free travel insurance card

Get healthcare cover abroad with a UK GHIC or UK EHIC

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in EU countries, and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you'll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.

You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.

A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply.

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC instead.

The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

We also recommend you check FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK for the country you're visiting.

You can apply for a UK GHIC if you're a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.

You'll need to provide your:

• date of birth
• National Insurance or NHS number (if you're from England or Wales)
• CHI number (if you're from Scotland)
• Health and Care number (if you're from Northern Ireland)

Applying for family members

Every member of your family needs their own card. You can add your spouse, civil partner and children to your application when you apply. You must enter your own details first and apply for any additional cards when prompted.

If you've already completed your application and want to add additional family members contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services . You'll need to give us your reference number, name, date of birth and address so we can access your record.

After you apply

After you've submitted your application, we'll email you within 24 hours to let you know whether it has been approved or not (if you don't get a reply, check your junk folder). We may need to see additional information or documents before approving it.

Once your application has been approved, you should receive your new card within 15 working days. It will be sent to you by post.

If you do not receive it before you travel, and need medically necessary treatment during your visit, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to get temporary cover. For more information, see "If you don't have your card with you" towards the end of this page.

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC rather than a UK GHIC. A UK EHIC provides cover for some countries that are not currently covered by the UK GHIC (these are Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). Like the UK GHIC, it's free and lasts up to 5 years. You can find out if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement on GOV.UK.

What your card covers

You can use your card to get state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK (sometimes called "medically necessary healthcare"). This includes things like:

• emergency treatment and visits to A&E
• treatment or routine medical care for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions
• routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth

You'll need to pre-arrange some treatments with the relevant healthcare provider in the country you're visiting – for example, kidney dialysis or chemotherapy – as it's not guaranteed that local healthcare providers will always have the capacity to provide this care.

Whether treatment is medically necessary is decided by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting.

Not all state healthcare is free outside of the UK. You may have to pay for treatment that you would get for free on the NHS, if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting.

Before travelling, you should check the state-provided healthcare services in the country you're visiting and any potential charges you may face.

Check the relevant country guide on GOV.UK for information on how to access treatment in the country you're visiting

What your card does not cover

A UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like:

• being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation)
• treatment in a private medical facility
• ski or mountain rescue

We advise that you have a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) and private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

Where you can use your card

You can use a UK GHIC when you're visiting:

• an EU country ( see a list of EU countries on GOV.UK )
• Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
• St Helena, Tristan and Ascension

You can use a UK GHIC in Switzerland if you're one of the following:

• a British national
• a Swiss national
• an EU citizen
• a stateless person
• a family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses

The UK government is negotiating with other countries to expand the use of the UK GHIC, so always check coverage before you travel.

You can use a UK EHIC when you're visiting:

• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

Visiting Norway

You can use a UK passport to get medically necessary healthcare in Norway if you're a UK resident.

Visiting Montenegro

You can get free emergency treatment in Montenegro but you'll have to pay for your prescribed medicines and for other medical treatment.

If you're a UK national, your UK passport will give you access to emergency healthcare in Montenegro.

If you're a UK resident but not a UK national you'll need your passport and a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) to get emergency healthcare.

Getting healthcare in other countries

You'll have to pay for treatment unless the UK has a healthcare agreement with that country .

Check if you're eligible for a UK GHIC

You'll be entitled to a UK GHIC if both of these things apply:

• you're ordinarily and legally resident in the UK
• you do not have healthcare cover provided by an EU country or Switzerland

There is information about what "ordinarily resident" means on GOV.UK

You may also be entitled to a UK GHIC if you're:

• living in the EU or Switzerland with a registered S1 form
• living in the EU or Switzerland with an A1 document issued by the UK
• a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed

Check if you're eligible for a UK EHIC

You may be eligible for a new UK EHIC if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and have been since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK
• you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein since before 1 January 2021 with an A1 issued by the UK
• you're a national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who has legally resided in the UK since before 1 January 2021 and are covered under the Withdrawal Agreement – you may not be covered if you are also a UK national or if you were born in the UK
• you're a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed

If your circumstances change and you no longer meet one of the above criteria, you may not be entitled to continue using the card and should contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

You must be entitled to use your UK GHIC or UK EHIC at the time of the treatment. If you use it to access healthcare that you're not entitled to, you may be liable for the full cost of all treatment received or face prosecution.

Applying for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC

To apply for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC, you'll need a letter from your university or college showing:

• the name and address of the UK educational institution if you're travelling as part of your course
• the address of where you're studying in the EU or Switzerland
• details of the qualification you're studying for
• the dates your study period in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland started and is due to finish
• your permanent residential address in the UK

If the letter from your university or college does not include your permanent residential address in the UK, you'll be asked to provide further evidence to confirm this.

This is in addition to the information set out in "How to apply" above.

Students studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland applying for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC

If you normally live in the UK and have been studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021, you may be eligible for a new UK Student EHIC for use in the EU and your country of study.

You will not be able to use this card for treatment in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein unless one of these countries is your country of study.

If you started your course after 1 January 2021, or you're planning to study in an EU country, you'll need to apply for a UK Student GHIC. If you're studying in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can also apply for a UK GHIC but it will not cover you for treatment in those countries, even if you are studying there.

You can use the UK Student GHIC in the EU, Switzerland and your country of study, but not yet in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

Using a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) when abroad

You should take your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you when you travel abroad. If you need medically necessary treatment, you'll need to present the card to the hospital (or other service provider) that is treating you – make sure that you are being treated at a public health provider and not a private one. Keep all receipts and paperwork.

Depending on the country you visit you may be expected to pay all or part of your bill upfront and then claim a refund afterwards.

Some countries ask patients to pay a contribution towards the cost of their care. This is known as a co-payment or patient share. You can claim back the difference between the total bill and the co-payment, but the actual co-payment is not refundable.

Your UK GHIC or UK EHIC will not cover costs that a local resident would have to pay.

If you don't have your card with you

If you need emergency treatment when you're in another country and do not have your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). A PRC gives you the same level of cover as a UK GHIC or UK EHIC.

A PRC also covers you if you've applied for a UK GHIC or UK EHIC and it has not arrived yet.

Find out more about PRCs and how to apply for one

You'll need to pay in full for treatment if you do not have a UK GHIC, UK EHIC or PRC. You should ask for a copy of your invoice and obtain a receipt.

How to claim a refund

To claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC, you'll need to download and fill in a refund claim form and send it to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. You should include receipts and any supporting documents with your claim form.

Find out how to claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC

Incorrect charges for treatment

If you think you've been incorrectly charged for medical treatment, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

Keep all documents relating to your treatment. You may need to provide more information to confirm your eligibility and the cost of the treatment you had. This could include:

• receipts or invoices relating to treatment
• confirmation that the treatment was state-provided
• confirmation of payments made to healthcare institutions
• documents relating to insurance cover if your insurer paid for treatment
• discharge documents

NHS Overseas Healthcare Services will look at your claim to decide whether you were charged when you should have been covered. If they determine that your treatment should have been covered by the UK GHIC or UK EHIC, they'll reimburse you or your insurer for the costs of treatment that are covered by your card.

If you suspect GHIC or EHIC fraud

If you suspect that somebody has fraudulently applied for or used a UK GHIC or UK EHIC they are not entitled to, you can report this to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority .

Alternatively, you can email your concern to us at [email protected] .

Page last reviewed: 12 December 2023 Next review due: 12 December 2026

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UK launches Global Health Insurance Card

New agreement ensures the rights of UK residents to access emergency and medically necessary care when travelling in the EU will continue.

UK’s new Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) launched as part of UK–EU deal

Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) will gradually replace existing European Health Insurance Cards ( EHIC )

UK residents will now be able to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ), the government announced today.

Under Britain’s new agreement with the EU, UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the EU. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition.

Current European Health Insurance Cards ( EHIC ) are valid as long as they are in date and people can continue to use these when travelling to the EU.

The public only need to apply for their new GHIC when their current EHIC expires. Both cards will offer equivalent protection for emergency and medically necessary healthcare needs when in the EU on a temporary stay, which includes holiday, study and business travel.

The new GHIC card is free to obtain from the official GHIC website . People should apply at least 2 weeks before they plan to travel to ensure their card arrives on time.

Minister for Health Edward Argar said:

Our deal with the EU ensures the right for our citizens to access necessary healthcare on their holidays and travels to countries in the EU will continue. The GHIC is a key element of the UK’s future relationship with the EU and will provide certainty and security for all UK residents.

Cover for emergency and medically necessary healthcare is part of a wider healthcare agreement struck with the EU that will see continued cooperation on healthcare for UK residents.

If a UK resident is travelling without a card, they are still entitled to necessary healthcare and should contact the NHS Business Services Authority ( NHS BSA ) (which covers the whole of the UK), who can arrange for payment should they require treatment when abroad.

EU member state EHICs will continue to be accepted by the NHS.

Alongside the deal with the EU, the UK is open to agreeing further reciprocal healthcare arrangements that can support UK residents when they travel.

The government always advises that anyone travelling overseas, whether to the EU or elsewhere in the world, should take out comprehensive travel insurance. 

Background information

All UK residents are eligible to apply for a GHIC which will be valid and recognised in the EU.

GHIC is free via the official website . Any sites which include a charging fee are in no way affiliated with the official NHSBSA GHIC service.

The government recognises sensitivities around flags in Northern Ireland. As such, residents in Northern Ireland will be provided with an option to choose an alternative version of the GHIC card, which they will be able to apply for shortly. Keep checking  www.nhs.uk/ GHIC  for updates.

Under existing Common Travel Area arrangements with Ireland, UK residents will continue to be able to access necessary healthcare in Ireland by showing proof of residency documentation (such as a UK driving licence, a biometric residence permit, or a Northern Irish medical card) or EHIC or GHIC as used elsewhere in the EU.

The GHIC covers medically necessary state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost or, in many cases, free of charge, until your planned return home.

A temporary stay is a period during which you are staying in a place other than the one where you usually live and you do not move your ‘centre of interest’ there. For example, this can include holiday, study and business travel.

Necessary healthcare means healthcare that becomes medically necessary during your stay and for which you cannot reasonably wait until you’re back in the UK to get. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition. Some treatments will need to be pre-arranged with the relevant healthcare provider in the country you’re visiting, for example kidney dialysis or chemotherapy.

Necessary healthcare does not include healthcare that you travel specifically to receive, although individuals who want to seek planned treatment in a member state may be covered under the broader healthcare arrangements with the EU. Read more information on planned treatments .

If a UK resident requires emergency or medically necessary treatment while in the EU, and doesn’t have a GHIC or EHIC , a Provisional Replacement Certificate ( PRC ) can be obtained which will provide the same coverage for healthcare as GHIC or EHIC . The PRC can only be requested at the point of requiring care; it’s not possible to request a PRC in advance of a trip. UK nationals can contact NHSBSA on +44 (0)191 218 1999 should a PRC be required.

UK nationals living in the EU, EEA and Switzerland and EU, EEA and Swiss nationals living in the UK, who are eligible under the Citizens’ Rights Agreement for reciprocal healthcare based on current EU regulations, can continue to apply for an EHIC .

The UK is seeking to conclude new, comprehensive agreements on social security coordination, including reciprocal healthcare, with the EEA EFTA States and with Switzerland.

Until a new agreement is in place, the UK and Norway will apply, on a temporary basis, an amended version of the 1991 Convention on Social Security and Protocol on Medical Treatment between the governments of the UK and Norway. This includes necessary healthcare.

The rest-of-the-world (RoW) countries we currently have reciprocal healthcare agreements with are Australia, New Zealand, some Crown Dependencies and overseas territories (such as Isle of Mann, Jersey, Gibraltar), and some Balkan states (Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo). Different proofs of eligibility are required under these agreement. Read more travel advice information .

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Best Credit Cards With Free Travel Insurance [2024]

AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers .

Offers for the Barclaycard Arrival Plus ® World Elite Mastercard ® are not available through this site. All information has been independently collected by AwardWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Some offers may have expired. Please see our card marketplace for available offers.

If there is one thing we've learned over the last few years, it's to ensure that we are protected. Travel insurance has become a necessity, rather than a luxury, with so much uncertainty in the air. Carriers experiencing meltdowns, stranding travelers sometimes for days at a time, have heightened the value of having a solid backup plan in place.

Several reputable companies offer solid insurance products at a range of price points. And while the idea of paying for insurance might make anyone shudder, at least a little, it does provide a comforting safety net. However, you might already have travel insurance coverage through your credit card.

This isn't an irrelevant benefit to brush off but rather a perk that doesn't get much attention because it isn't sexy — until you read the fine print. With that said, we've looked at the best credit cards for travel purchases and have identified those we think are the best options available for travel protection and insurance that come at no additional cost. You get these benefits just by being a cardholder.

Top Cards For Travel Insurance and Protection

Below are our top picks, including highlights of why these cards stand out. Review the benefits guide and contact your benefits administrator for clarification on any of these benefits.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card Apply Now Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card Annual Fee $95 Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. Show more Why We Like It Highlights Earning Rates Our #1 recommended beginners rewards card featuring a 60,000-point signup bonus after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This card comes with great benefits and earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel. Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more. Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024. Member FDIC 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2025 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide 3X points on eligible streaming services 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs) 2X points on all other travel 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Here's why the Sapphire Preferred ranks at the top of our list:

• Lowest annual fee of the group.
• You don't pay to add authorized users who receive the same benefits/protection as the primary card account holder.
• Primary Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) included globally.
• Trip interruption / cancellation insurance provides up to $10,000 per trip and covers personal illness of you, your traveling companion, or immediate family that may not be traveling with you. If you're worried about someone you care for getting ill, this covers you!
• Trip Delay Reimbursement provides up to $500 in reimbursement if you're delayed for 12+ hours or overnight. This has you covered if you're not otherwise compensated for a hotel, rental car, or meals.
• Baggage Delay provides up to $100/day for up to five days ($500 total) to cover clothes and toiletries if your bag is 6+ hours delayed.
• Lost Luggage provides up to $3,000 per person per trip.
• Travel Accident Insurance of up to $500,000/person.
• Coverage applies when you pay using the card or with Ultimate Rewards for all or part of your travel.
• Sapphire Preferred Benefits Guide

Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Apply Now Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Annual Fee $550 Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. Show more Why We Like It Highlights Earning Rates Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel. 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ® Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more Member FDIC 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠ 10X points on Chase Dining (including prepaid reservations and prepaid takeout purchased through Chase) 5X points on airfare purchased through Chase Travel℠ 3X points on all other travel 3X points on dining at restaurants 1X points on all other purchases

Here's why the Sapphire Reserve made our list:

• Almost identical coverage to the Sapphire Preferred with some enhancements.
• Authorized users cost $75 per card.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement kicks in after 6+ hours of delay (instead of 12).
• Travel Accident Insurance caps out at $1,000,000 (instead of $500,000).
• Emergency Evacuation and Transportation provides up to $100,000 of coverage if you need to be transported for emergency medical reasons.
• Emergency Medical & Dental Benefit provides up to $2,500 if you need to head to a hospital, a clinic, or receive other medical/dental services while traveling (services that wouldn't be already covered by your insurance provider).
• Sapphire Reserve Guide to Benefits

This card would be ranked #1; however, it has a much higher annual fee, and authorized user cards cost $75 each.

We also covered a more in-depth comparison of the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve benefits .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card How to Apply Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Annual Fee $395 Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening Show more Why We Like It Earning Rates The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel-focused card, stacked with benefits. Cardholders get complimentary access to Capital One Lounges, plus more than 1,300 other lounges worldwide, receive a $300 annual travel credit for bookings via Capital One Travel, and a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® . There's also an anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles, equivalent to $100 towards travel. High earning rates include 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X on all other purchases. 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases 5 miles per dollar on flights when booking via Capital One Travel 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel

These are the reasons why the Capital One Venture X makes our list of the best credit cards for travel insurance:

• Primary Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
• Trip Interruption/Cancellation provides up to $2,000 per covered traveler.
• Trip Delay Protection provides up to $500 for a 6+ hour delay or required overnight stay.
• Baggage Delay Protection provides up to $3,000 per trip ($2,000 for New York residents).
• Travel Accident Insurance provides up to $1,000,000 (instead of $500,000).
• Cell Phone Protection provides up to $800 for a lost or stolen phone.
• Capital One Venture X Guide to Benefits

Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card Apply Now Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card Annual Fee $95 Welcome Offer Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Show more Why We Like It Highlights Earning Rates The most valuable Ultimate Rewards signup bonus on offer and our top pick for small business rewards cards. Business owners earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 450,000 points per year on a wide range of 3X bonus categories. Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠ Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information. Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠ Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. Member FDIC 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

The Ink Preferred is the highest-ranked small business card on this list. Here's why:

• Similar coverage to the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card , with some exceptions.
• Benefits may extend to company employees even if they don't have a card
• Primary CDW with rental cars** when renting for business purposes but may be secondary when renting for personal reasons.
• Trip Interruption/Cancellation insurance of up to $5,000.
• Ink Preferred Benefits Guide

Barclaycard Arrival Plus ® World Elite Mastercard ® Barclaycard Arrival Plus ® World Elite Mastercard ®

The Arrival Plus is no longer open to new applicants. However, if you already have this card, it's a great option to protect travel purchases.

• Rental Car CDW is Secondary in the U.S. and Primary internationally.
• Coverage applies when you use your card to pay for all or part of your travel (including when you used points to pay for part of the trip).
• Trip Interruption/Cancellation insurance of up to $5,000 per traveler.
• Trip Delay Protection of up to $300 for a 6+ hour delay.
• Baggage Delay Protection of up to $100 per day if your bags arrive 12+ hours after you.
• Travel Accident Insurance provides up to $250,000 per person.
• Barclaycard Arrival Plus Guide to Benefits

American Express Cards

Years ago, Amex cards struggled against the competition when it came to insurance benefits. However, Amex refreshed the coverage on almost all of its cards in 2017 , and that coverage is slowly gaining on Chase, Citi, and Barclaycard. The changes affect too many cards to list, but you can find them all on a dedicated page of the Amex website .

One of the most significant changes was the adjustments to the Rental Car Coverage. Amex provides secondary coverage across most credit cards but supplies primary coverage for a flat fee. In addition, Amex charges a one-off payment of $19.95–$24.95 per rental, which covers you for up to 42 days. The policy covers you for up to $100,000 in almost any car, including luxury vehicles, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

You can opt-in to the program on the Premium Car Rental Protection page. You'll be presented with options when signing up for the Amex coverage — no need to pay anything upfront. Instead, the payment comes off automatically after you rent a car and will continue to do so with each rental until you unregister your account.

Why Other Cards Didn't Make the List

You might wonder why other travel-focused credit cards didn't make the list. It's for one or more of these reasons:

• They don't offer primary CDW insurance on rental cars. Almost every travel-related credit card we've looked at offers some form of rental car protection, and most provide secondary coverage. This means the coverage kicks in after your own personal insurance. Ideally, you don't want to involve your insurance at all, which is why primary CDW coverage is such a big deal. If your card doesn't explicitly call out that the coverage is primary, which would be a selling point, it is reasonably safe to assume that it is secondary.
• They don't offer trip and baggage delay. This is a great perk. If your bags don't show up, you'll likely have an expensive shopping trip in your future. So, it's a sensible protection to keep in mind.
• They require you to put the total amount of your travel on the card and don't cover if you pay with points. If you've got a diverse set of points and miles, you're likely using points from one or more programs to pay. So, we listed cards that provide coverage when you pay for part of the trip using the card. For example, such as paying for the taxes and fees on an award booking.
• They're just not as good. These cards provide the best-in-class benefits. Others just don't measure up.

And if you're wondering why Citi credit cards didn't make the list, it's because Citi stripped most of these protections from its cards in 2019 .

Bottom Line

These benefits are included at no additional charge. Sure, each of these cards has an annual fee. But when calculating the value of these cards, we'd venture a guess that you didn't look at many of these benefits and the value they add to your travel plans.

Knowing about these travel protections now, do they have you thinking about which card to use when you plan your travel? It isn't all about 2x, 3x, or 5x points — even though these cards are some of the best for earning as well.

Is there a card you think belongs on this list that we left out? Let us know in the comments.

The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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Accoring to capital one :

The Trip Cancellation or Interruption must be caused by or result from: 1. The death, Accidental Bodily Injury, disease or physical illness of You or an Immediate Family Member of the Insured person; or 2. Default of the Common Carrier resulting from financial insolvency

What if my flight is cancelled by operational reasons ?

If an airline cancels your flight for operational reasons (like aircraft maintenance), many insurance programs won’t cover this because the airline takes responsibility for putting you on another flight, giving you a hotel if you’re stuck overnight, etc.

