I kicked off this year by launching into digital nomad life, starting with three months traveling through South America. Now, I’m gearing up for a summer stint in Europe — and reevaluating which cards deliver the most value while I’m abroad.
Naturally, I’ve had to reexamine which credit cards maximize value while I’m on the road. On previous trips abroad, I’d pair the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) with my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. But to my surprise, the World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) has displaced my Venture X.
Here’s why I’ve made the switch.
My Chase Sapphire Reserve is still king
Most of my travel spending falls into two categories: travel and dining. Think vacation rentals, guided tours, restaurants and bars.
For those purchases, nothing has changed — I still lean on my Chase Sapphire Reserve. It earns 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent in those two categories, worth a 6.2% return based on TPG’s April 2025 valuations.
But what about everyday purchases abroad — groceries, clothing, pharmacies, convenience stores? That’s where my strategy shifted.
I used to rely on my Venture X
Up until recently, I used my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for non-bonus spending abroad. It earns 2 Capital One Venture miles per dollar on almost everything, giving me a 3.7% return (according to our April 2025 valuations).
It worked — until my priorities changed.
Why I switched to the World of Hyatt card
About a month into my trip, I had a lightbulb moment: why not channel that non-bonus spending into my World of Hyatt Card to unlock elite perks?
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Here’s why the switch made sense:
- I’m aiming for Globalist status this year
- I want to hit $15,000 in annual spending on the card
That $15,000 sweet spot unlocks:
Right now, I’m already at 28 of the 60 nights required for Globalist. I want this level of elite status to unlock complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and late checkout when staying at Hyatt properties. That $15,000 in spending will help me inch six nights closer to my goal.
Related: 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world
Crunching the numbers
Let’s compare putting $15,000 in non-bonus spending on each card.
With the Venture X, I’d earn:
- 30,000 Venture miles (worth $555*)
With the World of Hyatt Card, I’d earn:
- 15,000 Hyatt points (worth $255*)
- A Category 1-4 free night certificate (up to $306)
- Six qualifying night credits (no dollar value)
*According to our April 2025 valuations.
That brings the Hyatt card’s total reward value to $561 (assuming I redeem the certificate for an 18,000-point Category 4 peak night) — slightly edging out Venture X by $6 (plus the six qualifying night credits). Even in a more conservative redemption scenario (say, a 12,000-point Category 3 standard night), I’d still get $459 in value (plus the qualifying nights).
Bottom line
This year has seen a shift in one of the cards I use most when traveling abroad. While I still use my Chase Sapphire Reserve for most purchases (namely, on travel and dining), I’ve switched my Venture X to the World of Hyatt Card. I am using my Hyatt card for all non-bonus spending this year until I reach $15,000. At that time, I’ll receive six qualifying night credits and a free night certificate.
After that, I’ll reassess: if I’m still short on qualifying nights, I’ll stick with Hyatt; if I’m on track, I’ll pivot back to my Venture X for better everyday value.
For a digital nomad chasing both points and perks, the World of Hyatt Card has earned a top place in my wallet this year.
Related: World of Hyatt Credit Card review: One of the most valuable hotel cards