10 Best Credit Cards For Travel Insurance

Earning Structure:

• 8x points on purchases through Chase Travel℠ (including The Edit℠)
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
• 3x points on dining worldwide
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $795
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–28.74% variable
• Credits & perks: $300 annual travel credit, up to $300 annually for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables dining, Priority Pass™ Select membership, Chase Sapphire Lounge access, and up to $120 for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
• Other benefits: Complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions through 2027

Key Benefits:

• Strong trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Primary rental car coverage
• Emergency medical and evacuation benefits
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Lost luggage reimbursement

Redemption Options:

Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to airline and hotel partners, or can be redeemed through Chase Travel℠ for up to 2 cents per point on select hotels and airfare. Points are also usable for cash back, gift cards, or streaming services.

Credit Requirements:

Excellent credit, typically 740 or higher, is recommended for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high $795 annual fee may outweigh the value for travelers who don’t fully use the included credits and benefits. The base rewards rate for general purchases is also lower than other premium cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward earning categories and simple redemption options, making it easier for new cardholders to use rewards effectively.

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart and Target)
• 2x points on other travel purchases
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 19.99%–28.24% variable
• Credits & perks: $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel℠, 10% anniversary points boost, complimentary DashPass with monthly promos through 2027
• Other benefits: Primary auto rental coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay reimbursement, and lost luggage protection

Key Benefits:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Primary rental car insurance
• Baggage delay reimbursement
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Travel and emergency assistance services

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for cash back, gift cards, and more.

Credit Requirements:

Requires good to excellent credit, typically between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Elevated travel rewards mainly apply to bookings through Chase Travel℠, while direct travel purchases earn lower rates.

Why it Works for Beginners:

With strong travel protections and flexible rewards at a manageable annual fee, it is one of the best entry-level cards for new travelers.

Earning Structure:

• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on Capital One Entertainment purchases (through 12/31/25)
• 2x miles on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months (equal to $750 in travel).

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $395
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 19.99%–29.24% variable
• Credits & perks: $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel, 10,000 anniversary miles, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit, access to Capital One and Priority Pass™ lounges, and a $100 experience credit with Premier Collection bookings

Key Benefits:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel accident insurance

Redemption Options:

Miles can be used to cover travel expenses, transferred to over 15 airline and hotel partners, or redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and bookings via Capital One Travel.

Credit Requirements:

Requires excellent credit, typically 740 or higher, for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The annual fee may not be worth it for those who do not travel often.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a flat 2x earning rate on everyday purchases for easy rewards, along with premium benefits like lounge access and annual travel credits.

Earning Structure:

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas/EV charging stations
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® points after spending $4,000 in the first three months (redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com).

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
• Credits & perks: $100 annual hotel benefit on a $500+ booking through CitiTravel.com; points never expire and have no earning limit

Key Benefits:

• Trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Travel accident insurance
• Lost or delayed baggage coverage
• Worldwide car rental insurance
• Access to Citi travel and shopping protections

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to Citi’s airline and hotel partners for greater flexibility.

Credit Requirements:

Requires good to excellent credit, generally 670 to 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The richest rewards are tied to CitiTravel.com bookings, and travel protections may not be sufficient as a standalone policy.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its clear earning categories and flexible redemption options make it approachable for new travelers looking to maximize points.

Earning Structure:

• 2 points per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 online bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $550
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
• Credits & perks: Up to $300 annually for airline incidental charges; $150 annual lifestyle credit for select streaming, rideshare, fitness, and food delivery; a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years; a Priority Pass Select membership for cardholder plus three authorized users; and 20% off airfare when booking with points through the Bank of America Travel Center

Key Benefits:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Emergency evacuation coverage
• Purchase protection

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or statement credits. Flights booked with points through the Bank of America Travel Center receive a 20% discount.

Credit Requirements:

Requires excellent credit, typically 740 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has a high annual fee, which may not suit travelers who fly less often.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Despite its premium positioning, it offers a simple earning structure and clear insurance protections, making it straightforward for new cardholders to understand and use.