These credit card insurances have many, MANY loopholes. In March 2020, we were in Spain on the MSC Grandiosa. Four hours after boarding the sip, Spain declared a state of emergency and told MSC they could not return to Barcelona. MSC asked all the recent passengers that boarded in Barcelona to leave the ship. MSC gave us no help at all! We had to pay for more hotel nights and a new return ticket to the USA. I submitted claims to CSR and TravelSafe, as we had purchased a separate policy. EVERY claim was denied as they don’t cover anything related to pandemics. Now almost all travel insurances cover pandemics. The companies had to do it because some countries would not admit foreigners without insurance. Same for cruise lines.

But stating that so and so covers all these events is just adding to the deception in the marketing of these CCs. As @Philip Theriault states these CC insurances will find as many ways as possible to try and not reimburse a covered event. Our trip interruption should have been covered no matter what the cause was! With the exception of care rental coverages, most CC insurances are marketing ploys. As my partner and I are in our 60s, medical evacuation insurance is a primary concern. CSR states they will cover, but will they really provide logistics necessary for a medical evacuation? I have serious doubts about CSR doing what is necessary in a medical emergency. Even Amex states that they “may” cover evacuation with their Global Assist program. And that is the issue, too many programs state that they “may” cover events.

I have many of the cards on this list. HOWEVER, the “insurance” you mention, is quite misleading. I have found out the hard way that most likely, the trip cancelation, trip delay, etc that one experiences is most likely not a covered event. Imagine being told your car comes with a full bumper to bumper warranty and every part is covered, however, if you drive it off the dealer lot, you won’t be covered. This is about how pathetic the coverage is on the “benefits” these cards give you. For example, on my Altitude Reserve card from U.S. Bank (very similar to Chase Sapphire Reserve) notice the terms and conditions for Trip cancelation and delay coverage:

The Trip Cancellation or Interruption must be caused by or result from: 1. The death, Accidental Bodily Injury, disease or physical illness of You or an Immediate Family Member of the Insured person; or 2. Default of the Common Carrier resulting from financial insolvency.

For any realistic scenario, your delayed or canceled trip will not be covered and compensated by these “benefits.” For a recent experience in Dec ’21 my BA airline return flight from Europe to the US was canceled. BA only gave days notice and they stopped their route to the city I’m in. So my return flight went from 12 hours long to now 30 hours, requiring an overnight stay in another city, food, transportation, etc expenses. I can’t get the airline to email me the reason for the cancelation (credit card requires this) but I’m sure they will related it to COVID. This is a realistic situation that one would think they would be covered with a trip delay benefit on their credit card. However, it isn’t. Basically, these benefits (I’ve read the T&C of many of these cards) are a joke. Its not really a benefit at all, just something to mislead people into thinking a $4-600 card should be in their wallet.

I wish people would actually report on the realistic experience they should expect from these instead of just generalizing. At the end of the day, 99% of trip delays, cancelations, interruptions are not covered. The ones that might be covered are not handled by the credit card company (U.S. Bank) nor Visa (even though its an “Infinite Card” from them). You will for sure get a “run around” by multiple 3rd party administrators, with each one pointing the finger at a different entities to handle the claim. It is a scam and a racket! Finally, their requirements to file an eligible claim are so high that chances are you won’t have the full amount of paperwork to substantiate any claim.

SO in conclusion, it doesn’t matter what your CC claims you have for coverage. You are 99.9 % NOT covered. Read the fine print in their terms and conditions (they have a long PDF for this) and in the unlikely event that you might think you are eligible, the classic finger pointing, call transfers, disconnects, not accepting responsibility, 3rd party incompetent entities, you will pull your hair out trying to make a claim and it will probably be denied on a technicality. SO DON’T GET THE CARDS YOU SEE THINKING YOU ARE COVERED> YOU’RE NOT!

I can definitely understand your frustration. Sometimes the devil is in the T&C. However, I have to firmly disagree that 99% of these issues aren’t covered.

I have successfully filed claims for delayed and lost bags, and trip delay. I think 4 of 5 claims were approved without an unreasonable amount of hassle.

Do you have suggestions for picking good, economical travel insurance when we don’t have one of the cards that include insurance?

Are all travel insurance benefits such as car rental insurance, accident insurance, delay baggage insurance, etc covered for authorized user if he/she travels separately? ( Especially, from United Explorer credit card)

I’m sorry to say this post is quite misleading.

None of these cards cover you for emergency medical care while travelling. They only compensate you if you lose an organ or DIE, while “boarding, exiting or riding as a passenger on a Common Carrier” (like a plane or train)!!!

In fact, I did extensive research, and the only US credit card that offered any real travel emergency coverage was the recently-discontinued Ritz-Carlton Rewards Visa card! NO other credit card, even those with the highest annual fee, will cover emergency medical care.

That’s in huge contrast to credit cards in Canada and Europe, which often offer real emergency medical coverage. I guess Americans just can’t win when it comes to healthcare!

Take a look at the Sapphire Reserve — it provides coverage as well. That said, when it comes to medical coverage, I’d always recommend checking with your health insurance company.

Would like to know if the annual fee for Chase Sapphire is being calculated per calendar year or per anniversary date. Thanks.

Is calculated per anniversary date.

How does the Ink Business card prove if your card was used for travel? Does anyone know?

Each merchant is assigned an MCC (Merchant Category Code) and when they process a transaction that information is sent as a part of the transaction to Chase for when they credit your points.

I recently came across a scenario that I (fortunately) did not have to find out the answer to, but I am wondering if anyone has any practical experience with.

Got both the Citi Prestige & Premier about a year ago. Combined the points (realized later that maybe I shouldn’t have but that’s a different story). Booked tickets with the points- the reservation email said something about Prestige in it. Between booking and travel, cancelled the Prestige due to the annual fee. Fine print of Citi Premier travel coverage said that travel coverage is good if ticket is booked with the card or with Citi ThankYou points. Sounds like we could have been covered but I wasn’t really sure since the reservation said something about the now-cancelled Prestige. Anyone have any experience with a scenario like this?

You’re covered.

Great review. Thanks, Howie. Two questions: What kicks in “travel” coverage? Does charging the airfare (or taxes/fees) initiate the insurance? If I’m driving somewhere and staying in a hotel is that a trip? If air was on on CSR and hotel on citi, would I just file each card for their part?

Second question: if CDW is included, do I need to buy any other auto insurance? Liability?

I’m not an insurance professional and don’t want to potentially misinterpret what you’ve asked; I would suggest reviewing the benefits guide and asking these questions of the benefits administrator to make sure your exact question is properly answered.

That said, different coverage has different requirements. My understanding is that Trip Delay protection would not cover you if you’re personally driving, but rather trip interruption/cancellation may (depending on the circumstance). As for rental protection, you would need to purchase Liability insurance if that was something you felt you needed. You may be covered through your personal policy, or an umbrella policy you have.

So glad I read this post! I have been on the fence about the Chase Sapphire Reserve – now I believe it would be a great card to have – just not sure I can get it – I sure hope I can.

in the case of evacuation insurance, if you have a heart attack, can you choose to be transported to your home hospital for treatment. who makes the decision?

Edward, please review the guide in detail for the specific terms of the card product you have. Clarification on any terms can be explained by the benefits administrator for a specific scenario.

with either of the recommended chase cards, does the evacuation benefit cover transporting you home. to the hospital of your choice, if, for example, you have a heart attack?…ed

Review the terms in the guide to benefits for each card — based on how I read it, you do not solely make the decision on your hospital of choice. It is a decision made by your physician who coordinates with the benefits administrator. Getting proper treatment is priority #1, not getting you to your desired hospital.

I can’t get approved for sapphire…too many chase cards…the IHG and marriott have trip cancellation up to 5k per person…ive called 3 times to verify you do NOT have to put the whole trip on the card AND it will cover the whole purchase…do you know if that is true…sounds too good to be true…citi american aadvantage says you can charge partial. ..and they will reimburse ONLY the part on their card. ..so do you think for an 8k cruise…i could charge 5k on chase and the 3k on citi…would i get the full 8k between the 2 (5 from chase 3 from citi)

Yes a partial charge would work. As for a split payment, I doubt it would work as it is a single trip and limits are based on trip. The benefits administrator would answer this question for you — you should call them to confirm as this is a unique scenario.

Keep the 5 bonus Advantage miles. Help me get the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve or anything Chase.

Nate, are you over 5/24?

I’m kicking myself for not knowing how great Chase cards are. By the time I became aware of the superior product, I had every card but the one that made more sense to have. I thought my AMEX card was the best for renting cars until I heard about Chase. Too bad. Chase is treating us lame-brainers like the lame-brainers we are for not applying for their cards. So now we’re stuck in a purgatory condition watching others enjoy what we wish we had. Nate

Do transferred balances earn points?

They do not.

I’ve been using the CSR card for last few months and really appreciate what it covers. In Panama City, the AVIS rep was not going to give me a car, unless I bought additional insurance and luckily I had a copy of the benefits of the CSR card and showed it to him and he had to back off trying to work me to pay more!

Costa Rica did not accept insurance cover from any of my cards. i had to purchase insurance at the counter.

Ed, did you bring proof of insurance? You can always call the card number on the back of your card as well and get the benefits folks on the phone to validate your coverage.

I have never actually used travel insurance on any card but its good peace of mind and probably super valuable in a pinch. I have 4 cards that offer it from Chase and Amex. Putting most of my travel spend on the Chase Reserve though.

Agree, Amex do offer a great free cover of travel / medical insurance for the whole family on most cArds they offer. I have also read that this cover is very reliable when actually needed and they go the extra mile but I’m sure Chase offer the same level of service.

I did not realize the difference between primary and secondary CDW coverage! I will have to make sure we always use our CSR card for rental cars now. Thanks!

How do you know if the coverage extends internationally? We were in Mallorca last year and the rental agency insisted that neither our own personal auto insurance would work there but neither would our credit card coverage. We were unable to get a hold of either to confirm while standing there so we broke down and paid for the insurance, which was more than the rental fees for the car! Such a disaster that we do not want to repeat.

The coverage on the Sapphire Reserve is global with no country exceptions. If you contact customer service they’ll send you a letter stating proof of coverage that you can bring with you.

Great information! We took a three month trip to India last year and I previously had decided to get travel insurance. Thank goodness as my travel partner had to go to the hospital the last week of the trip for emergency surgery. Everything was covered but I shelled out quite a sum for the insurance. Needles to say, I should have had the Sapphire card…I won’t traveL without it again! That perk alone is worth the annual fee.

If your flight is canceled and/or delayed long enough that you require a hotel stay, the airline pays for your hotel, will the Chase Reserve card pick up the cost of your meals that the airline did not cover?

Thanks so much for the insight. It inspired me to check my AAdvantage MC for benefits. CDW, but no travel insurance! The Citi Prestige annual fee of $450 is pretty hefty, though. Thanks again!

Very timely article. I used 3 different cards (CSR, CSP, and Arr+) for the various benefits on a current trip. One comment for the folks using the CSR. Please don’t rationalize the AF cost down to $150 because of the $300 travel reimbursement. You must spend that $300 to get it back. Net result is still a $450 AF.

Thanks, very helpful article. To clarify, is the CSR the only card on the list that offers emergency medical and dental coverage?

Too bad that Amex doesn’t offer some of these coverages (eg trip delay, etc), otherwise putting airfare spend on the platinum card for 5x points would be a no brainer. As it stands, though, I’d still opt to use the Prestige or CSR for their superior travel insurance. Lost opportunity for Amex, hope they step up their game…

In this list, yes, the CSR is the only one that offers emergency medical/dental coverage.

Many thanks!

What about the Ritz Carlton card. It has Primary CDW, and is NOT subject to the 5/24 rules.

The Ritz card also comes with emergency medical/dental as well. It is a fantastic card with its benefits, but I couldn’t add it to the list as the only currency it accumulates are Marriott/Ritz Rewards and while you can transfer to SPG, it is still limited compared to the other flexible points earning cards.

I get my travel insurance through my bank account (Nationwide). I pay 10 GBP per month and get travel insurance, mobile phone insurance, breakdown cover and fee-free cash withdrawals abroad. I usually make that back on the money I save make withdrawals abroad.

That is a STELLAR deal.

The travel insurance benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve are one reason I will keep the card (I got it initially for more obvious reasons). When I travel with my family, I have been thinking that I really should purchase travel insurance, but it really adds up. This gives me peace of mind for a mere $150 per year ($450-$300 travel benefit).

The biggest problem with the Chase trip insurance is that it doesn’t cover cases where the family member’s illness is due to a pre-existing condition, i.e., “Pre-existing Condition – illness, disease or Accidental injury of you, your Traveling Companion, your Immediate Family Member or the Immediate Family Member of the Traveling Companion, for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within the 60-day period immediately prior to the purchase of a Covered Trip. “. Trip insurance bought from an insurance company right after your first payment for a trip doesn’t have this exclusion. It would be great if Chase allowed some way to avoid this exclusion, even the payment of a small fee.

Excellent point and it handles a scenario that needs to be covered. I think most folks aren’t typically worried about this when planning a trip but it is an important consideration.

The Chase Sapphire looks great. Is the annual fee waived for the first year?

Jason, the Sapphire Preferred waives its annual fee in year #1. The Sapphire Reserve does not.

How about the Amex personal gold card ? Do they have good insurance coverage?

Vivienne, assuming you mean this card: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/gold/ , I find the coverage to be sub-par across the board. Rental car coverage is secondary and lost baggage protection is much lower than on other cards. While I haven’t combed through all the benefits of this card, it would not be one I would recommend for travel insurance and protection. If you’re using an Amex for travel you might consider purchasing some of their premium insurance products, which are on par with what the lists cards provide at no cost.

We buy an annual family membership with DAN(Divers Alert Network). The membership is reasonable, the travel insurance benefits excellent for all accidents & illness for any reason. Member does NOT have to be a diver.

Thank you for making us a smart consumer. In early Jan.2018 I’m joining a 17 days tour to India and Nepal. I want to fly Etihad using my AA points(97k) but I’m sad to know that AA didn’t make the list. In this case I will have to buy a travel insurance but which one you recommend … and do they cover award airfare as purchased one? Thanks

Eva, if for example you redeem your AA miles and pay taxes/fees with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you would be covered. This would be the same with the Citi Prestige card as well as you’re using the card for part of your purchase. I hope this helps and congrats on the amazing trip you’ve got planned!

I agree the Chase Sapphire card seemed to be recommend by everyone. The primary CDW for rental car with no country exception is amazing actually. Wish I had it when I took the side mirror off a rental in Ireland.

Something else to consider about the value of a card besides the obvious points and annual fees.

I like the Citi Double Rewards travel insurance. No annual fee and they even cover your pet.

Definitely great for domestic travel. the 3% foreign transaction fee is a killer but 2% cash back for all your spend and cancellation/interruption coverage domestically is awesome for $0 fee card.

You have reinforced all I have heard about the Saphire card which I have.

How exactly does travel insurance work? For example, if I book a flight with my Sapphire Preferred and it gets delayed, they will cover it for me? If I have to stay overnight at a hotel in a stopover city I just have to also use my Sapphire Preferred?

Alice, the benefits guide will walk you through all the details (there are too many to list here), but the gist of it is that you purchase the flight with your Sapphire Preferred (or at least a portion of it) and if you’re delayed and require an overnight, they’ll reimburse you up to $500 of expenses. You do not need to use your Sapphire Preferred for those expenses either, just keep your receipts.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred just came through for us on the trip delay insurance. We used points for our flights, but paid the taxes using the card. Then Hurricane Matthew hit and it was an additional 2 days before we could get home. The documentation required was reasonable, and just today we got our reimbursement check covering all of our additional hotel and food expenses (almost $900). I was surprised at the full amount of the food being reimbursed as I couldn’t find an itemized receipt for one of the meals, but they paid it anyway. Truly an awesome benefit.

Ghenghy, thank you for sharing your story — this is a great example of how the right card can really save you!

Do you have a synopsis of the best Canadian cards out there?

Bob, we don’t — just not as versed with the options there, which are vastly different from how things work in the U.S. Which cards do you have? It’d give me a good starting place to take a look at things.

I thought the Chase United Explorer card offered primary auto insurance coverage for rentals.

I’m not sure what the current benefits guide lists, but in the Nov 1, 2013 guide it lists coverage as secondary in the U.S. and primary internationally.

Looks like it does: https://www.chasebenefits.com/unitedVW4 … gotta find the right guide as there are so many out there.

It took me 6 months to be reimbursed by Chase Explorer for a minor accident in France but other than how long it took all went well primarily because I was very careful to get good, detailed and READABLE receipts from the rental car company.

I think you are missing an important point. While the Chase Sapphire reserve appears to cost $450, one immediately gets $300 of travel credit (each year), usable for any travel expenses, such as Uber ,airlines or train. Since these cards are only a value for people who travel, it is a certainty that they will use the $300 travel credit. Thus, the real cost is only $150 about the same as the Chase preferred. Also unmentioned, is the hundred thousand frequent flyer miles when signing up, and triple mile for all restaurant expenses. The Chase Sapphire reserve is a much better deal than the Chase preferred.

Roger, thanks for chiming in. Indeed, the Sapphire Reserve does come with the $300 credit, and the big bonus and higher earning potential, the upfront cost and cost to add authorized users is more for the casual traveler. The reason the Sapphire Preferred gets the top spot for travel insurance cards from us is the cost for it and your entire family of authorized users that you could add is much smaller. For the moderate to heavy traveler and big spender in the bonus categories, I think everyone would agree that the Sapphire Reserve has much greater potential, but its travel insurance benefits alone aren’t significant enough to make it top of the list for the cost.

Thank you very much for the post! Great reminder indeed. Question: do any of these cards also cover award ticket bookings (say if I book a ticket using miles and only charge taxes/fees to credit card)? Thanks!

Bill, all of these cards cover that.

Does the United Explorer Chase card have similar to the Preferred card?

Similiar, but not the same.

Great stuff here!! I always ignore the insurance element but I can see the value in looking at that more now. Thanks again!

Chase Sapphire Preferred has no medical evacuation coverage and Reserve has no Trip Cancellation coverage, so neither one replaces a good outside insurance provider.

Susan, while the Sapphire Preferred does not have medical evacuation coverage, the Sapphire Reserve does indeed have Trip Interruption and Cancellation coverage. The Sapphire Reserve, depending on your needs, provides some of the most complete coverage and can easily replace an outside insurance provider. It just comes with a larger of up-front cost.

The struggle of booking flights for bonus points or to get travel insurance. Hmm..

There is no struggle! Just pay the taxes/fees with the cards and you’re covered 🙂

If I booked my tickets with Skymiles and paid taxes with the Delta Amex, could I still be eligible for Trip Cancellation insurance if I buy an upgrade to Comfort + through Chase Sapphire Reserve? The T&C of the card seem to indicate that anything other than FF points need to be paid for with a Reserve card, or am I misreading it?

Olga, as the ticket is being purchased with the Delta Amex, you wouldn’t be covered. If you used SkyMiles + Sapphire Reserve you’d be covered, but an upgrade is not a part of the base ticket.

Under Chase Sapphire Preferred, Travel Accident Insurance, what does the phrase “probably something you’re not buying” mean?

I would think that 99.9%+ of people that buy travel insurance do not purchase some form of accident protection in case of loss of limb, sight, etc. From a small non-scientific poll I completed the major protection people were looking to have was to cover illness/injury prior to departure, on the trip, or if there was some sort of delay that caused them to be stranded.

Not one person mentioned or indicated that they saw much value in travel accident insurance. They all liked that it was an included benefit but wouldn’t be something they would pay for while traveling.

I thought AMEX offered pretty good insurance as well…

AMEX has some good insurance, but in many cases requires you pay for premium coverage that is included at no cost with the cards listed here.

Thanks Howie. That makes the annual fee on the Reserve more palatable. As we get older, having evacuation & medical insurance for overseas trips is becoming more important. And congrats on your gig with Award Wallet! I was wondering where you ended up.

Thanks, Chris! One of the reasons my parents got the Reserve card was the insurance. I care more about the points potential, they care about the insurance coverage — win/win.

The Citi Prestige is on my list “want to get” credit cards since I already have 2 out of the 3 Chase cards. The diverse set of points and miles is a definite advantage to the cards that let you pay with the card or with points/miles and still be covered by the insurance and is a definite distinction to make between lesser cards. So far all of my travels have been relatively painless and easy with no big delays or lost luggage but there is always a first time and just like a boy scout, it’s always good to be prepared.

Great info. Primary car insurance is a big deal. (But don’t be a dope like me and forget to file a claim right away. Some cards have a very short time limit for filing a claim and, if you miss it like I once did, there’s no grace for you.)

