Hyatt and American Airlines just made it easier to earn elite status — here's how
Hyatt and American Airline loyalists, listen up: You could be on your way to elite status without a single flight or night booked (yet). World of Hyatt and American Airlines AAdvantage just launched two limited-time fast-track promotions that give eligible members a shortcut to elite benefits. These offers are only available to select members who've linked their accounts between the two programs — so if you haven't done that yet, it's worth checking.
Here's what's available and how to qualify.
World of Hyatt: Trial Explorist status and fast track to Globalist
Eligible AAdvantage status members (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum) can now register to receive World of Hyatt Explorist status for 90 days. This grants mid-tier perks like late checkout and preferred room upgrades with no stays required upfront.
To keep that Explorist status through February 2027, you'll need to stay 10 qualifying nights within the 90-day trial period. Complete 20 qualifying nights and you'll unlock Globalist status, which adds premium benefits like suite upgrades and club lounge access.
You must register through your Hyatt account by Oct. 31, 2025, and only nights completed during the 90-day period count toward the goal.
AAdvantage: Instant status for Hyatt Elites
Meanwhile, Hyatt Discoverist, Explorist and Globalist members can fast track to elite AAdvantage status with an Instant Status Pass, valid for four months. After that, you'll need to meet Loyalty Point goals every four months to keep your status going.
Eligible members must register through their AAdvantage account by Sept. 4, 2025.
Should you take advantage?
If you have elite status with either program, this is a rare chance to double dip and earn perks across hotel and airline travel. Even if you're not planning to meet the full requirements to keep status long term, the 90-day trial or four-month pass may come in handy for upcoming trips.
And if you're not targeted — don't worry. These kinds of status challenges come around a few times a year, so it's always worth keeping your loyalty accounts linked and checking the offers page.
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TPG featured card
Rewards
| 17X | Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card. |
| 3X | Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. |
| 2X | 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless carries a $95 annual fee but offers plenty of ways to get more value from it year after year. You’ll get automatic Silver elite status, which awards 10% bonus points on stays, and enjoy a pathway to Gold status (with 15 elite night credits each year) to lock in some even better benefits. Cardholders also receive an annual free night certificate (worth up to 35,000 points) each cardmember anniversary. Those who can maximize this certificate can lock in a room with a rate far exceeding the $95 annual fee.Pros
- Annual free night certificate (up to 35,000 points) each cardmember anniversary
- Automatic Silver elite status with a pathway to Gold
Cons
- There are better Marriott cards if you want higher tier status or no annual fee
- Earn 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after qualifying purchases.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC
Rewards Rate
| 17X | Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card. |
| 3X | Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. |
| 2X | 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Intro Offer
Earn 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening with your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. Free Night Award valued up to 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.125K Points + 1 Free NightAnnual Fee
$95Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Good Credit, Excellent Credit
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless carries a $95 annual fee but offers plenty of ways to get more value from it year after year. You’ll get automatic Silver elite status, which awards 10% bonus points on stays, and enjoy a pathway to Gold status (with 15 elite night credits each year) to lock in some even better benefits. Cardholders also receive an annual free night certificate (worth up to 35,000 points) each cardmember anniversary. Those who can maximize this certificate can lock in a room with a rate far exceeding the $95 annual fee.Pros
- Annual free night certificate (up to 35,000 points) each cardmember anniversary
- Automatic Silver elite status with a pathway to Gold
Cons
- There are better Marriott cards if you want higher tier status or no annual fee
- Earn 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after qualifying purchases.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC