone in Canada who already has an Aeroplan premium card and stays at Hyatt a few times a year, this is useful. Discoverist is not the same as Globalist, but it can help with preferred rooms, late checkout where available, and a small status floor. The 5 elite nights are more valuable if you are already trying to qualify or requalify for Explorist or Globalist.

The status challenge is the bigger piece. Eligible members can get temporary Explorist status during the 90-day challenge period and then keep status by completing qualifying nights during that window:

• 4 eligible nights for Discoverist
• 10 eligible nights for Explorist
• 20 eligible nights for Globalist

Status earned through the challenge is effective through the rest of the registration calendar year and the following 14 months.

That can be very strong if you can time it around a real Hyatt-heavy trip. It is much less useful if you register without a plan and only complete a few nights.

Benefits for World of Hyatt Elite Members

World of Hyatt elite members get two main Aeroplan-side benefits: a small flight credit now and a coming Aeroplan status challenge for higher-tier Hyatt elites.

$20 CAD Air Canada Flight Credit

World of Hyatt Discoverist, Explorist, Globalist, and Lifetime Globalist members receive a $20 CAD Air Canada flight credit after linking accounts. Eligible linked elites can receive one credit per calendar year as long as they maintain eligible Hyatt status and keep the accounts linked.

The credit is small, but it is easy value if you book Air Canada flights. The credit is redeemable toward a new Air Canada flight through an Air Canada booking channel, is not combinable with other promotional codes or vouchers, and is subject to Air Canada’s use terms and expiration rules.

For U.S.-based Hyatt elites, the credit is too small to change travel behavior. If you already fly Air Canada or use Aeroplan for positioning flights, take the credit. If Air Canada is outside your travel pattern, treat it as a nice-to-have.

Coming Aeroplan Status Challenge for Hyatt Explorist and Globalist Members

Linked and registered World of Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members will be able to attempt an Aeroplan Elite Status challenge later in 2026. The full details are not live yet.

U.S.-based Hyatt elites should watch the status-challenge details. Aeroplan can be useful even if you live in the U.S. because Air Canada has a large transborder network, Star Alliance access, and strong partner-redemption coverage. The value will depend on which Aeroplan status tier is offered, what the challenge requires, and whether you actually fly Air Canada enough to use the benefits.

For now, I would link accounts and wait for the challenge terms before changing any plans.

Points Transfers and Redemptions: Be Careful

This partnership adds flexibility, but flexibility is not the same as good value.

World of Hyatt members can convert Hyatt points to Aeroplan points at a 2:1 ratio, with a minimum of 5,000 Hyatt points per transaction. Linked Aeroplan Elite Status members can convert Aeroplan points to World of Hyatt points at a 2:1 ratio, with a minimum of 500 Aeroplan points at a time and caps of 100,000 Aeroplan points per day or 250,000 Aeroplan points per week.

Most people should avoid routine transfers in either direction.

World of Hyatt points are usually very valuable for hotel redemptions because Hyatt still has an award chart. Turning 50,000 Hyatt points into 25,000 Aeroplan points is usually a rough trade unless you are topping off for a very specific flight and have no better transfer source.

Aeroplan points can also be valuable for flights, especially Star Alliance and partner awards. Turning Aeroplan points into Hyatt points at 2:1 can make sense only if the hotel redemption is unusually strong and you cannot get Hyatt points another way.

There are also certificate-style redemptions:

• Aeroplan members can redeem Aeroplan points for World of Hyatt free night awards, including Category 1-4 and Category 1-7 awards. Hyatt Category 1-4 free night awards start at 25,000 Aeroplan points.
• World of Hyatt members can redeem 50,000 Hyatt points for a 30,000-point Aeroplan Flight Reward Certificate.

The 50,000 Hyatt points to 30,000 Aeroplan certificate option is better than a plain 2:1 transfer on paper, but I would still compare it against what those 50,000 Hyatt points could book at hotels. If those points could cover multiple Hyatt nights or a high-value luxury stay, the flight certificate may still be poor value.

Should You Earn 500 Aeroplan Points Instead of Hyatt Points on Hyatt Stays?

Aeroplan members can choose to earn 500 Aeroplan points per eligible Hyatt stay instead of World of Hyatt points.

For most paid Hyatt stays, I would rather earn World of Hyatt points. Hyatt members normally earn 5 base points per eligible $1 USD at most participating Hyatt hotels and 2.5 base points per eligible $1 USD at Hyatt Studios, before elite bonuses or promotions. If your stay is more than a very cheap one-night stay, Hyatt earning usually wins.

The 500 Aeroplan-point option might be reasonable for a very low-cost Hyatt stay, an infrequent Hyatt guest who does not care about Hyatt points, or someone who needs a small Aeroplan top-off. It is not the default choice I would make for a Hyatt loyalist.

U.S. Cardholder Notes

U.S. cardholders should be segmented into three different groups:

1. U.S. Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card cardholders
2. U.S. World of Hyatt Credit Card cardholders
3. U.S. transferable-points users with Chase, Amex, Capital One, Bilt, or Citi points

If You Have the U.S. Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card

The U.S. Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card is still useful for Aeroplan users, but the new Hyatt cardholder benefits are framed around eligible Canadian Aeroplan credit cardholders.

The current U.S. Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card has its own benefits: a $95 annual fee, 3x points on Air Canada purchases, dining, and grocery stores, 1x on other purchases, free first checked bags on eligible Air Canada itineraries, Aeroplan status-related benefits, and no foreign transaction fees. Those are separate from the new Canadian Hyatt cardholder benefits.