I did not know of some of these benefits on my card for travel insurance. Thank you. So happy I read this post!!!

Thanks for the list. The Chase Sapphire cards seem to be recommended by everyone.

Yes, indeed. I think though, unfortunately, that most people overlook the additional perks on the card. They’re great for earning and redeeming points but don’t forget all the extras!

Do they offer the Chase reserve card to European residents? I am far more concerned about health insurance on my travels than points. For instance if I travel to the USA for 90 days will they cover me for the entire 90 day period and what does that include?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card isn’t offered to European residents. And unfortunately, I’m not aware of travel cards open to European residents that include insurance. So, it seems that you might have to get a separate insurance policy for your trip.

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Advertiser Disclosure

Best credit cards for travel insurance

From trip cancellation to baggage delay and rental car protection, these cards have you covered

Published: August 17, 2022

Author: Aaron Broverman

Author: Lee Huffman

Editor: Brady Porche

How we Choose

The best credit cards for travel insurance offer valuable travel benefits that protect you when problems happen on your trip. Your ideal card should include a generous welcome bonus, strong earning power and attractive benefits that you’ll actually use.

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Please review our list of best credit cards , or use our CardMatch™ tool to find cards matched to your needs.

Over the last year, travel has had its share of challenges. And, that’s especially true for airline travel, which has been plagued with delays and cancellations due to a perfect storm of increased demand, problems with staffing and other challenges.

When you fly, these types of interruptions can derail your entire vacation, making for a frustrating experience. But the good news is that there are credit cards that offer travel protections to cover expenses when your flight is delayed, interrupted or canceled. They may even cover certain expenses if your checked bag is lost or damaged. These perks can be pretty useful if you’re a regular traveler.

To help you get started, here’s a look at the best credit cards for travel insurance based on the features that are most important to you, as well as tips on how to choose the perfect option for your travel and spending style.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best travel insurance coverage amounts

Travel benefits rundown : Auto rental collision damage waiver; baggage delay insurance; emergency evacuation and transportation services; lost luggage reimbursement; roadside assistance; travel accident insurance; travel and emergency assistance services; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement

Why we picked it : The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers some of the top coverage amounts among travel credit cards. Your trip is covered against cancellation or interruption up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip, and when your trip is delayed more than six hours, you and your family are covered up to $500 per ticket. And in terms of baggage, you’ll receive lost baggage reimbursement of up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, even when your luggage is damaged, and baggage delay insurance for delays of more than six hours (up to $100 a day for five days).

The Reserve also offers emergency evacuation and transportation services for up to $100,000 if you or a member of your immediate family becomes sick or injured, as well as travel accident insurance of up to $1,000,000. And when you rent a car, you’ll receive primary rental car insurance for up to $75,000 against theft or damage to the vehicle.

• Generous travel protections
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass Select airport lounge access
• Up to $100 in credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• $550 annual fee
• Lower sign-up bonus compared to similar premium cards (60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in your first three months)

Who should apply : If you’re a frequent traveler, can deal with the $550 annual fee and want access to a variety of solid travel insurances, this card is hard to beat. Plus, you’ll get stellar rewards rates on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards as well as on general travel purchases. For a full list of perks, be sure to read through our Chase Sapphire Reserve card benefits guide .

Who should skip : There are similar travel cards with slightly fewer offerings but much lower annual fees, such as the Sapphire Reserve’s sister card — the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, highlighted below. If you don’t anticipate spending enough to offset the Reserve’s annual fee (or use enough of its added statement credits), you might look elsewhere.

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Best travel insurance coverage for a low annual fee

Travel benefits rundown : Auto rental collision damage waiver; baggage delay insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; roadside dispatch; travel accident insurance; travel and emergency assistance services; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement

Why we picked it : At first glance, it appears that the Sapphire Reserve and Preferred offer the same travel insurance coverages (minus emergency evacuation and transportation, which is only offered by the Reserve). But where they differ is in timing and coverage amounts — through which the Reserve offers better coverage.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card  charges one of the lowest annual fees ($95) of all the cards on this list, but you still receive some stellar travel insurance perks. The collision damage waiver for rental cars carries no country exclusion like many other credit cards (though you’ll receive coverage for up to the cash value of the vehicle), and you get many of the same benefits as the Sapphire Reserve.

Here’s a look at other travel insurance differences between the Preferred and Reserve:

• Travel accident insurance goes up $1,000,000 for the Reserve and up to $500,000 for the Preferred.
• Trip delay reimbursement starts at delays of six hours or more for the Reserve and 12 hours or more for the Preferred (or if an overnight stay is required). Both cards cover you and your family up to $500 per ticket for unreimbursed expenses.
• Roadside assistance with the Reserve covers you for up to $50 per incident four times a year, whereas you’ll need to pay for any services when using the Preferred’s Roadside Dispatch perk.
• Comparable travel insurance benefits without a large annual fee
• 80,000-point welcome bonus when you spend $4,000 in three months (for a reasonable annual fee)
• $50 annual statement credit when booking hotels through Chase
• 10 percent anniversary points bonus
• No airport lounge access or access to multiple travel-related statement credits
• Less elevated travel insurance perks compared to the Reserve

Who should apply : If you’re interested in a travel card with solid travel insurance benefits but can’t quite justify the Reserve’s high annual fee, you’ll do well with the Sapphire Preferred. Similarly, the card offers ongoing rewards on general travel and travel through Chase. For more information, you can read through our Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits guide .

Who should skip : The Sapphire Preferred is really only worth skipping if you’re looking for more elevated travel insurance perks, ongoing rewards or statement credits . Otherwise, it’s a great option.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Best range of travel insurance benefits

Travel benefits rundown : Travel assistance (including lost luggage reimbursement and legal assistance); travel inconvenience or delay insurance (including missed flights and luggage delays); trip cancellation and interruption insurance; travel accident insurance; car rental loss and damage insurance; various travel medical coverages (including emergency medical transportation, emergency medical services, emergency dental treatment and prescription expenses)

Why we picked it : The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a pretty comprehensive travel insurance package if you can handle its hefty $695 annual fee. It also comes with many of the same travel insurance benefits as the rest of the American Express travel card slate, but its benefits , in particular, are so significant that they’re worth a spot on this list.

Enjoy travel assistance that includes help tracking down lost luggage and, in the event it’s not found, get reimbursed for up to $1,200 per trip. This coverage also includes up to $10,000 per trip for legal assistance. With travel inconvenience insurance — including missed departures, connections and luggage delays — get up to $250 per person for additional travel and food and up to $1,000 for baggage delays of four hours or more. Further, secondary trip cancellation and interruption insurance covers up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per year, travel accident insurance covers up to $500,000 and car rental loss and damage insurance covers up to the repair cost or value of the car.

To round out the Amex’s Platinum’s premium travel insurance benefits, in the event of an emergency, you’ll receive: $100,000 for medical transportation, $250,000 for medical services, $1,000 for dental treatment and $1,000 for prescriptions.

• Extensive list of travel insurance benefits and annual statement credits
• Global Lounge Collection access, including the Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass Select lounges and more
• Exceptional 80,000-point welcome bonus when you spend $6,000 in your first six months
• Automatic hotel elite status
• Limited ongoing rewards categories if you spend quite a bit outside of travel
• Very high $695 annual fee

Who should apply : If you’re looking for the best of the best in terms of a travel rewards card, the Amex Platinum is hard to beat. Be sure, of course, that you can either afford to pay its high annual fee or would spend enough and use enough of its statement credits to offset the yearly cost. For more information on all that this premium American Express card has to offer, read our Amex Platinum benefits guide .

Who should skip : The Amex Platinum has a lot going on, and if you’re not interested in taking advantage of its many, many benefits (Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, Clear credit, hotel and airline credits, Uber, Walmart+, digital entertainment credits and more), you may be better off with a lower-fee travel card with slightly less robust travel insurance perks.

Capital One Venture X: Best for adding authorized users

Travel benefits rundown : Auto rental collision damage waiver; trip cancellation and interruption insurance; travel and emergency assistance services; trip delay reimbursement; travel accident insurance; lost luggage reimbursement

Why we picked it : With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , you can add up to four authorized users at no additional charge. These authorized users have access to the same trip protections, lounge access and other benefits as the primary cardholder — making it our pick for the best option for authorized user access.

The Venture X offers numerous travel protections, including an auto rental collision damage waiver of up to the cash value of the car (or up to $75,000 for new cars), trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $2,000 per person, travel accident insurance of up to $1,000,000, lost luggage reimbursement of up to $3,000 per trip for common carrier tickets, trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket when a trip is delayed for six hours or more (or requires an overnight stay), and travel and emergency assistance services (though you’ll need to pay any associated fees out of pocket).

• Reasonable annual fee given its ongoing rewards, welcome bonus and statement credit opportunities
• Ability to add up to four authorized users at no cost
• 75,000-mile welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in your first three months
• Cellphone protection
• Travel bonus categories limited to the Capital One Travel portal
• Not as many travel-related statement credits compared to other premium travel cards

Who should apply : If you’re looking for a premium travel card with quality travel insurance benefits and a few statement credits, but without an incredibly high annual fee, the Venture X could be the right choice for you. Other Capital One Venture X benefits include an annual travel statement credit, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges.

Who should skip : If you aren’t keen on booking a majority of your travel through the Capital One portal, you may look elsewhere. This card offers 10X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through the portal, 5X miles on flights booked through the portal and just 2X miles on all other purchases.

Bank of America Premium Rewards: Best for large bank balances

Travel benefits rundown : Trip delay reimbursement; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; baggage delay insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; travel and emergency assistance services; emergency evacuation and transportation coverage; auto rental collision damage waiver; roadside dispatch

Why we picked it : Travelers who maintain large bank balances can earn up to 75 percent more rewards with the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card thanks to Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program. In addition to travel insurance protections, you’ll earn 2X points on travel and dining and 1.5X points on everything else. With the 75 percent maximum bonus, your earning power grows up to 3.5X and 2.625X, respectively.

In terms of travel insurance benefits, you’ll receive trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket when a trip is delayed for more than 12 hours, trip cancellation/interruption insurance of up to $2,500 for non-refundable tickets and baggage delay insurance of up to $100 per day for five days when baggage has been delayed for six or more hours. You’ll also get lost luggage reimbursement, travel and emergency assistance services, emergency evacuation and transportation coverage, an auto rental collision damage waiver and roadside dispatch, as noted above.

• Monthly bonus for large banking balances via the Preferred Rewards program
• Airline incidental and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits
• 50,000-point welcome bonus when you spend $3,000 in your first 90 days
• Relatively low $95 annual fee
• Requires larger deposit balances to get maximum value from Preferred Rewards program
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Lack of more premium travel benefits

Who should apply : If you’re already a Bank of America banking customer and are looking to boost your card’s rewards rates, owning the Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a great way to do so. Plus, you’ll get access to some pretty valuable travel insurance benefits. For more information, consider reading through our Bank of America Premium Rewards card benefits guide .

Who should skip : If you don’t carry at least a $20,000 balance within a Bank of America account, getting this card for the Preferred Rewards program points boost really isn’t worth it. Instead, consider looking toward the Sapphire Preferred, as it offers comparable travel insurance benefits, but with higher ongoing rewards rates and a bigger first-year bonus.

Comparing the best credit cards for travel insurance

Types of travel insurance coverage on credit cards.

Rewards credit cards  offer valuable travel insurance protections that can help you save money and protect your travel plans. Benefits vary by card, but the most common types of credit card travel insurance benefits include:

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance : This coverage reimburses travelers for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses when a trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather or other covered situations.
• Trip delay reimbursement : When travel is delayed by a set number of hours or requires an overnight stay, trip delay reimbursement covers unreimbursed expenses. Qualifying expenses can include meals and lodging, for example.
• Lost luggage reimbursement : When your checked or carry-on luggage is damaged or lost by the airline, this coverage reimburses travelers for replacing clothing, toiletries, luggage and more.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver : This waiver protects the cardholder when the rental car is damaged or stolen. Coverage is primary or secondary, and it does not cover damage to other property or injuries to people inside or outside the vehicle.
• Emergency evacuation and transportation : If you or an immediate family member becomes injured or sick during a trip and requires emergency evacuation, this benefit covers medical expenses and transportation.

How to choose a credit card for travel insurance

With so many travel credit cards offering travel insurance benefits, some consumers may have difficulty picking the right one. Here are a few factors you should consider before applying:

• Travel protection limits. How much does the card reimburse or cover in case your travel plans are affected? And how many people are included?
• Travel protection exclusions. How long do you have to wait before the card’s benefits can be used?
• Welcome bonus. Does the card offer an attractive welcome bonus, and can you meet the minimum spending requirements within the allotted time frame?
• Earning power. Review the card’s ongoing rewards rates to determine if they align with how you spend.
• Other card perks. What other perks does the card offer beyond travel protections? If it offers statement credits or discounts that you likely won’t use, there’s likely a cheaper option for you.
• Annual fee. Are the card’s features, benefits and earning power worth the annual fee?
• Authorized users. Does the card allow authorized users — and if it does, how much does it cost to add them?

Bottom line

There are many credit cards that can cover you in the event your next trip gets pushed back or ruined altogether. While the best travel credit cards with travel insurance all offer similar protections, the benefits or terms vary by card.

Besides the travel protections offered, be sure to compare benefits, earning power and annual fees to find the card that best fits your lifestyle and travel plans.

Editorial Disclaimer

The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

Aaron Broverman has been covering personal finance for over a decade for Creditcards.com starting with its former sister site Creditcards.com Canada. His personal finance work has also appeared on Yahoo, Money Under 30 and Bankrate.

Lee Huffman spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager before quitting his corporate job to write full time. He contributes to CreditCards.com and has been writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance and other personal finance topics since 2012. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less and live better through the power of travel rewards.

On this page

• Types of travel insurance coverage
• Best travel insurance coverage amounts
• Best travel insurance coverage for a low annual fee
• Best range of travel insurance benefits
• Best for adding authorized users
• Best for large bank balances
• Comparing cards for travel insurance
• How to choose a card

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Best credit cards for travel insurance

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Credit cards with travel insurance can help protect you from financial losses when your luggage is lost or stolen, your trip is canceled for reasons beyond your control, or someone vandalizes your rental car.

Amazingly, credit cards that come with travel insurance offer this extra protection on a complimentary basis. When you have one of the top rewards credit cards with travel insurance, you can enjoy these added perks for free.

The travel insurance benefits you’ll get with a rewards card can vary dramatically, though it shouldn’t surprise you that premium travel credit cards tend to offer the broadest coverage.

Types of coverage you may get with the best credit cards for travel insurance include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental coverage, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside assistance and much more.

If you’re hoping to get travel insurance as a cardholder perk, the following rewards credit cards with travel insurance should be at the top of your list.

Comparing the top travel credit cards for trip insurance

A closer look at the best credit cards for travel insurance, chase sapphire reserve: best for luxury travelers, why we picked it.

With an extensive list of luxury travel perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers an elevated experience for frequent travelers seeking comfort and convenience.

Cardholders enjoy an extensive list of benefits, but those who put travel-related expenses on this card see an added bonus of boosted rewards: 5X on flights purchased through Chase, 10X on hotel stays and rental cars paid for with the card, 10X on Lyft rides (through March 2025) and 3X on all other travel purchases.

• Up to $300 in statement credits annually for travel purchases
• Complimentary airport lounge access at 1,300+ locations internationally
• Global Entry or TSA Precheck or NEXUS fee credit
• Exclusive access to VIP events and dining experiences
• $550 annual fee, plus $75 fee for each authorized user
• No current introductory APR offer
• Current welcome offer for this product is not as competitive as it once was

Who should apply

Frequent travelers who will make the most of this card’s perks are likely to offset the annual fee and see the most benefit. Travelers who book through Chase Ultimate Rewards and Chase Dining will see a significantly boosted rate of rewards earnings.

Who should skip

Moderate travelers who won’t recoup the cost of the annual fee may find the Chase Sapphire Preferred a better fit, with fewer perks but a much lower ($95) annual fee.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Best for lounge lovers

The Platinum Card has the highest rewards rate of any American Express card available and provides frequent fliers with some of the most extensive lounge access available to the public. Hilton and Marriott customers can also enjoy complimentary elite access (Gold Status and Gold Elite Status, respectively); a bevy of other statement credits are available, adding up to around $1,700 in value each year.

• Extensive lounge access and travel benefits for account holders
• Up to $500 trip delay insurance (up to two claims every 12 months) and up to $10,000 per trip or $20,000 per card in trip cancellation insurance (every 12 months)
• Welcome offer currently valued up to $1,500
• Statement credits available annually add ongoing value to the card
• $695 annual fee
• Less-competitive reward rates and more niche perks than some competing products
• Elevated rewards categories are largely limited to travel spending

Routine air travelers will likely see the greatest benefit from this card, which offers extensive airport lounge access and works with 17 airline partners to provide members with 5X points earned on airfare.

Travelers looking to earn points and rewards through everyday purchases such as gas and groceries may find other cards to be a better fit.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for budget travelers

When compared to other cards designed for travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a contender with solid rewards offerings despite its modest $95 annual fee. Though the luxury perks are pared back — especially when compared side-by-side with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card — there are still built-in perks like travel insurance and supplementary auto rental coverage for cardholders.

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per person or $20,000 per trip); baggage delay insurance of up to $100 per day for five days
• A 25 percent boost in value when rewards are spent using the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• No foreign transaction fees
• Lacks luxury perks like free checked bags and airport lounge access
• No introductory APR or balance transfer offers

Business owners who are looking for a travel rewards card with a low annual fee.

Travelers who expect luxury benefits like airport lounge access, hotel regulars who could earn a higher rewards rate on hotel stays using another card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for everyday use

For travelers who need a balance between value (a comparatively moderate annual fee) and hefty, flexible rewards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards card offers boosted rewards earnings (2X) for everyday spending, as well as even more generously-boosted earnings on select travel purchases (5X to 10X).

• Flexible boosted rewards earnings: 2X on all purchases, 5X on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 10X on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Offers a middle-ground, considering its annual fee and perks offerings
• Frequent travelers who will benefit from earning miles and prefer the flexibility of earning with everyday purchases
• Fewer luxury perks when compared to some competing cards
• Less-flexible rewards redemption, when matched against some competitors

Business owners who are looking to earn travel rewards both through everyday business expenses and through travel purchases.

Cardholders looking for top-of-the-line luxury travel benefits may find more impressive perks elsewhere.

United Club℠ Infinite Card: Best for United loyalists

For travelers who don’t mind pledging loyalty to a specific airline, the United Club Infinite Card offers outstanding rewards for those who travel regularly using United. Those who use this card for flights, in-flight purchases, baggage fees, and ticket upgrades will enjoy a 4X boosted rate of rewards earnings, alongside 2X earnings on non-United travel and dining purchases.

• Generous welcome offer and perks for United flyers
• Flexible points redemption for everything from hotel stays and car rentals to gift cards and Mileage Plus catalog merchandise
• Free checked bags on United flights
• Automatic United Club lounge membership
• Global Entry / TSA Precheck application fee reimbursement
• $525 annual fee
• No introductory APR offers on purchases or balance transfers
• Requires good to excellent credit to qualify

Air travel regulars who find themselves booking United flights routinely are likely to see a strong return when using this card.

If your business travel takes you to cities without regular service by United and its partner carriers, you may be better served by a travel rewards card that offers more versatility.

Is a travel credit card right for you?

Travel cards come loaded with attractive perks and sky-high annual fees to match. Unfortunately, unless you travel often, you’ll probably have a tough time recouping the cost of that annual fee. Meanwhile, frequent travelers will get plenty of value from benefits like airline lounge access, complimentary checked baggage, and cancellation coverage. For those who are frequently on the go, the provided travel insurance can truly save the day when luggage is lost, or travel plans are abruptly canceled. Even if you only check one to two bags on a few flights per year, your card’s annual fee pays for itself.

How to choose a credit card with travel insurance

If you’re shopping around for a travel credit card that comes with travel insurance, take note of other features such as rewards and fees. That way, you’ll wind up with a card that works well when you travel while still providing plenty of value at home.

