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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

Barbara Marquand is a former NerdWallet writer covering mortgages, homebuying and homeownership, insurance and investing. Previously, she covered personal finance for QuinStreet and wrote for national consumer and trade publications on topics including business, careers and parenting. Her work has appeared in MarketWatch, MSN Money, The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Mary Flory leads NerdWallet's growing team of assigning editors at large. Before joining NerdWallet's content team, she had spent more than 12 years developing content strategies, managing newsrooms and mentoring writers and editors. Her previous experience includes being an executive editor at the American Marketing Association and an editor at news and feature syndicate Content That Works.

Sam Kemmis is a travel rewards expert at NerdWallet specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs. In a previous professional life, he wrote comedy until a nomadic lifestyle and a lifelong obsession with saving money turned his attention to travel rewards. He is no longer funny. His work has been featured by The Associated Press, The Points Guy and Fast Company. He has spoken about travel rewards at CardCon, the Altitude conference and AwardWallet's "Award Travel 101" podcast. He is based in Ojai, California, and teaches mindfulness meditation because that's what you do in Ojai.

Elina Geller is a former NerdWallet travel writer specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs and travel insurance. In 2019, Elina founded TheMissMiles, a travel rewards coaching business. Her work has been featured by AwardWallet. She is a certified public accountant with degrees from the London School of Economics and Fordham University.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

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 that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

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.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“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

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“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?

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

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.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 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.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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.

We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. Learn more .

• Travel Insurance

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Best Travel Insurance Main Takeaways

• Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost luggage, missed flights, trip cancellations and emergency medical expenses.
• Purchase travel insurance right after booking the trip to ensure the best coverage.
• Our top picks include Seven Corners, Generali Global Assistance and TravelInsured.com.

COVID-19 coverage is available and/or may be included as an add-on

• “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) availability 
• Includes trip cancellation, baggage delay/loss, and flight delays
• Emergency medical expenses coverage are included in the coverage

Largest selection of policies with Covid-19 coverage

• Coverage for Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Delay, Medical Emergency & Evacuation and Pre-Existing Conditions
• Award-winning customer service with an A+ BBB rating
• Reviewed by 47,691 customers with an average rating of 5 stars

Coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, and more

• Lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage costs
• 'Cancel for any reason' policy available
• Travel Accident Insurance for non-US citizens

Pre-Existing Conditions and Cancel For Any Reason Coverage Available

• Some plan(s) cover children under the age of 17 at no additional cost
• 28 Covered Reasons for Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption
• Up to $1MM for emergency medical evacuation
• Customizable standard & comprehensive coverages

Travel Insurance Made Easy™ - Compare and buy from trusted providers in just a few minutes

Gain access to policies from all major insurers, including COVID-19 coverage

• 24/7 Emergency Assistance Worldwide
• Licensed in all 50 states and Member of the US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA)

Trip cancellation insurance for U.S. and non-U.S. residents

• Coverage for trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and more
• Group travel products available 
• Top-rated cruise insurance plans, adventure travel insurance and International Student Insurance available   

Over 190 years of experience – Travel Smarter™  with Generali Group

• Enjoy quick resolutions with your own global 24/7 travel assistance team
• Coverage for all types of trips: domestic, international, cruises, vacation rentals, and more
• Covid-19 illness coverage including lodging
• Up to $250,000 in medical coverage and $1 million in evacuation  

Global Monitoring Notifies You of World Events Which may Affect Your Trip

• 24/7 Easy-Chat Emergency Medical Assistance
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption
• Hospital Benefit and Emergency Medical Expenses
• Doctor on Demand Telemedicine

Why Trust Us?

To select our top picks, our team vetted 15 companies. We read the fine print on travel insurance plans and compared coverage options and prices to determine which insurers offer coverage that could meet the needs of specific groups. Read the full methodology to learn more.

• 15+ data points considered
• 13 insurers reviewed
• 1,000+ hours of research

Our Top Picks for the Best Travel Insurance

Note: The following companies are listed in alphabetical order.

• AIG Travel Guard - Best for Add-Ons
• Allianz Travel - Best for Business Travel
• Generali Global Assistance - Best for Emergency Support Services
• HTH Travel Insurance - Best for Long-Term Insurance for International Travel
• Nationwide - Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners - Best for Large Groups
• Travelex - Best for Families with Children
• TravelInsurance.com - Best for Comparing Travel Insurance Quotes
• World Nomads - Best for Adventure Sports Coverage

Best Travel Insurance Reviews

Best for add-ons: aig travel guard.

• Lodging expense benefit
• Trip saver and exchange specialized coverage included
• A child 17 and under is covered per insured
• Covers trips to Cuba if the traveler provides additional documentation
• High cost of premiums
• Most add-ons are not available for the basic plan

Why we chose it : We chose AIG Travel Guard as the best travel insurance for add-ons because it offers travelers a wide variety of coverage options with which to customize their plans.

AIG Travel Guard offers unique services such as MedEvac and Bag Trak® as well as coverage options few (if any) other insurers offer: a pet bundle, a wedding bundle (for canceled weddings) and an inconvenience bundle in the event any attractions you wanted to visit are closed.

Another of AIG's specialized insurance products is lodging expense coverage. This benefit is for travelers who test positive for COVID-19 and must remain abroad until they present a negative test result. There's also a Pack N’ GO Plan for last-minute trips which includes post-departure coverage and 24-hour emergency travel assistance.

Read AIG Travel Insurance Review

See rates on AIG Travel Guard's Secure Website

Best for Business Travel: Allianz Travel

• Epidemic coverage endorsement
• Allianz TravelSmart App
• Annual plan geared to business travelers
• 24-hour multilingual assistance hotline
• Low medical coverage
• No "cancel for any reason" benefit

Why we chose it : Allianz Travel is our choice for the best travel insurance for business trips because its annual plan offers comprehensive coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical and transportation, rental car damage and theft, and business equipment protection.

Allianz offers 10 distinct travel insurance plans, ranging from basic cancellation benefits to comprehensive multi-trip protection. All plans include a 24-hour multilingual assistance hotline and the TravelSmart App, which gives quick access to travel advisories, local medical facilities, mobile claims filing and more.

Another one of Allianz’s highlights is its lack of age restrictions (most other insurers limit coverage by age). Some of its plans also cover kids 17 and under traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Read Allianz Travel Insurance Review

See rates on Allianz Travel's Secure Website

Best for Emergency Support Services: Generali Global Assistance

• Offers 24-hour emergency assistance services
• Up to $1K upfront payment for acute medical treatment
• Car rental damage add-on available
• Pre-existing condition coverage only available in the Premium plan
• High premium costs
• "Cancel for any reason" only available for Premium plan

Why we chose it : Generali Global Assistance is our choice for the best travel insurance for emergency support services because all of its policies include 24-hour Travel Support, which can provide immediate assistance for problems that might arise during a trip — from medical emergencies to identity theft.

Travelers can choose between three plans — Standard, Preferred and Premium — that cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, and baggage damage, loss or theft. Each plan also covers medical and dental emergencies up to specific payout limits (from $50,000 per person to $250,000 per person).

Both its Preferred and Premium plans include trip cancellation benefits or trip interruption in case a travel supplier — say, a cruise company, hotel or rental car company — becomes insolvent and can no longer offer its services.

Read Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review

See rates on Generali Global Assistance's Secure Website

Best for Long-Term International Travel Insurance: HTH Travel Insurance

• Travel medical insurance for groups of five or more
• International expatriate comprehensive coverage
• mPassport app to find doctors, pharmacies, and translations of drug names
• Pet medical expense coverage
• 12-hour wait for bag delay coverage (24 hours under the economy plan)
• "Cancel for any reason" option only offered in the Preferred plan
• Participants must be enrolled in a primary health insurance plan to be eligible for the multi-trip plan

Why we chose it : HTH Travel Insurance is our choice for the best travel insurance for long-term international travel because it offers specialty coverage for expats and students. Its Xplorer Plan features no deductible for office visits, no waiting periods for preventive care services and no pre-existing condition waiting period with proof of prior coverage.

HTH Travel Insurance also offers international health insurance for students with flexible trip duration options. This plan has unlimited annual and lifetime medical care maximums, includes supplies and prescriptions and covers medically necessary COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Other global health and safety services available through HTH Travel Insurance include 24/7 call assistance, access to elite international doctors and hospitals, and translated medical terms.

Read HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Review

See rates on HTH Travel Insurance's Secure Website

Best Cruise Travel Insurance: Nationwide

• Offers a pre-existing condition waiver
• 24-hour assistance
• Multi-trip plans
• Must wait 12 hours before bag delay coverage
• Cancel for any reason is only available in premium plan
• Few options for additional coverage.

Why we chose it : We picked Nationwide as the best travel insurance for cruises because it offers three cruise insurance plans (Universal, Choice and Luxury) that fit different budgets and needs.

Nationwide's emergency medical coverage starts at $75,000, and all three plan tiers include “cancel for work reasons” coverage, a $500 return-home-early benefit, $200 in coverage for shipboard service disruption, and $25,000 for non-medical evacuations.

Nationwide also has two single-trip plans: Essential and Prime. In addition to industry-standard trip protection basics, these plans offer above-average medical coverage starting at $75,000 and a “cancel for any reason” add-on that reimburses 75% of non-refundable trip costs.

Read Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

See rates on Nationwide's Secure Website

Best for Large Groups: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

• Coverage from five up to 364 days
• Allows coverage extensions
• Website includes sample scenarios to illustrate how the coverage works
• Hazardous activities not included in coverage (add-on only)
• Different plan options for WA, NY, PA, and MO residents

Why we chose it : We chose Seven Corners as the best travel insurance for large groups because it insures parties of 10 or more travelers through comprehensive policies that cover medical expenses and evacuations.

Seven Corners’ simple and budget-friendly Trip Protection Choice plan covers trip cancellation, interruption or delays for specific reasons, including COVID-19 for groups of 10 or more. Its emergency medical protection goes up to $500,000 and offers up to $1,000,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

In addition to its group trip travel insurance plans, Seven Corners has three travel medical plan tiers with comprehensive medical coverage for emergency room visits, hospital room and board, and onset of pre-existing medical conditions. These plans include 24/7 multilingual customer service.

Read Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review

See rates on Seven Corners's Secure Website >>

Best for Families with Children: Travelex

• Flight insurance plans available
• Pre-existing conditions waiver
• Several upgrades available
• Upgrades not available for the Basic plan
• Customer service has limited operating hours

Why we chose it : Travelex is our choice as the best travel insurance for families with children because it offers two plans that cover family members under 17 at no additional cost.

Travelex Insurance Service features two main plans for international trips, Travel Basic and Travel Select — plus a Travel America plan for trips in the USA. Both plans include children 17 and under at no additional cost.

The Travel Basic is an affordable plan perfect for students, backpackers, small groups or those on a budget. These plans cover trip cancellation and interruption at 100% of the trip cost and offer up to $2,000 for trip delays or missed connections.

Read Travelex Insurance Services Review

See rates on Travelex's Secure Website

Best for Comparing Travel Insurance Quotes: TravelInsurance.com

• Shows results from the top-rated insurers
• Offers helpful tips and articles
• Site only shows all add-ons available at checkout
• You may prefer a company that isn't on the marketplace

Why we chose it : We picked TravelInsurance.com as the best travel insurance for comparing quotes because it allows users to quickly and easily view plan details and prices from some of the top travel insurance providers in the industry.

TravelInsurance.com is a travel insurance comparison platform that simplifies the shopping process by connecting users with top-rated carriers. It breaks down coverage options and presents policies in a simple table for easy comparison.

This marketplace simplifies the process for travelers to input their trip details and receive customized quotes based on factors such as trip cost, duration and traveler ages. The results page presents essential coverage information, reviews, ratings and a link to each provider's COVID-19 policy FAQs.

Read TravelInsurance.com Review

See rates on TravelInsurance.com's Secure Website

Best for Adventure Sports Coverage: World Nomads

• Emergency medical $100,000 (accident and sickness)
• Buy more while traveling
• 24/7 emergency support (Generali Global Assistance)
• Does not cover pre-existing conditions
• No CFAR option offered
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage low compared to other providers ($2.5K-$10K)

Why we chose it: World Nomads is the best travel insurance for travelers who enjoy adventure sports because it covers over 150+ sports and adventure activities, unlike most companies.

Its Standard and Explorer plans cover scuba diving, skiing, surfing and 150+ other sports and activities. Both plans include accident and illness coverage and 24/7 emergency support as well as emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, accidental death and lost luggage or theft.

While most companies don't let you purchase or extend coverage during the trip, World Nomads offers a rare alternative; individuals who didn't purchase coverage before their trip can enroll in the company's "Buy While Traveling" plan. Those who already purchased a policy can also extend their coverage to keep exploring.

Read World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

See rates on World Nomads's Secure Website

Digital Travel Insurance

• Cancel for any reason available
• Includes emergency medical expenses
• Quick claims & reimbursements in App with 24/7 support
• Largest selection of 100+ policies
• Coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical emergency & evacuation and pre-existing conditions
• Coverage for trip cancelations, interruptions, medical emergencies, and more

Pre-Existing Conditions coverage available

• 28 covered reasons for trip cancellation/trip interruption
• Pre-existing conditions and cancel for any reason coverage available

Quote, compare and buy in a few minutes

Best Price Guarantee By Comparing Top Policies In A Single Platform

• Buy online and get instant coverage by email
• 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide
• Policies from trusted providers
• Over 100,000 verified customers with 5-star reviews and $3.5 billion in protected trip costs
• Includes coverage from theft, trip cancellations, baggage loss and delay, medical expenses for hospital treatments

Other travel insurance companies we considered

In this section, we feature popular companies that didn't make our top picks. The table below highlights the highest coverage available for each type of benefit. Check out the full reviews to learn more about each provider:

• Tin Leg Travel Insurance Review
• TravelSafe Insurance Review
• AXA Travel Insurance Review
• Faye Travel Insurance Review
• Trawick International insurance review
• John Hancock travel insurance review
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Trip cancellation insurance

Trip interruption insurance

Medical insurance

Baggage maximum/per item limit

Trawick International

100 to 150%

$2,000/$250

AXA Assistance USA

$3,000/$500

$2,500/$300

$1,000/$250

Berkshire Hathaway

$2,500/$250

$2,000/$500

Travel Insured International

John Hancock Insurance Agency

Travel Insurance Guide

Travel insurance reimburses you if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip early. It can also pay for stolen or lost baggage and medical expenses if you get sick or have an accident during the trip.

Read on for more information on coverage benefits and tips on how to select the right type of coverage.

What does travel insurance cover?

What does travel insurance not cover, how much does travel insurance cost, is travel insurance worth it, how to get travel insurance, how much travel insurance do i need, credit card travel insurance.

Comprehensive travel insurance covers common travel issues and mishaps, from accidents to baggage delays.

The following are standard coverage options and add-ons.

• Trip cancellation insurance refunds up to 100% of prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if you cancel an upcoming trip for eligible reasons.
• Trip interruption coverage reimburses you for the unused portion of the trip and any expenses you may incur to get back home. Insurers typically cap reimbursement at 150% of the cost of the trip.
• Travel delay coverage reimburses you (up to your policy limits) for extra expenses such as meals or lodgings during a flight delay. It may also cover airport delays and any flight change fees necessary to catch up on your travel plans.
• Emergency travel medical insurance reimburses you for medical expenses incurred during your trip under certain circumstances. Coverage amounts for medical expenses can range from $15,000 to $50,000. Coverage may apply even if you're pregnant while traveling .
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage reimburses you if you need to be evacuated to the nearest medical facility or to a facility in your country of origin. Maximum benefits usually range between $100,000 and $500,000 but can be as high as $1 million.
• Baggage and personal effects coverage refunds you the cost of replacement items if your luggage is lost or delayed during your trip, typically up to $2,500. You must wait a predetermined number of hours before filing a claim and submit purchase receipts or a list of items in your luggage. Coverage may be subject to a deductible.
• Worldwide assistance offers 24/7 customer service should you need assistance while traveling. This includes multilingual medical hotlines that can provide medical advice and refer you to local healthcare services.

Popular travel insurance add-ons

Here we explain a variety of add-ons or riders that allow you to increase benefit limits and cover activities that may be excluded from standard policies.

The most common exclusions in a travel insurance policy are:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Injuries caused by extreme sports
• Theft/loss of personal items such as electronic devices and jewelry
• Pregnancy-related conditions
• Injuries that happen while you’re intoxicated with drugs or alcohol, even if the intoxicating substance is legal to use at the destination
• Missed flights, where the traveler is at fault
• "Foreseeable events" such as epidemics and pandemics that are officially declared by federal or international health agencies. (Claims related to COVID-19 illness may be covered)

The cost of travel insurance can range from 4% to 12% of the total cost of your trip and depend on:

• Your travel destination
• The length of your trip
• The types of benefits and policy limits you select

Total trip cost

6% of trip cost (estimated travel insurance cost)

* Insurance for a $2,200 trip for a family of four ranged from $90 to over $300, based on 6% of trip costs.

Travel insurance could be worth it in specific situations. Before buying a policy, consider the following scenarios.

You may want travel insurance if:

You may not need travel insurance if:

You've pre-paid for high-cost, non-refundable expenses like tours.

You're traveling domestically and have alternate coverage (car insurance, medical insurance that covers you across state lines, and a credit card that offers travel benefits).

You're traveling internationally and need coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation.

You can get reimbursed for trip expenses, especially costly ones.

You're visiting an area where weather is unpredictable or there is political unrest.

You're going on a short and relatively low-risk trip.

You plan to participate in high-risk activities such as skiing or scuba diving.

You can afford to cover emergency expenses out of pocket.

You can buy travel insurance after booking a flight . However, it's advisable not to delay obtaining a policy. The longer you wait between your initial trip payment and purchasing trip insurance, the greater the chance you'll miss out on valuable add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR upgrades.

The best time to purchase travel insurance coverage is right after you've booked your trip’s costliest non-refundable expenses, such as flight tickets and lodging.

1. Define your travel insurance needs

Consider your reasons for traveling and how long you'll be away, taking into account who is traveling with you as well as your planned activities.

Business travel insurance is suitable for frequent travelers who need coverage for items like work laptops and phones. Vacationers who booked a cruise may need a specialized policy such as Nationwide's cruise insurance plans , and students in overseas programs may want to look into a plan like Trawick International Insurance .

2. Review the policy limits

Each travel insurance benefit has a specific payout limit, which may or may not be enough for your particular situation. For example, individuals traveling with expensive personal belongings such as cameras or jewelry may want a higher payout limit for personal effects or riders for high-value items.

3. Check the policy's fine print

Make sure the trip insurance policy you're interested in covers the activities you have planned, especially if there are recreational sports involved.

Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should also confirm whether those are covered under their policy. If not, they may need to look for a different provider or purchase supplemental medical coverage.

Take a moment to check if emergency assistance services are available 24/7 and what kind of assistance you can expect should you have a medical emergency or your belongings be stolen.

4. Compare travel insurance quotes

We recommend getting insurance quotes through comparison sites and marketplaces such as InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth Travel Insurance. Even if you're traveling on a tight budget, you can still find cheap travel insurance that will cover the essentials, such as medical expenses and personal effects.