If you are U.S.-based and have the Chase Aeroplan card, link your Aeroplan and Hyatt accounts anyway. Just do not assume you will receive the Hyatt bonus-point earning, Discoverist status, 5 Hyatt elite nights, or Hyatt status-challenge attempts unless Air Canada, Hyatt, or Chase explicitly expands eligibility to U.S.-issued cards.

If You Have Hyatt or Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

For U.S. travelers, World of Hyatt remains one of the best uses of Chase Ultimate Rewards points because Hyatt points can stretch far on hotel awards. This partnership does not make Hyatt-to-Aeroplan transfers a default strategy.

If you need Aeroplan points, U.S. travelers often have better paths through transferable currencies that already partner with Aeroplan. Depending on your cards, Aeroplan can be accessed through programs such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, Bilt Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points. Transfer availability and ratios can change, so check the issuer portal before moving points.

If you need Hyatt points, Chase Ultimate Rewards remains the key transferable currency for World of Hyatt. I would rather transfer Chase points directly to Hyatt than send Aeroplan points to Hyatt at a 2:1 ratio.

Who Should Link Accounts?

Most people with both accounts should link. There is not much downside as long as your account names match and you are comfortable with the programs sharing the data needed to administer the partnership.

Linking makes the most sense if you are:

• A Canadian Aeroplan premium cardholder who stays at Hyatt
• A Canadian Aeroplan elite who wants a Hyatt status challenge
• A Hyatt Discoverist, Explorist, or Globalist who may book Air Canada flights
• A Hyatt Explorist or Globalist who wants to watch for the coming Aeroplan status challenge
• A U.S. traveler who uses both Hyatt and Aeroplan and wants optionality

I would not link solely to transfer points. The status and cardholder benefits are the reason to care.

Things To Watch Out For

A few caveats matter here:

• The best cardholder benefits are limited to eligible Canadian-issued Aeroplan credit cards.
• Hyatt points earned from eligible Aeroplan card spend are bonus points and do not count toward Hyatt status.
• Hyatt’s purchase exclusions can matter if you spend at restaurants, shops, vacation-club products, Homes & Hideaways, or Mr & Mrs Smith properties.
• Points transfers at 2:1 will usually destroy value unless you have a very specific redemption.
• The Aeroplan status challenge for Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members is coming later, so wait for the actual terms.
• The $20 CAD Air Canada flight credit is useful only if you can use it before expiration and within Air Canada’s rules.

Sebby’s Take

This partnership is better for Canadian Aeroplan cardholders than for U.S. cardholders.

If you are in Canada and already have an eligible Aeroplan premium card, Hyatt just became more interesting. Discoverist status, 5 elite nights, bonus Hyatt earning, and two annual Hyatt status-challenge attempts can be meaningful if Hyatt fits your travel.

If you are U.S.-based, the immediate value is much smaller. Hyatt elites should link for the $20 CAD Air Canada credit and keep an eye on the coming Aeroplan challenge. U.S. Aeroplan cardholders should not expect the Canadian Hyatt cardholder benefits unless the program updates eligibility.

For points transfers, I would be very conservative. Hyatt points are hard to replace and often best used for Hyatt stays. Aeroplan points are valuable for flights. Moving either currency at 2:1 should be the exception, not the plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hyatt and Aeroplan partnership available to U.S. members?

Yes, U.S. members can link World of Hyatt and Aeroplan accounts and use eligible general partnership benefits. The extra Aeroplan credit cardholder benefits on Hyatt’s page are limited to eligible Aeroplan credit cardholders in Canada.

Is it worth transferring Hyatt points to Aeroplan?

Usually no. Hyatt points convert to Aeroplan at 2:1, with a minimum of 5,000 Hyatt points per transaction. That is generally a poor trade unless you need a small top-off and have no better option.

Is it worth transferring Aeroplan points to Hyatt?

Usually no, unless you are an Aeroplan Elite Status member with a specific Hyatt redemption that beats the value you could get from Aeroplan flights. The ratio is 2 Aeroplan points to 1 World of Hyatt point.

Can Hyatt elites get Air Canada benefits?

Yes. World of Hyatt Discoverist, Explorist, Globalist, and Lifetime Globalist members can receive a $20 CAD Air Canada flight credit after linking accounts, subject to Air Canada’s terms. Explorist and Globalist members are also expected to get access to an Aeroplan Elite Status challenge later in 2026.

Who benefits most from this partnership?

Eligible Canadian Aeroplan premium credit cardholders benefit the most right now. They can get Hyatt Discoverist status, 5 Hyatt elite-night credits, bonus Hyatt earning on eligible Hyatt spend, and two annual Hyatt status-challenge attempts.

Final Thoughts

The Hyatt and Aeroplan partnership is worth linking, but it is not equally valuable for everyone.

Canadian Aeroplan premium cardholders get the strongest package because the partnership can help them earn Hyatt points, receive Hyatt status, and shortcut toward higher Hyatt status with planned stays. Hyatt elites get a small Air Canada credit now and a potentially useful Aeroplan challenge later. U.S. cardholders get less from the initial rollout, so the main move is to link accounts, watch for expanded eligibility, and avoid bad-value transfers.

If you already use both programs, this is a nice addition. If you are trying to decide where to put your spending or which points to transfer, the old rule still applies: transfer points for the trip you are actually booking, not just because a new partnership exists.