Earning Structure:

• 2 points per $1 on travel and dining
• 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 online bonus points (a $600 value) after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
• Credits & perks: Up to $100 annual airline incidental credit; a TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit every 4 years; Preferred Rewards® members can boost earnings by 25%–75%

Key Benefits:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Baggage delay coverage
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Emergency assistance services

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, deposits into eligible Bank of America® or Merrill® accounts, gift cards, or travel bookings through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Credit Requirements:

Requires good to excellent credit, typically 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Travel protections are not as comprehensive as those with premium cards, and auto rental coverage is secondary, which may complicate claims.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward rewards and clear travel protections, making it easy to understand and use.

Earning Structure:

• 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 annually)
• 5x Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
• 1x Membership Rewards® point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first six months (welcome offers vary).

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $695
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Pay Over Time APR varies
• Credits & perks: $200 airline incidental credit; $200 hotel credit; $200 Uber Cash; $240 digital entertainment credit; $199 CLEAR® Plus credit; $100 Saks credit; a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; Walmart+ membership; Global Dining Access by Resy

Key Benefits:

• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Hotel benefits through Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection
• Trip delay, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance
• Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
• 24/7 customer service and travel assistance

Redemption Options:

Points can be transferred to 20+ airline and hotel partners, redeemed through Amex Travel, or used for statement credits, gift cards, and more.

Credit Requirements:

Requires good to excellent credit, typically 700 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has a high annual fee, which may not fit every budget.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple earning categories and strong travel protections, making it easier for new travelers to use effectively.

Earning Structure:

• 14x points on Hilton hotels and resorts
• 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
• 7x points on car rentals and U.S. restaurants
• 3x points on other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first six months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $550
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
• Credits & perks: Up to $400 Hilton resort credit ($200 every six months); $200 annual airline fee credit ($50 per quarter); $199 CLEAR® Plus credit; complimentary Hilton Diamond status; a Free Night Reward each year

Key Benefits:

• Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status
• Annual free night reward (with conditions)
• Airline fee credit
• Travel insurance protections
• Priority Pass Select membership

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton properties, room upgrades, or transferred for travel experiences. Value is maximized when used at high-end Hilton resorts.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card is most valuable for those who stay at Hilton properties often, so casual travelers may not maximize its benefits.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It’s not the most beginner-friendly card due to its high fee, but Hilton loyalists will find excellent value with elite status, annual credits, and a free night stay.

Earning Structure:

• 3x points at grocery stores
• 3x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• 3x points on purchases made directly with Air Canada
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
• Additional perks: Automatic Aeroplan 25K status for the first year (can be extended with spending); free checked bag on Air Canada flights; preferred award pricing; 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent monthly (up to 1,500 points).

Key Benefits:

• Strong earning rates on travel and everyday categories
• Access to Air Canada travel perks
• Travel insurance coverage for common issues
• Ability to use points with Star Alliance airlines

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for flights with Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, offering both international and domestic travel options.

Credit Requirements:

Good to excellent credit is generally recommended.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Coverage limits are lower than many premium travel cards, and redemption value is best when flying Air Canada or partners, which may limit domestic travelers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

With its approachable annual fee, strong grocery and dining rewards, and airline perks, it’s a practical entry-level airline card for travelers who want elevated benefits without premium costs.

Earning Structure:

• 3x miles on United purchases
• 2x miles on dining and select streaming services
• 2x miles on all other travel purchases
• 1x mile on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP).

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $350
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
• Additional perks: $200 annual United® purchase credit; annual 10,000-mile award flight discount; two free checked bags for the cardholder and one companion; priority boarding; discounts on in-flight purchases; the ability to earn up to 18,000 PQPs annually through spending.

Key Benefits:

• Two free checked bags on United flights for the cardholder and a companion
• Priority boarding on United flights
• Annual United purchase credits
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Miles are redeemable for flights with United and Star Alliance partners, upgrades, in-flight purchases, and other travel-related rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Requires good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The earning rate on non-bonus purchases is low, and some Chase Ultimate Rewards® cards offer more flexible earning and transfer to United, which could be a better fit for general spending.

Why it Works for Beginners:

For travelers loyal to United, this card offers practical credits, discounts, and mileage perks that provide consistent annual value, making it a strong starter airline card for building loyalty benefits.