Here are some tips to consider as you browse the top credit card offers :

•  Decide which travel protections you need the most. First, it can help to decide which travel insurance benefits you care the most about. While some consumers may only need primary rental car coverage or trip cancellation and interruption insurance, think about whether you would use other benefits like baggage insurance or roadside assistance.
• Read through the terms and conditions. In addition to deciding which travel protections you’re likely to use, pay attention to coverage limits and exclusions. For example, some travel cards offer only auto rental coverage for certain rental periods or within certain countries. Other benefits come with low limits that won’t provide much protection.
• Compare rewards programs. Next, think about the types of rewards you want to earn with your credit card—whether you prefer to rack up cash back, earn points you can transfer to airline or hotel programs or get flexible rewards you can redeem in more than one way. Be sure any card you’re considering offers a rewards scheme that makes sense for your spending style.
• Weigh the perks of cards that charge annual fees. Finally, keep in mind that the best credit cards with travel insurance tend to charge annual fees and that the cards with the most robust coverage options charge fees of $500 or more. While paying the high fee on a travel credit card could be well worth it, you may be able to get basic travel protections for less (or even with no annual fee) if you take the time to compare all your options.

The bottom line

If you’re angling for a credit card with travel insurance, any of the rewards credit cards we profiled on this page should fit the bill. But be sure to compare based on other features such as rewards and fees. Travel insurance benefits can be well worth paying a credit card’s annual fee, but infrequent travelers shouldn’t overpay for protections they’re rarely in the position to use.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

The information about United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

How do I make a claim on my credit card travel insurance?

Does credit card travel insurance offer enough coverage on its own, does credit card travel insurance cover covid-19 cancellations.

Learn more : Check out Bankrate’s travel toolkit for tips and tricks on how to maximize travel with a credit card.

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The 9 best credit cards with travel insurance of April 2024

Many things can go wrong on a trip, so having one of the best credit cards with travel insurance in your wallet can provide invaluable peace of mind. Having protection against unforeseen trip cancellations and delays is an essential part of modern-day travel. It can be incredibly valuable to know that you are protected from the financial loss of travel disruption on your next adventure. 

Many credit cards include extensive coverage when you use them for your trip purchases, and our expert team has chosen the best credit cards with travel insurance to help ensure that your trips are as secure as they are captivating. 

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At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. Our travel and credit cards experts share their own experiences and give honest analyses to help you make decisions that benefit you the most. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads, and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content , points valuations and card analysis are entirely our own.

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• No Annual Fee

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• 5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
• 2x 2x on all other travel purchases.
• 1x 1x on all other purchases.

Why We Chose It

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners.

• You’ll earn 2x Ultimate Rewards points on travel and 3x Ultimate Rewards points dining including eligible delivery services and takeout.
• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Pros & Cons

More details, united club℠ infinite card.

• 4X Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• 2X Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
• 1X Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

Only the United Club Infinite Card grants you complimentary United Club lounge membership, worth up to $650 per year. Although this card comes with a steep $525 annual fee, the lounge benefit alone can more than cover this annual cost. Not to mention the other ongoing perks of this card, from two free checked bags and up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck. For frequent United flyers, this card can provide tons of value each year.

• Earn 4x on United purchases; 2x on travel and dining; 1x on everything else
• United Club℠ membership for you and your eligible travel companions at all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide
• Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck application every four years
• Free first and second checked bags for you and one travel companion on the same reservation
• 25% inflight purchase statement credit
• High $525 annual fee
• Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
• Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
• 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
• Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

• 3X Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
• 1X Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees.

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
• Reasonable $95 annual fee
• Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners: primary car insurance, and perks including cellphone and purchase protection, extended warranty, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement;
• High spending needed to get 100,000-point sign-up bonus
• No travel perks
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

• 5X 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1.5X Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• 1X 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more.

• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four to five years
• Up to $400 annual credit for eligible U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
• Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels (enrollment required)
• Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection
• International Airline Program and Cruise Privileges Program
• Steep $695 annual fee
• Difficulty meeting $15,000 welcome offer for smaller businesses
• Limited high bonus categories outside of travel
• Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that's an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee.

• The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at 1,600.
• This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more (enrollment required)
• The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway
• The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost
• Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
• The annual airline fee credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

• 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
• 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

• Statement credit for Global Entry ($100 every 4 years)/TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years)
• Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25 access will be changing.
• High annual fee of $650
• Lower fee Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
• Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and bring up to two guests or immediate family members at a rate of $50 per person per visit when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $240 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• See Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• 10x Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠.
• 5x Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
• 1x Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, generous 3x on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card.

• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners: 10 airline and three hotel programs
• Unlimited 3x on the broad category of travel and dining
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
• Steep initial $550 annual fee
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more

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Comparing the best credit cards with travel insurance

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Frequently asked questions

What card should i use for travel insurance.

The  Amex Platinum’ s 5x for airfare booked directly through airlines or  Amex Travel  is impressive. But the  lack of baggage delay protection  and the  requirement of round-trip travel  for some benefits usually discourages me from using Amex-issued cards for flights.

Instead, I use the  Chase Sapphire Reserve®  when booking flights and other common carrier travel due to its  solid mix of earnings and protections . But, if you can’t quite justify the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s  $550 annual fee , the  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  and  Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card  both provide reasonable travel protections for  a sub-$100 annual fee .

Related:  Why the Sapphire Preferred should still be the first rewards card in your wallet

Are credit cards with travel protection worth it?

Credit card travel protections are easy to under-value. However, I’ve gotten thousands of value from credit card travel insurance over the years. As such, I’ll often forgo better earning rates to put airfare and award flight taxes and fees on a card I know provides solid protection. For me, this card is usually the  Chase Sapphire Reserve®  or the  Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card . However, I purchase  independent travel insurance  for select trips when I want additional benefits, such as  cancel or any reason coverage  or non-medical evacuation coverage.

More details on our best credit cards for travel insurance

Many of the  best travel rewards cards  offer travel insurance when you use your card to purchase travel. Although some cards will provide coverage even if you only pay taxes and fees on an award ticket, some cards require you to pay for your entire trip with the card. See the links below for more information on the types of travel insurance offered by select cards and the best cards for each kind of insurance:

• Baggage delay protection
• Lost/damaged baggage protection
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Medical evacuation benefit and travel accident insurance
• Emergency medical and dental benefit (offered by the  Chase Sapphire Reserve )
• Rental car coverage

As you’ll notice in this guide, the types and levels of protection vary significantly across credit cards. And most protections have  exclusions or limitations . So be sure to read the guide to benefits on your card before  assuming something  or  someone will be covered .

Related:  TPG’s comprehensive guide to independent travel insurance — including coronavirus coverage

Now let’s take a closer look at each card to determine how you can use these perks when things go wrong on a trip.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Sign-up bonus : Earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points  after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on  TPG’s valuations , this bonus is worth $1,230.

Rewards : 10x on Lyft rides through March 2025 ; 3x on dining  and  travel ; 1x on everything else

Travel insurance :

• Baggage delay : Up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage more than six hours
• Lost/damaged baggage : Up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment
• Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per ticket if you’re delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses
• Medical evacuation benefit : Up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home (100-mile requirement waived for New York residents)
• Travel accident insurance : Accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel)
• Emergency medical and dental benefit : Up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home (100-mile requirement waived for New York residents)
• Rental car coverage :  Primary coverage  for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or less

Annual fee : $550 ($75 for each  authorized user )

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on all travel purchases. Due to its 6% return and excellent travel protections, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is my go-to card for travel expenses. Plus, the Chase Sapphire Reserve provides protections on award tickets even when I only charge the award’s taxes and fees to the card .

To learn more, check out the full  Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review  and  guide to benefits . If you decide to apply, here’s the official application link:  Chase Sapphire Reserve .

Related:  The power of the Chase Trifecta: Sapphire Reserve, Ink Preferred and Freedom Unlimited

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

Sign-up bonus : Earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG’s valuations , this bonus is worth $1,230.

Rewards : 5x total points on all travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out, 3x points on select streaming services, 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2x points on all other travel, 1x point on all other purchases

• Baggage delay : Up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a common carrier delays your baggage more than six hours
• Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per ticket if you’re delayed more than 12 hours or require an overnight stay
• Travel accident insurance : Accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $500,000 for common carrier travel)
• Rental car coverage :  Primary coverage  for damages caused by theft or collision up to the actual cash value of most rented cars on rentals of 31 days or less

Annual fee : $95

The  Chase Sapphire Preferred  is one of the  best travel rewards credit cards for the average traveler . Although a 4% return on travel purchases (not booked through the Chase portal) isn’t fantastic, it’s still respectable considering the card’s modest $95 annual fee and travel protections. As with the Chase Sapphire Reserve , you’ll get coverage on award tickets even when you only use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay the taxes and fees.

To learn more, check out our  Chase Sapphire Preferred review  and the complete  guide to benefits . And here’s the official application link:  Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

Related: Five reasons why the Chase Sapphire Preferred should be your first card

Sign-up bonus : Earn 100,000  Chase Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on  TPG’s valuations , this bonus is worth $2,050.

Rewards : 3x on the first $150,000 spent each account year in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines; 1x on everything else

• Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses
• Rental car coverage : Primary coverage (except when renting for personal reasons in your country of residence, in which case coverage is secondary) for damages caused by theft or collision up to the actual cash value of most rented cars on rentals of 31 days or less

The Ink Business Preferred is one of the  best business travel rewards cards  on the market. It earns a  6% return on the first $150,000 spent in select categories , which is excellent considering the card’s $95 annual fee and travel protections. As with other  Chase cards , you’ll be protected on award tickets as long as you use your Ink Business Preferred to pay the taxes and fees.

To learn more, check out the full  Ink Business Preferred Credit Card review . And here’s the official application link:  Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

Related: Five reasons to get the Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card

Sign-up bonus : Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG’s valuations , this bonus is worth $1,120.

Rewards : 4x on purchases with United ; 2x at restaurants (including eligible delivery services), and on other travel; 1x on everything else

• Baggage delay : Up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to three days if a common carrier delays your baggage more than six hours
• Rental car coverage : Primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to the actual cash value of most rented cars on rentals of 31 days or less

Annual fee : $525

The  United Club Infinite Card provides decent travel protections, a 5.8% return on purchases with United and a United Club membership . But, its 2.9% return on other travel purchases and 1.45% return on all other purchases means you’ll earn rewards slowly. As with other Chase-issued cards, you’ll be protected on award tickets even when you only use your United Club Infinite Card to pay the taxes and fees.

To learn more, check out the full  United Club Infinite Card review . And here’s the official application link:  United Club Infinite Card .

Related:  Best ways to use the United Club Infinite Card

The Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome offer : Earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. Based on TPG’s valuations , the 80,000-point bonus is worth $1,600. However, you may be able to snag an targeted offer up to 125,000-point offer  through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).

Rewards : 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5x on prepaid hotels  booked with Amex Travel ; 1x on other purchases

• Lost/damaged baggage : Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip.  For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Note that you must pay the entire fare with your card (including Pay with Points ).
• Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed and up to two claims per 12-month period per card if a common carrier delays you by more than six hours. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered).
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12-month period for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered).
• Rental car coverage : Get secondary coverage of up to $75,000 for damages caused by theft or collision on rentals of 30 days or less when you pay for the entire rental with an eligible card (including Pay with Points). You can pay per rental to upgrade to primary coverage through the  American Express Premium Car Rental Protection program . This does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicles types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
• Eligibility and Benefit level varies by card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
• Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Annual fee : $695 ($195 for additional Platinum cards , see rates and fees )

The Amex Platinum provides an impressive 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year). It also offers 5x for prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. So, using TPG’s latest valuations , you’ll get a 10% return on these purchases. But even with a 10% return on select airfare purchases, I still don’t use the Amex Platinum to book flights . Instead, I use the Amex Platinum primarily as a membership card since the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s travel protections provide better coverage for my travel style.

To learn more, check out our  Platinum Card from American Express card review  and take a look at the  terms and conditions  of each benefit. Here’s the official application link:  The Platinum Card from American Express . But, you may also want to check the  CardMatch Tool  to see if Amex has targeted you for a different offer. However, CardMatch offers are subject to change at any time.

Related:  Comparing built-in travel insurance with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome offer : Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership. Based on TPG’s valuations , the 120,000-point bonus is worth $2,400.

Rewards : 5x on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel ; 1.5x on each eligible purchase  in select business categories ,as well as on each purchase of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per calendar year); 1x on other eligible purchases

• Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed and up to two claims per 12-month period per card if a common carrier delays you by more than six hours. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered). Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12-month period for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered). Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Annual fee : $695 (see rates and fees )

The  Amex Business Platinum provides an impressive 5x on flights and prepaid hotels booked through  Amex Travel . Based on  TPG’s latest valuations , this means you’ll get a 10% return on these purchases. But, if you don’t want to book through Amex Travel and would prefer to earn bonus points on a wide variety of business expenses, you may be better off with the  Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

To learn more, check out our  Business Platinum Card from American Express card review  and take a look at the  terms and conditions  of each benefit. And here’s the official application link:  The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

Related:  Why you should consider having both the personal and business Amex Platinum cards

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Welcome offer : Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months.

Rewards : 3x on purchases made directly with Delta; 1x on all other eligible purchases.

• Lost/damaged baggage: Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for eligible persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip.
• Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per covered trip and up to two claims per 12-month period per card if a common carrier delays you more than six hours. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered). Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Annual fee : $650 (see rates and fees )

The  Delta Reserve Amex  provides a 3.3% return on purchases made directly with Delta as well as travel protections that can protect you on eligible round-trips. I’d personally use the  Chase Sapphire Reserve ,  Chase Sapphire Preferred  or  Ink Business Preferred Credit Card  instead of the Delta Reserve when buying flights. But the Delta Reserve offers decent travel protections if you don’t have any of these Chase-issued cards or want to  earn Delta miles .

To learn more, check out the full  Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card review  and take a look at the  terms and conditions  of each benefit. And here’s the official application link:  Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card .

Related:  Choosing the best credit cards for Delta flyers

Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Sign-up bonus : Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. This bonus is worth $600.

Rewards : 2 points per $1 on travel and dining and 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases.

• Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per ticket for unexpected trip delays of more than 12 hours
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $2,500 per person, per trip for unused pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses
• Baggage delay : Up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days for baggage delays of more than six hours
• Lost luggage reimbursement : Provides coverage for luggage and its contents if they are lost or stolen due to theft or misdirection by your common carrier
• Emergency evacuation and transportation coverage : Covers eligible medical services and transportation if you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation.
• Rental car coverage : Get secondary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision.

The  Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card  offers solid value in exchange for its $95 annual fee. For example, you’ll get an up to  $100 Global Entry/TSA Precheck application fee credit  every four years and an  annual up to $100 airline incidental fee statement credit .

But, this card is ideal for  Bank of America Preferred Rewards®  members. After all, these members can earn between 25%-75% more points on their purchases. That means the card’s 2x earnings on travel and dining could increase up to 3.5 points per dollar. Meanwhile, the 1.5x earnings on all other purchases could rise as high as 2.625 points per dollar.

To learn more, check out our  Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa Credit Card review .

Related: Five reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card

Sign-up bonus : Earn 50,000 points after you spend $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening. These points are worth $750 when redeemed to offset eligible travel purchases. However, this card is only available to U.S. Bank customers who have an eligible U.S. Bank account relationship open and active at least five business days before applying.

Rewards : 5x on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 3x on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending; 1x on other purchases

• Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per ticket purchased with your card if you’re delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $2,000 per person, but only to cover non-refundable common carrier tickets
• Lost baggage reimbursement : Up to $3,000 per trip (up to $2,000 per bag for New York residents) if your checked or carry-on bag (or its contents) is lost due to theft or misdirection by a common carrier
• Travel accident insurance : Up to $500,000 of accidental death and dismemberment coverage when you use your card to purchase a ticket for eligible forms of transportation
• Rental car coverage : Primary coverage for physical damage and theft, reasonable and customary towing and valid loss-of-use charges

Annual fee : $400

The  U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card  can be an excellent choice for daily spending and  travel purchases , especially if the merchants you shop with accept  mobile wallet payments . But the card doesn’t include baggage delay protection and the trip cancellation and interruption protection only covers common carrier tickets. However, the Altitude Reserve provides a solid alternative to those who  can’t get accepted for a Chase card .

For more information, check out our  U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card review .

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Visa Infinite card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related:  What credit score is needed for a U.S. Bank Card?

Main benefits of having a credit card with travel insurance

There are multiple benefits to having a credit card that provides travel insurance when you pay for eligible travel expenses with your card. The main advantage is simplicity: I don’t need to research  independent travel insurance  unless I’m going on a trip for which my credit card’s travel insurance  doesn’t provide the level of coverage I want .

Having a credit card with travel insurance can also save you money. My sister-in-law paid more than $100 to buy theft and collision insurance from a  car rental company . After that experience, she finally got the  Chase Sapphire Preferred  to obtain similar coverage as a card perk. Now, she can recoup her annual fee even if she just rents a car a couple of times each year.

Finally, having a credit card with travel insurance provides reassurance. I don’t need to worry if bad weather causes a flight cancellation and strands me overnight since I know my card will provide  trip delay protection . And, I’m almost happy when the airline temporarily misplaces my checked bag for a few days, as my card’s  baggage delay insurance  means I can purchase some essential clothing items while I wait.

Related:  Why you might want to get a premium credit card instead of purchasing travel insurance

How to submit a claim

If you’re in a situation where you believe you may be eligible for your credit card’s travel insurance, your first step should be to read your card’s guide to benefits or call the number on the back of your card. Even if you believe you’ll be covered after reading your card’s guide to benefits, it is usually a good idea to call the number on the back of your card. By calling, you can ensure you’re covered, learn about deadlines for making your claim and determine what documents you’ll need to collect.

The benefits administrator will usually walk you through the necessary steps for making your claim. Luckily, many card issuers now allow you to file claims online, so you may not need to send in physical documents. Be sure to pay attention to any deadline for starting your claim and uploading documents, as well as any specific requirements for requested documentation.

Related:  Your guide to Chase’s trip insurance coverage

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, please click  here . For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, please click  here . For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, please click  here .

Featured photo of the Beachfront Villa, Residence Terrace at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort. (Photo courtesy of Four Seasons)

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American Express Cards: Travel Insurance Benefits Guide [In-Depth]

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A Summary of Travel Insurance Benefits for Amex Cards

Which american express cards offer this, which amex cards offer this, final thoughts.

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Whenever you book a segment of a trip, you’ll often see an option to purchase travel insurance to protect your adventure. That can often be a good idea, especially if you’re planning a bigger or more expensive trip (though you may be better off getting insurance from a third party instead of the travel provider).

But did you know that a lot of different credit cards come with their own travel insurance benefits? This is a great feature that’s included in the cost of your annual fee, but it’s one that many people don’t realize they have or know how to use.

In this article, we’ll look specifically at the Amex travel insurance benefits included with several of their cards, including what’s covered, what isn’t covered, and when you should consider purchasing additional insurance. Keep in mind that terms may apply and enrollment may be required, so ensure you double-check your enrollment within your American Express account.

*All information about these cards has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance

If your trip is either interrupted or canceled , you’ll probably want to look into getting reimbursed for associated expenses. With regards to American Express, you need to have booked a “covered trip” or have your flight canceled for a “covered reason.”

If you read through the actual policies of Amex, it can get quite confusing quite quickly. You’ll often see a reference to a “common carrier.” A common carrier is simply a method of air, land, or water public transportation (like an airplane, train, bus, or cruise ship).

A “covered trip” is defined as a round-trip ticket booked entirely with your eligible card. This covers more than a single round-trip ticket booked altogether in 1 reservation. You must begin your travel in the same city you return to. Also, the duration of travel can’t exceed 365 days away from the origin.

Lastly, the period of travel may consist of round-trip, one-way, or combinations of round-trip and one-way tickets with common carriers. Anecdotally, paying for taxes and fees on an award ticket and Pay With Points are “covered trips.”

A “covered reason” includes inclement weather, terrorist action, call to jury, sudden illness, or injury to you or an eligible traveler.

Before you think about trying to get reimbursed, you need to figure out which Amex cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Currently, these Amex cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance:

• Amex Platinum card
• Amex Business Platinum card
• Amex Schwab Platinum card
• Amex Corporate Platinum card
• Delta Reserve card
• Delta Reserve Business card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card
• Hilton Aspire card

Additionally, all of these cards have the same level of coverage — you are eligible for up to $10,000 of non-refundable travel expenses for up to $20,000 per account in a rolling 12-month period.

Trip Delay Insurance

Trip delay insurance is designed to cover unforeseen circumstances that delay your flight but don’t merit a cancellation. To qualify, you need to have booked a “covered trip” and your flight should be delayed for a “covered reason.”

Here are examples of “covered reasons”:

• Inclement weather, which prevents a reasonable and prudent person from traveling or continuing on a covered trip (e.g. severe weather that delays the scheduled arrival or departure of a common carrier)
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• A common carrier’s equipment failure, as documented by the common carrier
• Lost or stolen passports or travel documents

Once you qualify, you’ll get reimbursed for “reasonable additional” expenses. “Reasonable additional” expenses include, but are not limited to meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal use items.

