Hyatt’s Points Compensation for Expired Free Night Certificates
For years, Hyatt members have relied on a “secret” trick for unused rewards: the ability to convert expired Free Night Certificates into a respectable chunk of points.
Historically, Hyatt offered Globalists a goodwill gesture of 10,000 points for an expired Category 1–4 certificate and 20,000 points for a Category 1–7 certificate. However, in 2026, Hyatt has drastically slashed these compensation rates. Reports indicate that the payout has been nerfed by 75%, with members now receiving a meager 2,500 points for Category 1–4 awards and only 5,000 points for Category 1–7 awards (HT: FM).
It is important to note that this compensation was never an official, published policy. But it was often offered for loyal members who earned certificates through Milestone Rewards (such as the 30-night or 60-night benchmarks). These certificates have an expiration date of 6 months from the date they are issued.
Certificates earned via the World of Hyatt credit card—either through the annual anniversary or the $15,000 spend threshold—have never been eligible for this point conversion. These certificates have an expiration date of 12 months from the date they are issued.
Hyatt likely justifies this reduction by pointing to the recent change making these certificates transferable, suggesting that if you can’t use them, you should gift them to someone who can.
If you find yourself with a certificate nearing its end, your best bet is to use it—even if it means a “staycation” at a lower-category hotel. Or reach out to friends and family members who may be looking for a hotel stay. Relying on a points compensation from Hyatt is not a smart play, as you only get a fraction of the original value.
How to Earn Hyatt Free Night Certificates
Earning Hyatt Free Night Certificates (FNCs) is one of the most effective ways to maximize the World of Hyatt program. There are three primary ways to earn them: through Milestone Rewards (elite status), credit card bonuses or spend, and the “Brand Explorer” challenge. Lifetime Globalists also get one annually.
- Milestone Rewards (180 days expiration)
- 30 Nights: One Category 1–4 FNC
- 60 Nights: One Category 1–7 FNC
- 100 Nights: One Category 1–7 FNC
- 150 Nights: One Ultimate Free Night Award (Category 1–8, including Miraval and Category A–F All-Inclusive resorts).
- Lifetime Globalists (180 days expiration)
- As a Lifetime Globalist you receive one Category 1–7 Free Night Certificate annually (deposited into your account in March).
- Credit Cards (12 months expiration)
- Anniversary Free Night: You receive one Category 1–4 FNC every year just for keeping the card open (after your account anniversary).
- Spend Threshold: Earn a second Category 1–4 FNC after spending $15,000 on the card within a calendar year.
- Welcome Offers: Periodic limited-time offers (like the current Jan/Feb 2026 promotion) allow new cardmembers to earn up to 5 Free Nights.
- Brand Explorer Award (12 months expiration)
- For every five different Hyatt brands you stay at (e.g., Park Hyatt, Andaz, Thompson, Hyatt Regency, and Hyatt Place), you earn one Category 1–4 FNC. This is a lifetime achievement and does not reset annually. With Hyatt’s recent brand expansions, you can currently earn up to 7 free nights through this program.