There are 2 tiers of trip delay insurance with Amex.

The first tier covers up to $500 for a delay of more than 6 hours , and these Amex cards offer this:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant cardHilton Aspire card

The second tier covers up to $300 for a delay of more than 12 hours , and these Amex cards cover this:

• Amex Business Gold card
• Amex Gold card
• Amex Green card
• Amex Business Green card
• Delta Platinum card
• Delta Platinum Business card

Rental Car Insurance

Rental car insurance is one of the most important considerations of vacation transportation logistics. At face value, rental car insurance sounds like a sales pitch when you’re renting a car.

However, should something happen to your rental car, which is not always in your control, you could be shelling out thousands of dollars to resolve the issue! If that doesn’t sound like fun, you should absolutely consider rental car insurance, which is also known as a car rental collision damage waiver .

Primary car rental insurance automatically kicks in, and it will cover loss or damages except for liability, damage to other cars or personal property, or personal bodily injury or to other people.

Secondary car rental insurance kicks in as a backup . You’ll have to file a claim with your personal insurance, and secondary insurance only covers whatever your personal auto insurance doesn’t.

Hot Tip: Want more cards with this coverage? Explore our guide on the best credit cards for car rental insurance.

There are currently no Amex cards that offer primary rental car insurance. However, these cards all offer secondary car rental insurance:

• Amex Blue Business Plus card
• Amex Blue Cash Everyday card

Lost, Damaged, and Stolen Baggage Insurance

American Express is also generous when it comes to baggage insurance .

When you have the ultra-premium Amex cards, you can get coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage, which is up to $2,000 for checked luggage, with a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage per covered person . Note that there’s a total maximum limit of $10,000 for everyone on the trip combined.

When you have some premium Amex cards, you can get coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage, which is up to $500 for checked luggage, with a combined maximum of $1,250 for checked and carry-on baggage per covered person . Note that there’s a total maximum limit of $10,000 for everyone on the trip combined.

As is often the case with credit card-provided insurance , you’ll need to use your Amex Platinum card to pay for the entire fare for this coverage to take effect. Remember that Pay With Points is covered under this, but not award ticket taxes and fees.

A handy benefit feature of this baggage insurance is that the primary cardholder, his or her spouse or domestic partner, and any dependent children (under 23) are all included. That means that if you’re on a family trip and something happens to everyone’s luggage, you’ll all be covered.

Hot Tip: Keep in mind that coverage applies to baggage during a trip on a common carrier, such as a plane, train, bus, ship, or other public modes of transportation. If something happens to your bags during a vacation (but not during your flights), then it won’t be covered.

Something to keep in mind is that the policy considers certain items to be “high-risk,” and caps coverage of these items at $1,000 per person for ultra-premium Amex cards and $250 per person for premium Amex cards . High-risk items include:

• Sporting equipment
• Cameras or photography gear
• Computers and electronics
• Precious metals
• Fur clothing

The insurance policy also excludes items like cash, travel documents, and certain medical items like eyeglasses, contact lenses, or prosthetic limbs. Just about everything else, though, should be covered.

The first step to file a claim is to reach out to the Amex claims processing department. Your best option is to call and have a customer service agent walk you through the process. The number is 800-645-9700 or collect from overseas at +1-303-273-6498.

Note that Amex baggage insurance coverage (like the car rental insurance) is secondary, in this case, to the common carrier’s coverage. That means that the policy will only pay after the carrier pays, so you’ll have to file a claim with the carrier first.

If that claim is denied, or if it doesn’t cover the full cost of your luggage and contents, then the Amex plan is applicable.

Bottom Line: The baggage insurance included with your Amex card can help cover the cost of lost or ruined clothing, personal items, and more. Remember that to make a claim, you’ll need to use the card to pay for your full fare.

As mentioned above, there are 2 tiers of lost, damaged, or stolen baggage insurance.

The first tier covers $2,000 for checked baggage, $3,000 for carry-on baggage, for a per-person total of $3,000 and a per-group total of $10,000. Lastly, there’s coverage of high-risk items of $1,000 per person.

Here are the Amex cards that offer this benefit:

The second tier covers $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry-on baggage for a per-person total of $1,250 and a per-group total of $10,000. Lastly, there’s coverage of high-risk items of $250 per person.

Delayed Baggage Insurance

Delayed baggage insurance covers your baggage if your bags are late to arrive after a particular flight. Usually, it covers you on a per-day basis for reimbursement of essentials while your baggage is away from you.

While some cards offer delayed baggage insurance , there are no Amex cards that offer delayed baggage insurance.

Premium Global Assist and Global Assist

Premium Global Assist

The Premium Global Assist Hotline is a great feature that comes with several Amex cards, although the Amex Platinum card has the most extensive service.

You can call the Premium Global Assist Hotline any time you’re 100 miles or more away from home and need logistical help… big or small. This differs from the card’s concierge service , which is useful for things like shopping help, booking tickets, or getting restaurant recommendations and reservations.

It’s more for things like:

• Help replacing a lost passport
• Canceling lost credit cards
• Emergency translation/interpretation services
• Help finding a lost item
• Help dealing with lost luggage, including staying on top of the airline until it’s found
• Emergency legal or medical referrals
• Emergency medical evacuation/transportation
• Urgent message relay in the event you can’t get in touch with family or friends during an emergency

Hot Tip: You can reach the Premium Global Assist Hotline at 800-345-AMEX (2639) or collect (when calling from abroad) at +1-715-343-7979.

The hotline can also help with certain aspects of planning your trip (again, think “logistics,” not “entertainment”) such as:

• Customs and passport information , including figuring out what visas you’ll need and how to apply, or what you can and can’t bring into the country
• Cultural information, like questions about currency, tourist office locations, or even tipping etiquette
• Foreign exchange rates
• Recommendations for inoculations before traveling to certain regions
• Weather trends and forecasts

The medical assistance is particularly valuable should there ever be a situation requiring it, such as getting sick while in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language.

If you’re traveling and fall ill or become injured, and you’re somewhere where you can’t get adequate treatment, the Global Assist Hotline’s medical team can arrange and cover expenses for transportation to definitive care closer to home.

Hot Tip: Medical transportation costs arranged by the Global Assist Hotline are covered, but a ny costs you incur that were  not arranged through the hotline won’t be reimbursed . Make sure to call ASAP before making any arrangements on your own.

This benefit applies to the cardholder, spouse/domestic partner, and dependents up to 23 years old (or 26 if a full-time student), although any beneficiaries have to be traveling on the same itinerary as the cardholder. Pre-existing conditions are excluded.

Bottom Line: The Premium Global Assistance Hotline can be a real help whether you’re trying to figure out visa requirements or need to find a local doctor while traveling. If you need emergency medical transportation to a facility back home, the hotline can arrange it and cover all expenses. As always, be sure to read the terms.

Global Assist

The Global Assist Hotline can help with a few other, less-extreme medical needs as well, including prescription medication replacement (if you lose or forget medication) and physician or dentist referral.

If your wallet is lost or stolen, the hotline will provide certain financial assistance, including wiring emergency cash to you (which will be charged to your card account) or helping you check into or out of a hotel while you don’t have your card present.

In terms of legal support, the hotline can provide a referral to a local English-speaking lawyer, help connect you to bail bond agencies that accept American Express, and connect you with the nearest consulate or embassy.

The Global Assist Hotline doesn’t offer Emergency Medical Transportation Assistance and Repatriation of Mortal Remains.

Here are the cards that offer the Premium Global Assist Hotline as a benefit:

Here are the cards that offer the Global Assist Hotline as a benefit:

Many cards offered by American Express come with great travel insurance benefits. While the more premium (and expensive) cards offer more extensive benefits, even cards like the Amex EveryDay Card offer you valuable protection during your travels.

Note that American Express cards don’t include baggage delay coverage.

If you’re seeking additional coverage for your trip, like cancellation coverage or emergency medical insurance, American Express offers a stand-alone travel insurance product you can use to supplement what your card provides.

Additionally, plenty of third-party companies offer travel insurance. If you decide that what’s included with your card isn’t enough, you can always shop around for additional coverage. Having coverage with your card is a great benefit, though, since it means whatever policy you buy can be less extensive.

If you want to learn more about general travel insurance, check out our ultimate guides to buying the best travel insurance (for your situation) and when to buy travel insurance .

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

The information regarding the American Express Platinum Card ® for Schwab was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the American Express ® Green Card, the car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Business Gold Card, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday ® from American Express, click  here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is american express travel insurance.

American Express travel insurance can refer to 2 separate things: travel insurance features that come for free with various American Express credit and charge cards, or a standalone travel insurance product sold by American Express.

Which American Express cards come with travel insurance?

The short answer: virtually all of them come with some form of benefit.

The longer answer: each card comes with different features and perks. Some cards, such as the Amex Platinum card, come with high-value baggage insurance, as well as coverage for expensive rental cars with personal injury features and emergency medical transportation coverage.

Other cards, like the Amex Everyday card, come with more limited travel insurance benefits. It’s important to read guides such as this one and check your terms and conditions to see exactly what benefits your credit or charge card includes.

Do I have to pay for the trip with my American Express card to get the travel insurance benefits?

In most cases, yes; paying the entire fare with your American Express card is required in order to activate coverage. There may be exceptions to this, but if you plan to rely on any travel insurance features included with your card, it’s best to use your card to pay for the trip.

What kinds of things does my American Express card's travel insurance cover?

Amex travel insurance features vary by card, but can include some or all of:

• Rental car insurance
• Baggage insurance
• Global assistance
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Physician/dentist referral

Does American Express travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Most medical-related coverage offered by Amex travel insurance specifically excludes pre-existing conditions. If that’s something you’re worried about, you may wish to seek supplementary travel or medical coverage.

How does American Express travel insurance define a pre-existing condition?

According to Amex: “A pre-existing condition is any sickness, illness, or injury that has manifested itself, become acute, or was being treated in the 60-day period immediately prior to the start of a trip.”

Does American Express travel insurance cover issues related to pregnancy?

Yes, as long as you are not traveling against the advice of a physician. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking a trip.

Should I get separate travel insurance in addition to what comes with my card?

You should look into the specific benefit terms of your card when deciding whether you need additional coverage or not.

American Express offers a standalone travel insurance product that can be used to supplement the insurance that comes with your card. This could be a good option if you decide you do need additional coverage.

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• Travel insurance and some credit cards can protect you from financial loss while traveling.
• Travel insurance offers more comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses.
• Credit card travel protection has more gaps but comes at no additional cost for cardholders.

Anything can happen while traveling. Flight delays, lost luggage, or even unexpected injury or illness can interrupt your vacation. When these things occur, travel insurance or the travel protections included with your premium credit card may be able to help, providing medical coverage, offsetting your financial losses, or even reimbursing you fully.

But do you need both travel insurance and credit card travel protections? Here are details on both and tips for deciding what the best travel protection is for you.

Introduction to credit card travel insurance and stand-alone travel insurance

Many credit cards offer travel protections that can help you in certain unexpected travel situations. But they aren't exactly the same as a separate travel insurance policy.

Here's how the two differ at a high level:

• Travel insurance:  Travel insurance is coverage that you purchase for a single trip or multiple trips in a year. It typically covers the costs associated with trip cancellation, trip delays, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events that may occur while traveling.
• Credit card travel protections:  These are benefits automatically included with certain consumer credit cards. They often provide coverage for delays, lost baggage, rental car collisions, and other events during travel. Credit cards sometimes advertise these protections as a type of travel insurance, though they're not a separate insurance policy.

Generally speaking, designated travel insurance is more exhaustive than the protections offered by a credit card. Still, it's worth it to compare both options, particularly if you're taking an expensive trip. 

"It is always wise to check your credit card protection against a travel insurance plan," says Carol Mueller, a vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . "Credit card protection may not include the full, bundled, comprehensive coverage a travel insurance plan would."

What is credit card travel insurance ?

Many premium credit cards offer travel protections to cardholders, but the exact coverages depend on the credit card. Typically, only trips booked with that card qualify for coverage.

"Credit card travel insurance has one big advantage that interests travelers: it's usually free or included in the card's annual fee," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Travel Insurance , a travel insurance provider. "Credit cards' travel benefits can be useful for smaller things, like travel delays or lost bags, but only travel insurance provides reliable protection in real emergencies, like expensive medical emergencies such as hospital visits and evacuations."

In some cases, however, a credit card may cover catastrophic accidents. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, offers up to $1,000,000 worth of coverage for an accident that causes loss of life, speech, hearing, or use of a hand, among other life-altering injuries.

Note: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is just one of many popular credit cards that offer travel protections. Others include the The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card , and the United Club℠ Infinite Card . Most cards with travel benefits charge an annual fee.

Additionally, credit card coverage limits tend to be much lower. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers up to $20,000 per trip in cancellation coverage, while a basic travel insurance plan from Travel Guard offers five times as much coverage.

Pros and cons of credit card travel protection

What is stand-alone travel insurance .

Travel insurance protects you from financial losses related to travel. "There are three main areas of coverage: protecting yourself, protecting your personal items, and protecting your investment," says Christina Tunnah, general manager of Americas and global marketing at World Nomads Travel Insurance , a travel insurance and safety services provider.

Important:  While travel insurance policies may be more comprehensive than credit card protections, it has limitations. They typically won't cover non-essential medical expenses, high-risk sports or activities, or pre-existing conditions — at least without paying for add-on coverage.

Travel insurance works  much like any other insurance policy. When a covered event occurs, like your trip is canceled or you're hurt while traveling, you file a claim with your insurer. If accepted, the company reimburses you for the costs up to your coverage limits.

"Most people have no idea that their health insurance does not cover them abroad," says Shane Mahoney, founder of Lugos Travel , a travel advisory. "So, a broken arm from a slip and fall or a heart attack can be financially devastating."

Travel insurance customers typically have 90 days to file their claim. But once the event occurs, there's no waiting period, meaning travelers should file as soon as possible.

A major factor when filing a successful claim is proof of financial loss. You can use something as simple as a medical clinic receipt or a doctor's medical statement. Once the claim has been reviewed and approved, your insurer will reimburse you via check. Some modern travel insurance companies offer immediate payment via a debit card mailed to travelers before their trip.

Travel insurance providers go beyond your standard credit card or airline coverage. You can buy policies that cover sports equipment, medical, and other coverages. You can also buy Cancel for Any Reason insurance , which covers trip cancellations regardless of the reason. The best CFAR insurance can cover 100% of your costs, but many only cover a percentage. 

Buyers can also price out annual travel insurance plans , which cover all of your trips within a 12-month period. Meghan Walch, director of the InsureMyTrip website, estimates a 4% and 10% travel insurance cost based on your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. If you're buying an annual policy, this figure will change.

Note:  Factors including your trip duration, age, and total expenses influence the cost of individual plans. Add-ons like Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage or coverage for risky activities like skydiving can increase your cost exponentially. We recommend getting at least three quotes for comparison.

Pros and cons of stand-alone travel insurance

Credit card travel protection vs. stand-alone travel insurance.

Deciding between stand-alone travel insurance and credit card travel protection can be difficult. That said, it's worth mentioning that these choices aren't mutually exclusive. Even if you have a credit card that provides travel protection, you can still opt for additional coverage with a stand-alone travel insurance policy.

Cost considerations

The obvious difference between credit card insurance and a stand-alone policy is the cost. While credit card insurance is usually included in the cost of the card, traditional travel insurance is an additional expense, usually between 5% to 6% of the trip's worth, though rates can range from 4% to 12%.

However, travel insurance may pay for itself, covering emergency medical expenses and evacuation."Most people have no idea that their health insurance does not cover them abroad," says Shane Mahoney, founder of travel advisory company  Lugos Travel . "So, a broken arm from a slip and fall or a heart attack can be financially devastating."

On the other hand, credit card travel protections don't come at any additional costs. However, many of the best travel credit cards come with annual fees. Additionally, a credit card's travel protection only applies to trips you book with that credit card. If you don't pay off the credit card immediately, you'll pay interest on your trip. 

If you don't already have a credit card with travel insurance included, you'll also have to determine if the coverage is worth applying for a new credit card.

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

Protect your trip with the best travel insurance . Compare travel insurance quotes from multiple providers with Squaremouth.

Comparing coverage and benefits

In most instances, traditional travel insurance policies will have more comprehensive coverage than credit card travel insurance. They'll cover more reasons for trip cancellation, and some may cover cancellations for no reason. They'll also cover medical emergencies, while credit card travel protections don't.

"Some travel insurance policies also provide epidemic coverage endorsements, which provide coverage to customers who become ill with COVID-19 or a future epidemic, are individually ordered to quarantine, or are denied boarding due to a suspected illness," says Durazo.

Separate travel insurance policies also tend to offer more robust cancellation coverage. Credit card protections often cap reimbursement at just $10,000 a trip, while travel insurance usually goes up to $100,000. Most credit cards will only cover trips purchased with the card or reward points.

Situations best suited for each

Both travel insurance and credit card protections can prove helpful if your trip is canceled or you experience some other loss while traveling, but the right choice will depend on the specifics of your exact trip and budget. "Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs and concerns," Walch says. 

For example, travelers with more health concerns may opt for stand-alone travel insurance. Longer, more expensive, and international trips may also warrant greater coverage that credit card travel insurance can't provide. Additionally, it may be a good idea to insure trips to high-risk areas, either politically unstable regions or areas with inclement weather.

On the other hand, Walch says, "For a short trip to a family member's house in the US, the travel insurance offered through the credit card may suffice."

Credit card travel insurance comparison frequently asked questions

Does credit card travel insurance provide sufficient coverage for international trips  .

Credit card travel insurance may offer basic coverage for international trips, but it often lacks comprehensive medical coverage.

Can I use both credit card travel insurance and a stand-alone policy for the same trip?

Yes, you can use both for the same trip. Stand-alone policies can supplement areas where credit card insurance is limited, such as medical coverage.

Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under credit card travel insurance?

Most credit card travel insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Many stand-alone policies don't cover pre-existing conditions , but you may find some coverage with certain stipulations.

How do I activate travel insurance on my credit card?

Credit card travel insurance is usually automatically activated when you pay for a trip using that card. However, it's important to read the card's policy for specific activation requirements.

Is it more cost-effective to rely on credit card travel insurance?

While credit card travel insurance can be more cost-effective since it's a benefit of the card, it may not provide as comprehensive coverage as a stand-alone policy. In the long run, you may end up losing money if you solely rely on credit card travel insurance.

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Free comprehensive travel insurance now available on the Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard®

Latitude Financial today launched free comprehensive travel insurance for Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard ® customers and their eligible family members, providing benefits if they contract COVID-19 while travelling.

For a limited time until 31 March 2022, customers booking travel will automatically unlock free domestic and comprehensive international no-excess travel insurance when they spend $1,000 or more on flights using their Latitude 28° Global.

The free comprehensive international protection includes Travel Accident, Travel Medical Benefits, Trip Inconvenience Protection, Baggage Protection and Assistance Department Services. 

The coverage related to contracting COVID-19 includes:

• covered medical expenses of up to $700,000 per person if you contract COVID-19 during an overseas covered trip and require treatment;
• non-refundable travel and accommodation deposits if you contract COVID-19 and a doctor certifies you unfit to commence or continue a covered trip;
• administrative costs of postponing a covered trip if just before departure COVID-19 forces you into compulsory quarantine.
• travel disruption due to border closures, such as the cost of additional accommodation or missed flights;
• additional costs due to quarantine.

“Travel is particularly important to our Latitude 28° Global customers and after almost two years of closed borders we are excited to support their adventures by providing comprehensive travel insurance for a limited period, on top of no annual fee and no international transaction or currency conversion fees.”

The coverage is activated for 12 months from the initial purchase of $1,000 or more on flights booked directly with an airline or travel agent in a single transaction. Other trips within this period can be covered if the entire cost of all flights is paid on Latitude 28° Global. These trips are covered if they’re up to 180 days long and completed within the original 12-month period.

For more details on the coverage in this comprehensive travel insurance, full policy details (including the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions) are available at www.28degreescard.com.au/insurance

The launch of free comprehensive travel on Latitude 28° Global, which has no annual fees, comes ahead of an expected travel boom this summer and across 2022.

Google statistics show searches for the term “travel insurance” in Australia reached a 12-month high in November as Australians seek to protect their plans.

A Latitude survey has found Australians want to travel in greater numbers than ever as borders reopen, with as many as 80 per cent planning a trip this summer.

Catching up with family and friends is the principal driver of people’s holiday plans, with the survey of 1000 Australians showing 91 per cent of respondents are looking forward to connecting with loved ones.

Holiday makers are also wanting adventure after two years of COVID-19 disruption spent in the sanctuary of their home. Seventy-six per cent of travellers are seeking active holidays, particularly where they can experience the great outdoors.

While most Australians are planning domestic travel (79 per cent), half of 18-44 year olds surveyed want to travel overseas as soon as they can, especially as more international destinations open up to fully vaccinated travellers.

Media contact

Mark Gardy [email protected] +61 412 376 817

You could also read

Latitude go offers six-months interest free in time for christmas, travel boom as nine in 10 new zealanders expected to travel this summer.

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Free travel insurance and purchase protection.

Enjoy a worry-free travel with your RCBC Credit Card.

• Free Travel Insurance And Purchase Protection
• Travel Plus

*Eligible RCBC Credit Cards: Platinum Mastercard (Black, Diamond, YGC Rewards Plus Platinum), Hexagon Club, JCB Platinum, and UnionPay Diamond

**Spouses and parents up to 64 years old and children and siblings (unmarried and unemployed) up to 21 years old are eligible.

Terms & Conditions apply.

• When shall the cover commence and end? The cover will start from the date of purchase until 23:59 hours on the 90th day thereafter, except for items purchased under a merchandising program in which case shall commence from the date of delivery in undamaged condition to the Cardholder and until 23:59 hours on the 90th day thereafter.
• What is my maximum allowable benefit? Malayan Insurance shall only pay the purchase price of the item or the portion of such purchase price charged to the Card, up to Php 50,000 or the card’s credit limit, whichever is lower.
• Is the item still covered when I leave the country where I purchased it? YES, this is still covered. There is no geographical limit on the coverage of the item, as long as it is still within the period of ninety (90) days from date of purchase.
• Is Jewelry and Gems covered under this program? YES, but only as personal effects of the Cardholder against ROBBERY and BURGLARY, subject to a deductible (# 6). Coverage shall be from the date of purchase until the Cardholder/Insured arrives home or upon expiration of 30 days whichever comes first.
• Is there a deductible or participation fee when I file for a claim? Yes. There is a deductible of 10% of loss, or Php 5,000.00, whichever is higher, for each and every loss. Jewelry and Gems is subject to a deductible of 20% of the cost, or Php 5,000.00, whichever is higher.
• Property that is insured under an insurance policy, unless its coverage does not extend to cover such loss;
• Property that is covered under a guarantee or warranty unless the loss is not otherwise covered;
• Consumable and Perishables;
• Motor vehicles, or their motors, equipment and accessories (including communication devices intended solely for use in the vehicle), bicycles, marine craft, aircraft, model airplane and boats;
• Business Property purchased to be used for business purpose;
• Cash bank and currency notes, checks, travelers checks, money orders, postal orders, postage stamps, securities, negotiable instruments of any kind, bullion, rare or precious coins, documents or tickets of any kind, unset gemstones;
• Livestock, pets, animal, plants or other living creatures;
• Art, antiques, firearms and collectible items;
• Jewelry, gems, precious stones and articles made of or containing gold (or other precious metals and/or precious stones) unless these are to be used as Cardholder’s personal effects and not part of the Cardholder’s trade or business
• Mechanical, electrical or electronic breakdown, failure or derangement;
• Theft from any unattended vehicle unless all windows are securely closed and all doors, boot and openings are securely locked and there is a visible sign of break-in or forcible opening or entry.
• Marring or scratching, denting or chaffing, deterioration, depreciation, alteration, maintenance, any process of cleaning or dying, repairing or renovation, bleaching, dyeing, restoring or servicing.
• Leakage, loss of weight, shrinkage, evaporation, bulging, buckling, contamination, insect or vermin, inherent vice, wear and tear, rust, corrosion, mildew, atmospheric, or climactic conditions (including wind, rain, hail, sleet, snow and frost) or any other gradually operating causes;
• Delay, seizure, confiscation, destruction, requisition, retention or detention by customs or other government of public authority or official.
• The intentional, deliberate or fraudulent acts of the Cardholder or his representatives, or anyone residing in the same household or to whom the item has been entrusted.
• Mysterious disappearance or unexplained losses.
• Transit by air, vessels or ships, trains or vehicles, or any other modes of Public Transportation unless the Item is hand-carried by the Cardholder during the course of the transit.
• Product defects, faulty or defective design, material or workmanship, latent defect.
• Ionizing radiation or contamination by radioactivity from any nuclear waste from the combustion of nuclear fuel, or the radioactive toxic explosives or hazardous properties of any nuclear assembly or nuclear component thereof.
• Acts of God including but not limited to earthquake, volcanic eruption, hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, windstorm and tornado, flood including overflow of the sea, sandstorm.
• Shipping and handling expenses or installation, assembly related costs.
• Items purchased for resale, professional or commercial use.
• Losses that are caused by vermin, insects, termites, mold, wet or dry rot, bacteria or rust.
• Losses due to mechanical failure, electrical failure, software failure, or data failure including, but not limited to any electrical power interruption, surge, brownout or blackout, or telecommunications or satellite systems failure.
• Items damaged due to normal wear and tear, inherent product defect or normal course of play (such as, but not limited to sporting or recreational equipment).
• Items that cardholder damaged through alteration (including cutting, sawing, and shaping).
• Items left unattended in a place to which general public as access.
• Losses due to or related to nuclear, biological or chemical event.
• Loss which arises directly or indirectly by reason of or in connection with war, invasion, or act of foreign enemy, hostilities or warlike operations (whether war has been declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion assuming the proportion of or amounting to a popular uprising, military or usurped power, martial law, riot or the act of any lawfully constructed authority.
• The insured’s person’s failure to exercise the necessary level of care and attention needed to avoid or diminish such loss or damage to the Insured Item.
• Diminution in value or loss of use of the Insured Item or consequential loss of any and every kind.
• How can I claim? A written notification to Malayan Insurance must be made within 48 hours from the happening of the incident and complete claim documents must be submitted to Malayan Insurance within seven (7) days from the date of the incident.
• Proof that the damaged or stolen item/s has been charged to the cardholder’s credit card
• Original copy of Sales Invoice or Original Receipt for the damaged or stolen items
• Affidavit of the cardholder on how the loss or damage of the purchased item/s was incurred
• Police report for Theft or Stolen Item claims
• Replacement cost or repair estimates for damaged item claims

RCBC Credit Card spend on international airfare, cruise tickets, or tour packages through a travel agency originating from the Philippines are eligible for free Travel Insurance and Purchase Protection. 

Medical report Register for your free Travel Insurance when your credit card transaction is posted until/at least seven (7) working days before your trip at https://cloud.marketing.rcbcbankard.com/travelinsurance .

No. Travel Insurance registrations through the website will prompt you to enter your posted transaction date and the amount reflected in the Statement of Account or the RCBC Pulz app. Make sure to have this information ready for seamless registration.

No. In order to receive your Travel Insurance electronic Certificate of Cover (e-COC) before your flight, online registration is required at least 7 working days prior  to your scheduled flight. We strongly recommend that you register early at: https://cloud.marketing.rcbcbankard.com/travelinsurance . 

 Your international trip is covered for up to 15 calendar days. You can request added coverage from our insurance provider and pay with your RCBC Credit Card!

● Extension of cover

● Top up/upgrade to COVID cover - for Plan B ONLY. NOT APPLICABLE TO PLAN A .

● Other companion (exceeding 2).

To request for added coverage, please get in touch with MALAYAN INSURANCE:

        Email: [email protected] , [email protected]

        Telephone (632) 8628-8341/8342 , (632) 8628-8712 / Mobile (+632)920 9455119

The Insurance Provider will cover flights from the PHILIPPINES to international destinations, including those with layovers and extended/multiple stopovers in other countries. Qualified origin is from anywhere in the Philippines; the destination is another country only, not vice versa. 

Yes. Supplementary cardholders who use their RCBC Credit Card to purchase international airfare, cruise tickets, or tour packages from travel agencies are also entitled to free Travel Insurance without Purchase Protection . 

If you need travel insurance and your flight is less than 7 days away, please contact the RCBC Credit Customer Hotline at (02)8888-1888 for assistance. Please note that requests made during the travel period will not be accepted.

If you register at least 7 working days before your flight and have yet to receive your eCOC, please call the RCBC Credit Customer Hotline (02)8888-1888 or send an email to [email protected] so we can check the status of the request and provide feedback. 

General Requirements

• RCBC Credit Card used to purchase the international travel ticket
• Statement of Account showing purchase of International Airline Ticket
• International Airline Ticket/Boarding Pass
• Passport duly stamped by Bureau of Immigration (Departure and Arrival)

Personal Accident

• Medical report
• In case of death, original copy of the Death certificate and coroner’s report
• Police report (if a medico legal case or a vehicular accident) or a duly notarized written statement by the claimant

Emergency Medical Treatment

• Out-patient

a. Original Official Receipts

b. Medical report

c. Laboratory results (if any was done)

2. In-patient

a. Statement of Account (with breakdown)

b. Official Receipts

c. Medical Report

d. Laboratory results (if any was done)

e. Operative record and hispathology results (if surgery was done)

f. Police report (if a medico legal case or a vehicular accident) or a duly notarized written statement by the claimant

Emergency Trip Cancellation

• Medical Certificate of assured or family member
• Duplicate copy of death certificate of the immediate family member (if family member died)
• Birth certificate/marriage contract of the assured (depending on the relationship of the assured with the immediate family member)
• Certificate of cancellation of flight from airline
• Original receipts of pre-booked and non-refundable lodging and transportation

Emergency Trip Termination

• New ticket purchased
• Boarding passes or stamp on passport

Loss of Travel Documents

•  Notarized incident report or police report
• Document issued by the carrier for lost travel tickets or the embassy for lost passport
• Copy of the replacement passport and/or travel tickets
• Official receipts of the travel and communication expenses incurred in getting a replacement passport or travel tickets

Flight Delay

• Irregularity report issued by the airline indicating the reason of the delay
• Receipts of expenses (food, lodging, transportation)

Strikes and Aircraft Hijacking

Loss of Baggage

• Baggage irregularity report issued by the airline if the loss occurred while the baggage was under their custody
• Police report if stolen
• Original official receipt/s of the lost baggage/s
• List of lost items with brand, model, type and corresponding amount

Baggage Delay

• Baggage irregularity report issued by the airline
• Delivery report from the airline stating the exact date and time that the baggage was retrieved
• Original official receipts of expenses incurred (on toiletries and clothing)
• Certificate issued by the carrier for lost travel tickets or the embassy for lost passport
• Copy of the replacement passport and/or lost travel tickets
• If loss occurred in such circumstances, an irregularity report from the airline or a police report
• Official reports of the travel and communication expenses incurred in getting a replacement passport or travel tickets

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards with travel insurance benefits.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

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“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

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“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance? How much is travel insurance? Is travel insurance worth it? What does travel insurance cover? Does travel insurance cover COVID?

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Best no annual fee travel credit cards of April 2024

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  

Travel rewards cards are a lot like gyms. The best ones may come with tons of added benefits (saunas, yoga class, etc.) but they also cost a lot, usually with a big financial commitment upfront. 

As a result, whether you’re considering a Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card (with its $95 annual fee) or a CrossFit membership, you probably have the same question on your mind: will I really use it enough to justify paying for it? 

While there aren’t any free gyms we know of, there thankfully are plenty of no-annual-fee travel rewards cards that require essentially zero commitment. And just like an ab roller or a Richard Simmons DVD, you can simply use them a few times, forget about them, and put them in a drawer until beach season. Or, you can stick with it and make them part of your daily routine—whatever works for you.

You’re also far more likely to see “instant results” with these cards, too. From 100,000-point welcome bonuses to rewards for paying rent, free travel insurance to 3X on gas, these cards offer way more than you’d expect for a fee of $0 per year. 

The best no-annual-fee travel cards for April 2024

Best overall: bilt mastercard, best for hotel rewards: ihg one rewards traveler credit card, best for airline rewards: united gateway℠ card, best for travel earnings: wells fargo autograph℠ card, best for flat-rate earnings: capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

The Bilt Mastercard allows you to earn points from paying rent and transfer them 1:1 to well over a dozen different travel partners including United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy. Toss in some surprisingly robust travel insurance and you have our unconventional—yet logical—choice for the best overall no-annual-fee travel card of 2024.

Bilt Mastercard®

See Rates and Fees

Special feature

Rewards rates.

• 1x Earn 1X points on rent up to 100K/year
• 1x Earn 3X points on dining
• 2x Earn 2X points on travel
• 1x Earn 1X points on other purchases
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
• Uniquely earns points on rent
• Rent Day bonus every first of the month offers double points (excluding rent)
• Robust travel transfer partners
• Cash redemption rate is poor
• No traditional welcome bonus
• Travel perks: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
• See this page for details
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Why we like this card: As mentioned, the Bilt Mastercard’s most compelling feature is that it allows you to pay rent with a credit card—even if your landlord doesn’t take plastic—and avoid the transaction fee paying rent by credit card would typically incur. Then, as long as you complete five transactions each month, you’ll trigger 1X rewards on your rent payments. 

Note that rewards on rent are capped at 100,000 points per year.

In terms of earning potential, if you pay the median ~$2,000 rent in the U.S., you could earn approximately 24,000 points per year which can be used to book travel in Bilt’s portal at a value of 1.25 cents per point or transferred to any of Bilt’s airline or hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. In other words, you could likely earn a domestic flight with United or a weekend stay at Hyatt, all for simply paying rent on time.

The Bilt card also provides trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement, and primary rental car insurance (terms apply)—perks you wouldn’t typically find on a no-annual-fee credit card.

If you’re looking for a hotel rewards card that offers the most free nights for no annual fee, wait until you read about the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card. With a six-figure welcome bonus, up to 17X on stays and other compelling rewards, it’s currently the gold standard for no-fee hotel rewards.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Intro bonus.

• 17x Earn up to 17X points when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts 
• 3x Earn 3X points on dining, utilities, internet, cable, and phone services, select streaming services, and at gas stations
• 2x Earn 2X points on all other purchases
• Generous welcome bonus not typically seen in a $0 annual fee card
• Travel protections that are unusual for a no-annual-fee card
• Fourth night free on award bookings
• Limited redemption options outside of IHG
• IHG points are worth less than some other rewards currencies
• Silver status granted with the card has limited benefit
• Additional perks: Trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, ability to spend to Gold status
• Foreign transaction fee:None

Why we like this card: We like calling the IHG One Rewards Traveler card the “Liam Hemsworth” of travel rewards cards because it lives in the shadow of its big brother—the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card —but still delivers plenty of quality and substance in its own right (with no annual fee, to boot). 

For starters, you can get a welcome bonus of 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, potentially worth around $500 to $700 in IHG redemption. 

Plus, enjoy up to 17X points when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, instant Silver Elite status and a handy bonus where you redeem points for three consecutive nights and get the fourth night in your stay free. So, if you book a three-night stay using your welcome bonus, you’ll essentially be getting a complimentary four-night stay at a nice IHG property for no annual fee. The IHG One Rewards program could be very rewarding for the right traveler.

Check out our full review of the IHG One Rewards Traveler .

As a no-annual-fee airline card, the United Gateway℠ Card currently edges out its rival the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card by offering a more generous welcome bonus and travel insurance that the Delta card does not provide. If you fly occasionally and would like to earn miles, but aren’t willing to make the commitment of $95 or more for a mid-tier airline card with more perks, the Gateway is a strong choice. 

United Gateway℠ Card

• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, in-flight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges and other United purchases.
• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit.
• 1x 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• Reward bonus categories outside of United Airlines
• Robust travel protections for a no-annual-fee card
• No baggage or expanded award availability benefits like with other United cards
• Subject to Chase 5/24 rule.
• United perks: 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
• Other perks: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like this card: The United Gateway card offers 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting plus 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Considering a United Mile is worth roughly around 1.2 cents these days, effectively earning 2.4 cents back on everyday purchases is a solid value proposition. 

You’ll also get a welcome bonus of 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. And, you can save with a discount of 25% back on United in-flight and Club Premium drink purchases. 

New cardholders will enjoy a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, after 21.99%–28.99% variable applies.

If the United Gateway card has a small lead on the Delta Skymiles Blue Amex at this point, it soars ahead (pun intended) when you look at the included travel and shopping protections. Both cards offer secondary rental car insurance, but only the Gateway includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection. 

So, if you’re seeking a no-annual-fee card you can use to rack up miles—and you either tend to fly United most of the time or you’re at minimum not devoted to a competing airline—the United Gateway is the card to beat.

Check out our full review of the United Gateway Card for more info.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page  

With a generous welcome bonus in exchange for an attainable spend amount, 3X on travel, and a fancy name, you’d think the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card would command an annual fee of at least $95. But it doesn’t, making it a superb candidate for general travel use.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Intro bonus.

• 3X 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
• 1X 1X points on other purchases
• No annual fee
• 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that's a $200 cash redemption value)
• Points transfer to partners
• Car rental insurance is secondary
• No travel insurance
• Transfer partners are limited
• Additional perks: Cell Phone Protection: Provides up to $600 in cell phone protection when you pay your monthly cell bill with your Wells Fargo Autograph card. Coverage is subject to a $25 deductible and limited to two claims every 12-month period.
• Foreign transaction fee: N/A

Why we like this card: The Wells Fargo Autograph offers unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and even your landline bill too if you have one, plus 1X points on other purchases—all without charging an annual fee. And, to make traveling a little cheaper/less stressful, you’ll also get $600 worth of cell phone protection (minus a $25 deductible) as long as you pay your phone bill with this card and secondary rental car insurance. 

Cardholders can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to Wells Fargo’s first wave of transfer partners including Air France‑KLM Flying Blue, Avianca Lifemiles, British Airways Executive Club, AerClub, and Iberia Plus and 1:2 to Choice Privileges. 

But even if you aren’t a member of those loyalty programs, earning 3X on dining, travel, gas, and more is hard to pass up. You can redeem points at a value of 1 cent each to offset past purchases on your account, meaning you can wield the Autograph either as a no-annual-fee travel card or as a cash-back card effectively earning unlimited 3% back in a wide swath of useful categories. 

Check out our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph .

Sometimes, you just want a card that offers a little more than 1X on every purchase—without having to worry about what this quarter’s rotating rewards are, or whether a specific merchant qualifies as “groceries” for the purposes of your card’s rewards. If you value simplicity and the lack of an annual fee in your travel card, you’ll probably be a fan of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and its straightforward rewards program.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Reward Rates

• 5x Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1.25x Earn 1.25x miles on every other purchase
• Flexible travel rewards
• No foreign transaction fee
• Maximizing Capital One Miles requires a learning curve
• Cash redemption value is limited
• The VentureOne offers travel accident insurance, rental car coverage, extended warranty protection, exclusive access to events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment

Why we like this card: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards offers 1.25X miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. That’s pretty much all that you have to remember. You can also get a nice welcome bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, which is a solid payout for a very attainable spending target. 

Capital One Miles can be transferred to well over a dozen airline and hotel partners, most at a 1:1 rate. Partners include Air Canada’s Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards, among others. Other ways to book travel include redeeming miles through Capital One’s portal or making the purchase directly, paying with your card like normal, then using miles for a statement credit to cover the transaction. 

The Venture One also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months (after that, the variable APR will be 19.99%–29.99%). There’s an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account during the first 15 months that your account is open , then 4% per transfer for any promotional APR offered after. 

Come to think of it, provided you have the excellent credit needed to apply, the VentureOne could make a great travel companion for a grad student given its simplicity, lengthy intro APR period and low spending threshold required to trigger the welcome bonus.

Check out our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards .

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for international transactions without extra charges.

Zero foreign transaction fees is actually a common benefit among travel rewards cards, including many with no annual fee. For example, neither the Bilt Mastercard nor the United Gateway card charges a foreign currency conversion fee. 

What is the best travel credit card for a young person? 

If you’re still paying rent, the Bilt Mastercard is an excellent choice since it can generate points from rent payments which can then be transferred 1:1 to well over a dozen airline and hotel partners. If you’d prefer a card with a welcome bonus, which the Bilt card lacks, the IHG One Rewards Traveler card currently offers a massive welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee card—potentially worth hundreds of dollars toward a future IHG hotel stay. 

Is a travel card with an annual fee worth it?

Using a travel rewards card with an annual fee can be worth it as long as you’re extracting enough points and benefits to justify paying the fee each year. If you travel infrequently or just want one less fee to worry about, consider one of the no-annual-fee cards on our list above. But, the best perks and protections are typically available on cards with annual fees.

For example, the Capital One Venture X card offers a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel. If you use that every year, you’ve gone a long way toward offsetting the $395 annual fee. You also get 10,000 bonus miles, worth at least $100 toward travel, every year starting on your account anniversary.

Methodology

To bring you our top picks for the best travel rewards cards with no annual fee, the Fortune Recommends surveyed more than a dozen cards currently available from today’s top issuers. From there, we ranked each one based on the following core categories and weights:

• Welcome bonus (10%): Some cards—even those with no annual fee—offer welcome bonuses that you can earn once you make enough purchases within a certain time frame, such as spending $1,000 within three months of account opening.
• Travel earnings (25%): These are the point rewards you’d earn by making travel-related purchases (e.g. 3X on hotels, 2X on airfare).
• Car rental insurance (15%): Many, but not all travel-centric rewards cards include an auto rental collision damage waiver, which allows you to decline a portion of the rental company’s insurance and save potentially up to $30 per day. We gave extra consideration to if a card offers primary rental car insurance versus secondary, because primary kicks in immediately in a covered scenario—whereas secondary only applies after your own, personal insurance. 
• Travel insurance benefits (15%): Some travel rewards cards automatically apply trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost/delayed luggage reimbursement and even travel accident insurance on travel bookings made using the card.
• Gas earning (5%): Since road trips remain a common form of travel, whether or not a card offers points rewards at the pump factored into our rankings.
• Dining earning (10%): If a no-annual-fee travel rewards card offered 2X or more on restaurant purchases it favored well in this category.

The remaining 20% was based on the card’s main focus: hotel, airline or general travel rewards. 

• For general travel—points transferrable to partners (20%): Points are literally worth more if you can transfer them to certain partners, so a card’s ability to transfer rewards to airline and hotel partners factored into our rankings.
• For hotel rewards—free award night with booking (20%): Some hotel rewards cards offer a BOGO-like perk where if you redeem a certain number of nights with points you get an extra tacked on for free.
• For airline rewards—ability to spend towards status (20%): Most airline rewards cards allow you to earn miles, but not all of them count those miles towards your next loyalty status. If a card treated them as “qualifying miles,” it fared better in this category.

Lastly, just keep in mind that virtually every aspect of a travel rewards card—from the rewards to the welcome bonus and fee structure—is subject to change, which could impact how many miles or points you earn. 

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Guide to travel rewards credit cards

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Complimentary international travel insurance

Check your eligibility and policy coverage or make a claim on your complimentary international travel insurance through Allianz Global Assistance (AGA).

Changes effective 1 November 2023

Please read this summary of changes to understand how it will affect your complimentary card insurance policy.

Key features

If your NAB card offers complimentary international travel insurance, here are a few reasons to use that feature.

Simple claims process

Make a claim online, even if you’re overseas.

Simple eligibility check

With  Allianz Global Assistance’s eligibility portal , opens in new window , you can easily check if your card is eligible for up to five complimentary insurances including international travel insurance (for persons aged under 81 years).

No need to get a quote

Your insurance is complimentary with eligible NAB cards, so no need to get quotes or apply.

Eligible NAB cards

The following NAB cards include complimentary international travel insurance.

On sale cards

• NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card
• NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card
• NAB Rewards Signature Card
• NAB Rewards Platinum Card
• NAB Low Fee Platinum Card
• NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card

Off sale cards

• NAB Premium Card
• NAB Velocity Rewards Premium Card
• NAB Flybuys Rewards Card
• NAB Low Rate Platinum Card
• NAB Qantas Plus Card

Eligible purchases

To be eligible, you’ll need to reside in Australia and:

• charge at least $500 of your prepaid travel costs to the accountholder’s card account before leaving Australia
• have a return overseas travel ticket before leaving Australia
• be aged under 81 years at the time you become eligible for the cover by meeting the conditions above.

You can check if you are eligible for complimentary insurance by using the Allianz Global Assistance eligibility portal , opens in new window .

Policy coverage

The below is a limited summary only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits and excesses apply.

You, your spouse and your dependants may be covered by this policy if the eligibility criteria is met. Eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply.

For the full list of benefits and the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, applicable sub-limits and excesses that apply, please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet Effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window .

What may be covered

Below is a limited summary only. For the full list of benefits and the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, applicable sub-limits and excesses that apply, please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet Effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window .

Here are examples of what this insurance is designed to cover for eligible customers.

For people aged under 81 years

The below information is a limited summary only and are subject to applicable terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits and excesses that may apply.

overseas emergency assistance and medical expenses

accidental death and loss of income

cancellation

travel delay and alternative transport expenses

luggage and luggage delay

rental vehicle excess

personal liability

Epidemic and pandemic cover

Below is a limited summary only and are subject to applicable terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits and excesses that may apply.

COVID-19 cover may be available under selected sections of the international travel insurance section.

For more information about epidemics and pandemic coverage (such as COVID-19), please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window .

If, during the period of cover available, you (including your spouse and/or dependants who are eligible for cover) are positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19, cover may be available to you under the following sections:

1.1 Overseas Emergency Assistance (including Medical Evacuation and Repatriation)

1.2 Overseas Emergency Medical

2.1 Cancellation

3.1 Additional Expenses

If your travel companion is positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19, which impacts your journey, cover may be available to you under the following sections: 

2.1 Cancellation 

Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet effective 1 November  2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window  including Part D – General Exclusions and the exclusions set out in each of the above sections.

What isn’t covered

Below is a limited summary only.

For the full list of benefits and the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, applicable sub-limits and excesses that apply, please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window .

Examples of what’s not covered include claims arising directly or indirectly because of:

• any pre-existing medical condition of any person including you, your travel companion or a relative unless Allianz Global Assistance has confirmed in writing to you that the pre-existing medical condition causing your claim is covered by the Group Policy. Before going overseas, you can apply for assessment of whether your pre-existing medical condition is covered by the group policy online or over the phone. If after assessment, Allianz Global Assistance confirm to you that your pre-existing medical condition is covered by the group policy, you will need to pay an administration fee of $75.
• childbirth at any gestation (except when arising from an injury or sickness) and pregnancy related sickness if you have had complications in your pregnancy before you became eligible for cover  
• your participation in any dangerous activities or your exposure of yourself to danger unless in an attempt to preserve your life or the life of another person

Other complimentary insurances

If you have an eligible NAB card, and make an eligible purchase, these complimentary insurances are also available.

Complimentary domestic travel insurance

Learn what you need to know about your domestic travel insurance.

Complimentary rental vehicle excess insurance in Australia

How to make a claim, check eligibility and understand your policy.

Complimentary extended warranty insurance

Learn about policy coverage, eligibility and the simple claims process for your extended warranty insurance.

Complimentary purchase protection insurance

What you need to know about your policy coverage, eligible purchases and claims.

How to make a claim

If you’re making a claim on your travel insurance, the easiest way to claim is by using the online claims portal. For claims relating to any other type of cover (including domestic travel insurance), please contact our team via email or phone.

For claims relating to international travel insurance only , you can submit an online claim.

Download the relevant form and email our insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance.

Call Allianz Global Assistance (AGA)  Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 7:00pm (AEST/ADST) .

Australia:  1800 187 025

Emergency assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls from mobiles, public telephones or hotel rooms may attract additional charges.

Australia:  1800 010 075

Overseas:  +61 7 3305 8800

Important Information

Terms and conditions.

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AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), under a binder from the insurer, Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz), has issued an insurance group policy to National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937 AFSL and Australian credit licence 230686 (NAB) which allows eligible persons to claim under it as third-party beneficiaries. 

Access to the benefit of cover under the NAB card insurances is available to eligible NAB cardholders and other eligible third-party beneficiaries by operation of s48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Any advice on insurance is general advice only and not based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You must check whether or not it is appropriate, in light of your own circumstances, to act on this advice. The insurance is underwritten by Allianz. NAB is not the product issuer or insurer and neither it nor any of its related bodies corporate guarantee any of the benefits under this cover. If an eligible person wishes to claim any of these benefits, they will be bound by the eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits of the group policy set out in the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window , which may be amended from time to time. For insurable events that occurred prior to 1 November 2023, please refer to the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet dated 30 June 2022 (PDF, 604KB) , opens in new window .

For more information about the changes visit Information about changes to complimentary insurances .

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Credit Cards > Reviews

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review 2024: Money-saving perks for fans of the startup carrier

Stella Shon

Allie Johnson

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Grace Pilling

Published 6:07 a.m. UTC April 10, 2024

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Breeze Airways remains relatively unknown, but this startup airline is a breath of fresh air for travelers in underserved areas. The airline offers nonstop routes from smaller airports to popular U.S. destinations, allowing flyers to skip connecting through busy airports.

Now, the low-cost airline is launching its first credit card, the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . Cardholders can earn BreezePoints on Breeze flights and everyday expenses and redeem them for flights, bags, seat assignments, and more.

Here’s our full Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review and our take on whether frequent Breeze flyers should take a closer look. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card basics

• Annual fee: $89.
• Welcome bonus: 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Rewards: Earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• APR: 21.24% to 29.99% variable.
• Recommended credit score: Good to excellent.
• Does the card offer preapproval? No.
• Other benefits: Points never expire with the card, Group 1 Priority boarding, complimentary inflight Wi-Fi on Breeze Airbus fleet, 7,500-anniversary points after spending $10,000 in a year and no foreign transaction fees.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review

A loyalty program is key to repeat business, and Breeze is offering its frequent flyers even more with the debut of a new travel rewards credit card. While the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card isn’t for everyone, it provides plenty of value for the right cardholder.

You can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

In other words, you can get up to a 10% return on eligible Breeze purchases.

Your BreezePoints never expire as long as you have the card, and you can redeem them at a flat 1-cent-per-point rate for flights and other traveler extras such as checked bags and seat assignments.

But with an $89 annual fee, you’ll need to crunch the numbers to see if the card will provide enough value to justify the cost.

The card offers benefits you’d expect from any airline credit card , such as access to priority boarding for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation. And cardholders get free inflight Wi-Fi, saving $8 each way. (By the end of the year, Breeze plans to become a fleet of all Airbus A220s, one of the most comfortable regional jets to fly.)

In sum, Breeze offers an economical way to fly to dozens of U.S. destinations, and its new credit card is a natural fit for frequent Breeze travelers.

• Elevated points spent on Breeze flights and trip add-ons: That’s one of the best rewards rates on any airline credit card, giving flyers a generous haul of points for booking Breeze flights. 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi for all travelers on the same reservation: You won’t have to pay for internet connectivity, saving you $8 on every one-way flight.
• BreezePoints won’t expire : BreezePoints normally expire after 24 months, but the card will extend their shelf life for as long as your account remains open.
• Anniversary bonus: You’ll get a 7,500-point bonus every account anniversary, worth $75 for Breeze flights and more, if you spend at least $10,000 on the card each year. 
• No free bags: Airline credit cards typically come with a free checked bag, but this card does not waive the cost of checked bags. 
• BreezePoints are worth 1 cent apiece: While Breezy Rewards is a straightforward program, there’s no opportunity for outsized value, as with other frequent flyer program currencies.
• Full rewards only after your flight : With the card’s earning rate, you’ll earn half of the BreezePoints when purchasing the flight and the other half after the flight is complete. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card rewards

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of Breeze’s first-ever credit card is the ability to earn huge rewards on eligible Breeze Airways purchases. Let’s take a closer look at how the rewards break down:

Cardholders can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

New applicants can also earn 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. 

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has around $25,087 in annual expenses that can be charged to a credit card. 

We assumed the example cardholder purchased flights at the base-level ticket (Nice fare class). Here’s how our sample household’s rewards could break down:

Cardholders will earn BreezePoints through the Breezy Rewards program. In this example, the cardholder earned 37,119 points from card purchases, worth $371.19 for Breeze flights, baggage fees, seat assignments, and more. 

Breeze Airways is not part of an airline alliance, nor does it have any partnerships, except with new partner Priceline. You can only redeem your points for Breeze-related purchases, meaning there’s no opportunity to maximize rewards on other airlines. This is a key consideration if you want to apply for the Breeze card. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card perks

An airline credit card is best suited to those who fly almost exclusively with the carrier, and the Breeze Easy Visa is no exception. Cardholders get the major advantage of free inflight Wi-Fi, saving them and companions on the same reservation $8 each way.

Furthermore, cardholders and their travel companions on the same reservation get Group 1 priority boarding. That means you’ll have first dibs on precious overhead bin space. The more you fly, the more value you’ll get from these benefits. 

In addition, cardholders get the chance to earn 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year after spending $10,000 in purchases. Those BreezePoints are worth $75 — nearly the cost of the annual fee — adding even more ongoing value. 

Although the airline has no international flights, the Breeze Easy card is a keeper for traveling abroad because there are no foreign transaction fees. It’s a Visa Signature card, which comes with complimentary travel insurance perks such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage and more.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card drawbacks

One crucial feature the card is missing: a free bag benefit. Most airline credit cards will waive the cost of the first checked bag as a cardholder-exclusive perk. This could be a dealbreaker for some travelers.

At the lowest fare classes, Breeze only allows for one free personal item that must fit under the seat. The airline also operates on a dynamic bag pricing model, so the cost of a carry-on and checked bag will vary slightly depending on your flight route. 

While this may disappoint, remember that BreezePoints can be redeemed for extra charges, including bag fees. For instance, you can use 3,500 BreezePoints to wipe out a $35 carry-on bag charge. And, if you’ve booked a higher fare class (Nicer or Nicest), the cost of bags is included in the ticket bundle.

How the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card compares to other travel cards 

Breeze easy visa credit card vs. chase sapphire preferred® card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which has a $95 annual fee, is ideal for travelers looking to earn bonus points on travel and everyday purchases. You’ll earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® has an enticing list of transfer partners, including United and Southwest. Cardholders can redeem miles at an elevated 1.25-cent rate for travel purchases via the Chase travel portal. Unfortunately, you can’t book Breeze Airways flights on Chase Travel, so this isn’t a fit if you want to redeem points for Breeze flights. 

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also has a $95 annual fee and offers the benefit of simplicity with 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases. You can redeem Capital One miles as a statement credit for any travel purchases made within the past 90 days at a rate of 1 cent apiece. This rewards flexibility is a big plus.

It’s also possible to outsize those rewards with Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partner roster, especially for international flights. You’ll also benefit from a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100), a nice added travel perk. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. JetBlue Plus Card * The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

We’d be remiss not to offer a comparison to the JetBlue Plus card to see how the Breeze Easy card stacks up. The JetBlue Plus Card has a slightly higher $99 annual fee. It’s also issued by Barclays and offers similar earnings: 6 points per $1 on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. 

You’ll earn TrueBlue points, which can be redeemed for flights on the airline or partner carriers such as Qatar Airways or Hawaiian Airlines. The JetBlue Plus card offers a free first checked bag. This benefit provides at least $35 in savings each way, which helps offset the annual fee. 

Is the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card worth it?

Between the card’s welcome bonus and ongoing rewards rates, there’s a lot of potential to stockpile BreezePoints. But unless you exclusively fly with the airline, it’s worth shopping around to see if another travel credit card will serve you better in the long term, especially if your goal is to save money on flights with a range of carriers, rather than just Breeze Airways.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card is right for you if:

• You frequently fly out of the airline’s main hubs .
• You want to earn rewards to save money on Breeze flights and travel purchases.
• You want to save money onboard Breeze flights with the card’s complimentary Wi-Fi.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Airline credit cards, such as the new Breeze Easy card, offer ways for the most loyal flyers to save money on travel. This card is no exception, with plenty of ways to earn BreezePoints, free Wi-Fi and more for ultra-loyal Breeze passengers.

The Breeze Easy card costs $89 per year. This fee is in line with competing travel cards, which you might also want to consider for more flexible rewards earning, redemption and perks.

While the issuing bank, Barclays, does not disclose a specific credit score requirement, you’ll want to have good to excellent credit to increase your chances of qualifying for most travel credit cards. 

Breeze Airways does not offer a true business-class product, but the airline has a spacious recliner seat called “Ascent class” on its Airbus A220 fleet, and extra legroom seats. 

*The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Stella Shon is a freelance writer that connects the dots between personal finance and travel. Her work has appeared in The Points Guy, ValuePenguin and MoneyUnder30, and she's been interviewed by The New York Times, CNBC and more.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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• Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

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Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee In Canada For April 2024

Updated: Apr 10, 2024, 9:28am

Cash-back credit cards make tapping your plastic even more tempting, since they turn some of your everyday purchases into cash rewards. They do so by allowing cardholders to earn back a percentage of their eligible credit card spending, either as a deposit into their bank account or as a statement credit.

That all sounds well and good, but some of the best cash-back credit cards have a major catch: They come with an annual fee that ends up eating into your rewards. And while some of these earn enough cash back that they cancel out said fee, spending enough to cover (or even surpass) the fee can be a big commitment—especially if you’re not sure how much you’ll spend each year on the card in question.

If thinking about such a prospect gives you anxiety, there are cash-back cards that have no annual fee —meaning their rewards don’t come with a yearly cost, so it’s pure reward. These cards can be a way to earn cash back without any kind of barrier hindering your earning potential. Here are the best cash back credit cards with no annual fee in Canada.

Featured Partners

Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in Canada for April 2024

Rogers red world elite® mastercard®, simplycash card from american express, cibc costco mastercard, triangle world elite mastercard, neo standard mastercard, tangerine money-back credit card, tangerine world mastercard, rbc cash back mastercard, simplii financial cash back visa, bmo cashback mastercard, here’s a summary of best cash back credit cards with no annual fee in canada for april 2024, methodology, what is cash back on a credit card, how to choose a no annual fee cash back credit card, how to apply for a cash back credit card with no annual fee, frequently asked questions (faqs).

• Best Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
• Best Aeroplan Credit Cards
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• Best Balance Transfer Credit cards

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

On TD’s Website

Welcome Bonus

Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†

Regular APR (Purchases) / Regular APR (Cash Advances)

20.99% / 22.99%

American Express Cobalt® Card

On American Express’s Secure Website

Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points

$155.88 ($12.99 per month)

Regular APR

MBNA True Line Mastercard

On MBNA’s Website

0% interest for 12 months on balance transfers within 90 days of account opening, with a 3% transfer fee

12.99%-19.99%

Best For U.S. Dollar Purchases

Regular APR (Purchases)

Not only do you get flat-rate cash back on all purchases, a great 3% cash back rate on all purchases made in U.S. dollars, airport lounge access and five types of insurance, you get all that for no annual fee.

• No annual fee
• Earn 2% cash back on all purchases if you have one qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw
• Earn 1.5% cash back if you do not have a qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw
• Earn 3% cash back on U.S. dollar purchases
• Complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass provided by Dragon Pass
• Includes some travel insurance coverage
• High income requirements to qualify
• The highest cash-back rate is for U.S. purchases only
• Airport lounge visits cost $32 USD per person, per visit, on top of the complimentary lounge access membership
• 2% unlimited cash back (exclusively for eligible Rogers, Fido or Shaw customers); otherwise, earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on non-U.S. dollar purchases
• 3% unlimited cash back on U.S. dollar purchases
• 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost with an eligible Rogers mobile plan (up to $75 value)
• 50% more cash back every time you redeem for Rogers, Fido or Shaw purchases
• Annual income requirements of $80,000 personal and $150,000 household
• Complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass with access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide at a cost of $32 USD per person, per visit
• Included insurance benefits: Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection, Rental Car Collision/Damage, Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Emergency Medical, Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation

best for groceries and gas

Up to $100 in statement credits

This card offers a 2% rate on the two areas hardest hit by inflation in Canada: groceries and gas. The icing on the cake is that it comes with no annual fee, a slightly above average 1.25% base rate and even has some other perks like a little travel insurance.

Learn more: Read our SimplyCash Card from American Express Review

• 2% cash back on groceries and gas
• Includes consumer insurance and some travel insurance
• American Express is not accepted at some retailers
• In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $100 in statement credits in the first 10 months
• Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
• Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually)
• Earn 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases
• Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences
• Insurance coverage and 24/7 Customer Service
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply

best for restaurants and costco

$0 (requires a Costco membership)

If you’re a Costco member, this card racks up cash back as your stock up on winter essentials. With no annual fee (aside from your Costco membership, of course) there’s no commitment and you can reap oversized rewards at this major retailer.

Learn more: Read our CIBC Costco Mastercard Review

• Earns 3% cash back on restaurants and at Costco Gas
• Includes mobile device insurance, purchase security and an extended warranty
• No welcome bonus
• Only offers 1% cash back at Costco (the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card earns 2%, for instance)
• Earns 3% cash back at restaurants and at Costco Gas
• Earns 2% at other gas stations and on Costco.ca
• Earns 1% cash back on all other purchases (including at Costco brick and mortar stores)
• Your rewards could add up to $367.62 a year in rewards value (or $422.58 with Costco purchases), according to Forbes Advisors calculations based on average spending among Canadians
• Comes with valuable mobile device insurance
• Includes purchase security and extended warranty insurance

Best For Roadside Assistance

This card has no annual fee, yet it earns Canadian Tire Money on your spending and offers a Gold Roadside Assistance plan with up to 250 km towing distance in Canada or the U.S, as well as emergency fuel delivery, battery boosts, accident assistance, flat tire changing and lock-out service.

• High cash back rewards at Canadian Tire
• Built-in car rental insurance
• Complimentary roadside assistance
• Only grants cash-back rewards from specific store chains
• Only gives digital Canadian Tire Money as cash-back rewards
• Gives 4% back in Canadian Tire Money on qualifying pre-tax purchases at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s/L’Équipeur, Atmosphere, Party City, Sports Rousseau, Hockey Experts, L’Entrepôt du Hockey, and participating Sports Experts stores
• Gives 3% Canadian Tire money on groceries up to $12,000 per year (does not include Walmart or Costco)
• Gives 0.5% per litre in Canadian Tire money at gas stations and on all other purchases
• Forbes Advisor estimates $327.64 in annual rewards value based on average Canadian spending
• Car rental collision/loss damage waiver insurance
• Extended warranty protection and return protection
• Roadside assistance with up to 250 km towing distance in Canada or the U.S.
• Requires a minimum annual income of $80,000, or $150,000 in household income

best for retail shopping

Welcome bonus

Up to 15% cash back on the first purchase at a Neo retailer

This card’s earn rate and flexibility are impressive, as are its lack of any annual fee and its welcome bonus offer.

Learn more:  Read our Neo Standard Mastercard Review

• Average of 5% unlimited cash back at Neo partners
• The welcome bonus and cash back only applies to Neo partners
• Does not include travel insurance or other perks
• Welcome bonus of up to 15% cash back on your first purchase at a Neo retail partner. The exact amount depends on what the partner is willing to offer
• Average of 5% instant and unlimited cash back at over 10,000 Neo partners
• Forbes Advisor estimates $577.22 in annual cash back based on average Canadian spending

best for customizable cash back

10% cash back ($100 value)

This card is unique in that it allows you to customize where you earn the most cash back. Users can choose two of 10 spending categories that will earn 2% cash back (without limits) and get 0.5% on everything else. If you opt to deposit your cash-back rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account, you get to add a third category that earns 2% cash back as well.

That said, it is a bit sparing when it comes to other perks, but if you meet the income requirements for its high-end counterparts, the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard, you can get a few more frills, like travel perks, rental car collision loss/damage insurance and mobile device insurance.

Learn more:  Read our Tangerine Money-Back Card Review

• Welcome bonus of 10% cash back on up to $1,000 in purchases in your first two months ($100 value) when you apply by April 30, 2024
• Earns 2% back in two spending categories of your choosing
• Get 2% cash back in a third category when you deposit your savings into a Tangerine Savings Account
• Cash back is unlimited and paid monthly
• Includes extended warranty and purchase protection
• No additional perks, aside from extended warranty and purchase protection
• Welcome bonus of 10% cash back on up to $1,000 in purchases in your first two months ($100 value) when you apply by January 31, 2024
• 2% cash back in two spending categories of your choice, including grocery, furniture, restaurants, hotel or motel stays, gas, recurring bill payments, drug store, home improvement, entertainment, public transportation and parking
• Earn 2% cash back in a third category of your choice when you opt to deposit cash-back rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account
• 0.5% cash back on all other spending with no limit
• Forbes Advisor estimates based on average Canadian spending that you can earn $302.69 in cash back per year by using this card
• Balance transfers made in your first 30 days get a 1.95% interest rate on the transferred balance for six months

best for travel perks

The Tangerine World Mastercard is similar to the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card in that cardholders can choose two of 10 spending categories that will earn 2% cash back (without limits) and get 0.5% on everything else. They can also add a third category if they deposit cash back into a Tangerine Savings Account. The only real difference is that the World Mastercard gets you a few more frills, like travel perks, rental car collision loss/damage insurance and mobile device insurance.

• A customizable rewards program
• No annual spending cap for any categories
• Minimum income requirements
• Mediocre rewards for most purchases
• The welcome bonus offers an extra 10% cash back on up to $1,000 in purchases made within the first two months of owning the card when you apply by April 30, 2024.
• Earn 2% cash back in two spending categories of your choice, including groceries, furniture, restaurants, hotels, gas, recurring bill payments, drug stores, home improvement, entertainment, public transportation and parking
• If you deposit your rewards into a Tangerine Bank savings account, you get a third 2% cash-back spending category
• All other spending categories earn 0.5% cash back
• The card carries an estimated annual net earnings of $302.69 per year based on average Canadian spending
• The card requires an annual minimum income of $60,000 personal, $100,000 in household income or $250,000 or more in Tangerine Bank Savings Accounts or Investment Fund Accounts
• A balance transfer rate of 1.95% for six months
• Credit card balance protection
• Rental car insurance
• Cell phone insurance
• Airport lounge access provided by DragonPass
• Checked baggage insurance

best for groceries

This low-maintenance cash back card earns 2% on groceries and 1% on everything else, with no annual fee.

• Unlimited 1% cash back
• Cash-back rewards only apply to every $100 purchase
• $6,000 cap on 2% earn rate
• 2% cash back for every $100 grocery store purchase (up to $6,000)
• 5% cash back for every $100 on qualifying purchases, up to $6,000 (1% cash back applies after)
• Forbes Advisor estimates a rewards value of $338.51 in annual earnings, based on average Canadian spending, with the annual fee factored in

best for restaurants, bars and coffee shops

Up to 20% cash back† ($100 value)

Interest Rate (Purchases) / Interest Rate (Cash Advances)

20.99% / 22.99%‡

This card gives you great cash back at bars and restaurants with no annual fee.

Learn more:  Read our  Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Review

• 4% cash back at bars and restaurants
• $15,000 in minimum household annual income
• A low selection of insurance options
• Low base rate cash back
• Get 20% cashback in your first 3 months on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments (up to $500 spend)†
• Get a 20.99% interest rate on purchases‡
• Get a 22.99% interest rate on cash advances ‡
• Earn 4% cash back at bars, coffee shops and restaurants up to $5,000 annually, after that 0.5% unlimited†
• Earn 1.5% on eligible gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases, as well as pre-authorized payments up to $15,000 per year, after that 0.5% unlimited†
• Earn 0.5% on all other purchases†
• Purchase security and extended protection insurance are included†
• †Terms and conditions apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.”
• ‡ “Purchase” means any Transaction other than a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer or Convenience Cheque. “Cash” means a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer and Convenience Cheque. Interest rates may change from time to time.

best for balance transfers

5% cash back

A basic no-fee cash back card that offers high returns on groceries and has a competitive welcome bonus and balance transfer offer. It even offers discounts on Cirque du Soleil shows.

• Balance transfer offer of 0.99% for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee
• Flexible redemption options
• No minimum income requirement
• Low spending caps
• 0.5% base earn rate
• Welcome offers of 5% cash back on $2,500 in total purchases for three months and 0.99% interest on balance transfers with a 2% fee for nine months
• 3% cash back at eligible grocery stores (up to $500 monthly)
• 1% cash back on recurring bills (up to $500 monthly)
• 0.5% cash back on every other purchase
• Forbes Advisor estimates a rewards value of $289.24 in annual earnings based on average Canadian spending, with the annual fee factored in
• 15% off Cirque du Soleil shows in Canada and 20% off shows in Las Vegas
• Up to 25% off rentals at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car participating locations

When determining a rating for individual credit cards, the Forbes Advisor Canada editorial team factors in an exhaustive list of data points. With no-annual-fee cash back, the scoring model used takes into account factors such as, but not limited to, cash-back rates and categories, fees, welcome bonuses, and other rewards and features. Keep in mind, what may be best for some people might not be right for you. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will best help you achieve your financial goals.

It offers 3% for purchases made in American dollars.

Rewards: Earn unlimited 2% cash back (exclusively for eligible Rogers, Fido or Shaw customers) on non-U.S. dollar purchases, otherwise earn 1.5% unlimited cash back. Earn unlimited 3% cash back on U.S. dollar purchases.

Welcome Offer: N/A

Annual Fee: $0

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: With this card, you get access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, extended warranty and purchase protection on select items, rental car collision/damage insurance, out-of-province/country emergency medical care and trip Interruption and cancellation insurance. A drawback: To qualify, your annual personal income must be over $80,000, or your household income over $150,000.

This American Express card is the only Canadian card offering 1.25% cash back on everything—and 2% on groceries and gas, up to a limit of $300 per year.

Rewards: Get 2% cash back on gas and groceries up to $300 cash back annually, and 1.25% cash back for everything else with no limit.

Welcome Offer: In your first 10 months with the card, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period when you spend $300 on your card, which could add up to a total of $100.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: The card’s benefits include $100,000 travel accident insurance, automatic extended warranty on select purchases made with the card, 24/7 customer service, a fraud protection guarantee and emergency card replacement. One drawback is that American Express still isn’t as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard .

Related: SimplyCash Card from American Express Review

This card earns you 3% cash back at restaurants and Costco gas stations, 2% at other gas stations and when you shop at Costco.ca and 1% everywhere else.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back when you dine out at selected restaurants and fill-up at Costco gas stations on the first $5,000 net annual card purchases. You’ll earn 2% at other gas stations and Costco.ca until you hit $8,000 in purchases when it will revert back to the base rate of 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome Offer: None.

Annual Fee:  $0

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card offers up to $1,000 in repair or replacement coverage for your phone for up to two years, as well as purchase security and extended warranty insurance for some new items purchased with your card.

Related: CIBC Costco Mastercard Review

This card gives you 4% back in Canadian Tire (CT) Money on select items at a range of retailers beyond CT, five to seven cents  per  litre in CT Money on fuel, and 3% back in CT Money when you buy groceries.

Rewards: Earn 4% cash back in CT Money on select items at retailers including Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s and Party City. Also, earn five to seven cents when you pump gas, 3% at grocery stores on the first $12,000 you spend per year (excluding Costco and Walmart) and 1% in CT Money everywhere else.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: With this card, you get roadside assistance , purchase security, extended warranty and rental car insurance . But the cash-back earnings are in CT Money, making this only a card for those who frequent the home improvement store.

This card earns you up to 15% cash back on the first purchase from a Neo retail partner, then an average of 5% cash back at Neo partner locations.

Rewards: Collect an average of 5% cash back when shopping at Neo partner locations and an extra 0.5% cash back when you meet a minimum spending requirement (until you reach $50 in earnings).

Welcome Offer: Earn up to 15% cash back on the first purchase from a Neo retail partner.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: With this card, you can choose one or multiple rewards packages for boosted cash back and app subscriptions, but it doesn’t come with any basic insurance or other benefits.

Related: Neo Standard Mastercard Review

This card offers unlimited 2% cash back in two or three purchase categories of your choice and 0.50% cash back on all eligible everyday purchases.

Rewards: Get unlimited 2% cash back in up to three categories of your choice (like groceries , gas and entertainment) and 0.50% cash back on all everyday purchases. Plus, get extra rewards when your earnings are deposited into your Tangerine Savings Account.

Welcome Offer: Receive an extra 10% cash back on up to $1,000 worth of everyday purchases made in the first two months of owning the card.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: While this card is unique, in that it allows you to choose your cash back categories, it does not offer any additional perks like travel insurance .

Related: Tangerine Money-Back Card Review

Like the above card, this one offers unlimited 2% cash back in two or three categories of your choice and 0.50% cash back on all everyday purchases with a few Mastercard network benefits thrown in.

Rewards: Get unlimited 2% cash back in up to three categories of your choice (like groceries, gas and entertainment) and 0.50% cash back on eligible everyday purchases. Plus, get extra rewards when your cash-back earnings are deposited into your Tangerine Savings Account.

Welcome Offer: Be rewarded with an extra 10% cash back on up to $1,000 worth of everyday purchases made in the first two months of owning the card.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: Unlike Tangerine’s Money-Back Card, this one offers rewards when travelling outside Canada, access to select airport lounges for a fee and special offers for on-demand and subscription services. However, to apply, your annual personal income must be $80,000 or $150,000 per household.

Collect up to 2% cash back on groceries and unlimited 1% cash back on everything else.

Rewards: Earn 2% cash back on every $100 you spend at grocery stores, up to a maximum reward of $120 per year or $6.000 in annual spend. After that spend threshold is crossed, get 1% cash back per $100 spent on in-store grocery purchases with no spending limit. Also earn an unlimited 0.5% cash back on all purchases other than those at the grocery store, including recurring bill payments, until a maximum of $6,000 net purchases is made for a maximum reward of $30 per year., After the $6,000 limit is reached on all purchases outside of groceries, earn an unlimited 1% on all non-grocery purchases after that.

Welcome Offer: None

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: Get  purchase security, extended warranty protection and special discounts and offers at Petro-Canada, Rexall and DoorDash for no annual fee. However, the low earn rates on this card and restrictive $6,000 spending limits on those rates ensure you won’t be earning a lucrative cash back return with this card.

This card earns a whopping 4% cash back at restaurants, bars and cafes—making it a great card for any foodie to have in their wallet.

Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments for an annual cash-back earnings maximum of $150.

Welcome Offer: Be rewarded with 20% cash back on eligible gas, groceries and drugstore purchases and any pre-authorized payments, during your first three months, up to a $500 spend ($100 value).

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: Get purchase security and extended protection insurance with this card, but you can only cash in cash back at the end of the year, when it’s automatically applied to your December statement.

Related: Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Review

The BMO CashBack Mastercard is an ideal choice for individuals that spend less than $500 on groceries and recurring bills every month.

Rewards: 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on monthly bills and 0.5% on other eligible purchases.

Welcome Offer: 5% cash back for the first three months and 0.99% interest on balance transfers for the first nine months.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card offers a pretty high earn rate on groceries—a major spending category. It also has a competitive balance transfer offer. That said, it has low spending caps and has little to offer in the way of other perks.

Some credit cards offer cash-back rewards, meaning cardholders can receive a small percentage of their purchases back in cash. For instance, if your card offers 4% cash back on groceries, and you spend $100 at the grocery store, you’d receive $4 in cash back. The cards act as a way to help you to “save” a little on everyday spending, while helping to pay off your credit card bill or fund your bank account (depending on how you redeem it).

Typically, cardholders can redeem their cash back earnings for a cash deposit in their bank account or a credit towards their monthly bill.In some instances, you can only redeem cash back once per year and it’s applied to your credit card statement automatically. Often, if you redeem as you go, you’ll have to earn a certain amount of cash back to redeem (like a $25 minimum) but some cash-back cards allow you to redeem smaller amounts.

Typically, cash back credit cards have a base earn rate—usually 0.5% to 1%—that applies across all eligible purchases.Often, they’ll allow you to earn more cash back—typically 1% to 4—in select purchase categories, like gas, groceries, restaurants or recurring bills. Some cards have a cap on how much of your spending is eligible. For example, you may get 2% cash back on gas transactions when you spend $500 or less filling up your tank each month, but after that, you’ll only earn the 1% base rate on gas purchases.

How Does Cash Back on a Credit Card Work?

Every time you use your cash back credit card, you earn back a percentage of your spending in cash, which accumulates in your cardholder account. You can typically see how much you’ve accumulated on your online bank account or mobile banking app. Some purchases you make will earn you a higher percentage of cash back rewards than others, depending on the card you have. It’s worth noting that your card may require you to accumulate a minimum amount of cash back before cashing in on the rewards. Once eligible to collect, you can get your rewards deposited into your bank account or credited towards your next monthly bill. You may also be able to get the cash back on a gift card.

What Does No Annual Fee on a Cash Back Credit Card Mean?

Some credit cards charge you an annual fee, which could be as low as $25 or over $500. With a no-annual-fee cash-back card, that fee doesn’t exist—but there may be other fees to consider. Foreign transaction fees, interest charges, balance transfer fees, and cash advance fees are all common with credit cards. Read your card agreement carefully to learn the details about fees so you can avoid those fees when possible.

Why Do Some Cash Back Credit Cards Have an Annual Fee?

Cash back credit cards that have an annual fee typically offer higher rewards rates, more attractive welcome bonuses , and/or other perks. Before selecting a card with an annual fee, carefully evaluate if its extra benefits justify the additional cost. If they don’t, there are many cash-back credit cards that don’t come with an annual fee that also offer fair rewards and perks.

Not every cash-back credit card with no annual fee is perfect for everyone. Since each card offers different perks based on purchasing habits, you’ll need to consider your lifestyle and find the credit card that best compliments it.

Forbes Advisor simply highlights the key facts about each credit card to make it easier for you to compare them and find the best one for you. It’s up to you to do the math and consider which one makes the most sense based on your spending history and plans. Here’s what you should consider:

• Fees: Do you often do balance transfers? Make purchases outside of Canada? You may want to consider a card with low balance transfer and FX fees .
• Annual percentage rate (APR): Will you be paying off your credit card in full every month? Credit card interest rates are often higher than other loans. The best card for you may be one with a low interest introductory APR offer.
• Earn rate: Do you drive a lot? Like to dine out? Consider yourself a frequent flyer? Choose a card that’ll give you the greatest percentage back in those areas.
• Bonus categories: If a card offers 5% on rotating categories (meaning you can swap out the categories from which you get a large percentage of cash back) but you don’t want to keep track of them, it’s probably not the card for you.
• Redemption and rewards: Is it easy to redeem your cash back? Is there a minimum or maximum redemption amount? Make sure you can get your rewards in the way that is ideal for you.
• Other perks: Does the card offer other perks you could benefit from? Some offer rental car insurance, built-in travel insurance, extended warranties and more that could help save you money.

Once you’ve read through all of the card details, found out how much you spend in different categories, and considered the bonus features that could be beneficial to you, you’re better equipped to make a well-informed decision.

Applying for a cash-back credit card with no annual fee is the same as applying for any other credit card. Once you find one that is right for you and you’re eligible for (meaning, your credit score and income requirements align), you can visit a bank to apply in-person or sign up by yourself online. No matter the option you choose, you’ll be asked to provide personal information, including your Social Insurance Number and financial details. Once finished, you could get approved instantly or you may have to wait for your application to be reviewed manually. Once approved, you’ll receive your card in a few days or weeks.

What are the benefits of a no annual fee cash back credit card?

The benefits of a no annual fee cash-back credit card depend on the card. Common benefits include:

• The ability to earn cash back with no annual fee
• Consumer protections like purchase protection and extended warranties
• Travel protections such as rental car insurance

Before choosing the right no annual fee cash back credit card for you, consider your lifestyle, spending habits and compare the offerings of all cards, including the earning rates, fees and other benefits.

How do I choose the best no annual fee cash back credit card for me?

To choose the best cash-back card with no annual fee, take a look at where you spend your money most—groceries, gas, entertainment, etc.—and find a card that offers the greatest cash back for those categories. Also take into account the extra benefits the card offers (such as rental car insurance) to discover if they could be of use for you, as well as its fees (like low FX fees) to decide if they could be an extra perk for your lifestyle.

How do I redeem my cash back rewards?

How you redeem your cash-back rewards will depend on the card you have. Each card has different rules that will dictate how you can use and manage your cash backs. For example, some cards have a minimum redemption amount, meaning you’ll have to wait until you accumulate a certain amount of points before you can retrieve your points, which again, will depend on the card. You can have the cash back deposited into your bank account and/or credited to your monthly bill. Sometimes, you can get them back on a gift card.

What are the drawbacks of a no annual fee cash back credit card?

By choosing a no-annual-fee cash-back credit card, you could miss out on larger amounts of cash back in the long run. That’s because credit cards that charge an annual fee have higher rates and more benefits. To determine if a card with an annual fee makes sense for you, estimate how much cash back you could earn—if it’s higher than the annual fee, it may be the right option.

But remember: Most cash-back cards charge high APRs—so if you don’t think you’ll pay off your card each month in full, you’ll pay a hefty sum in interest. In that case, a credit card or loan with a lower interest rate may be a better option.

How can I improve my chances of getting approved for a no annual fee cash back credit card?

If you want to improve your chances of getting approved for a no-annual-fee cash-back credit card, first check your credit score and report so you know where you stand. If you have a poor credit score, you may not get approved for the card you’re interested in. In that case, work on paying down existing debt to prove you’ll be able to pay off your card balance. You can also find out if you prequalify for a card, which means your credit score and financial profile matches its eligibility criteria.

Renée Reardin is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the lifestyle and wellness spaces. She's the former senior digital editor at Best Health magazine and Canadian Living magazine, where she handled content that covered everything from food and fitness to fashion and finance. She currently freelances for publications like Allure, Glossy, InStyle, The Toronto Star, and Teen Vogue.