Consider the following when comparing quotes:

• Affordability
• Maximum payout limits for baggage loss or theft
• Available add-ons such as "Cancel for Any Reason"
• Policy terms regarding pre-existing medical conditions
• Minimum wait time before you can file a claim for baggage loss and trip delays
• Maximum payout limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Before buying travel insurance , consider what losses you would incur if unforeseen events forced you to cancel the trip or if you suffered an unexpected medical emergency.

• Non-refundable travel expenses: These include flight tickets, lodging reservations, pet care accommodations, travel activities like guided tours, and transportation expenses booked in advance.
• Potential medical emergencies: Travelers may need medical care abroad due to injuries, endemic illnesses and other health emergencies. Some travel insurers recommend a minimum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international trips and $100,000 for cruises and trips to remote locations.
• Additional coverage needs: Travelers who engage in adventure sports may need a rider to ensure medical coverage if they get injured. These sports are usually excluded from most trip insurance policies.

Many credit cards offer flight insurance and travel protection for lodging and luggage if you use the card to pay for these trip expenses. That being said, if you compare credit card travel coverage with travel insurance , you'll see that most credit cards lack benefits such as medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage.

Read our guide to the best travel credit cards for more information on how your credit card can help you travel smarter.

More on Travel Insurance

• What Is Schengen Travel Insurance?
• Pre-Existing Conditions and Travel Insurance
• Best Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance
• Best Places to Travel in Spring
• Best Places to Travel in Fall
• Best Places to Travel in Winter

Travel Insurance FAQs

What is a pre-existing condition for travel insurance, do i need travel insurance, how does travel insurance work, what is the best travel insurance, when is it too late to buy travel insurance, how we chose the best travel insurance companies.

As part of our methodology, we obtained travel insurance quotes from the online comparison site Travelinsurance.com using the following profile:

• Family of four traveling from New York City to London
• $2,200 on flight tickets for all four travelers

We then reviewed the available plans and looked at the following factors to evaluate and compare each company:

• Plans and coverage: We looked for insurers with a variety of plans and the ability to customize the policy with unique add-ons, such as coverage for extreme sports and lost gear or equipment.
• Ease of use: We considered how easily you could get a quote and understand the policy information. Most of our top picks offer just a few plans to keep things simple or provide a comparison page where you can quickly spot the differences in each plan.
• Customer service and support: We rated companies higher for having a 24/7 hotline, a global emergency network, mobile apps, multiple customer support options, and perks like concierge and translation services.
• Reputation : To gauge each company’s reputation, we evaluated factors such as customer feedback and ratings, years in business and financial stability as evidenced by AM Best financial strength ratings.

Summary of Money's 9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of July 2024

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Travel insurance

Tricky travel insurance questions answered by experts

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• Travel insurance is subject to the terms and conditions of your policy, so it’s vital to read your policy documents to understand the scope of coverage, policy limits and exclusions of your plan. 
• Although your credit card may offer some valuable travel insurance benefits, make sure the coverage limits are a fit with your travel plans and circumstances.
• You can buy travel insurance to cover a portion of trip expenses, or to cover a trip with no prepaid, nonrefundable costs. 

Travel insurance can be a sound investment that protects your trip costs, health and the value of your belongings while you’re on a trip. Most comprehensive travel insurance plans provide coverage for the following issues: trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, medical expense, emergency medical evacuation and baggage loss protection.

Your plan documents will provide an overview of the scope of coverage, including what your travel insurance covers , the limitations and what is excluded from your coverage.

It’s important to read your policy thoroughly and carefully so you can get the most value from your travel insurance plan.

Even when a policy is comprehensive, you may still have questions and concerns about the scope of what your plan will cover, how the policy works regarding reimbursement and more. We’ve asked travel insurance experts to explain the fine print and address some pressing travel insurance questions to help you be a more informed traveler and be best protected on your trip.

Do I need to buy travel insurance if my credit card covers it?

You may hold a credit card with travel insurance benefits that are provided when you use that credit card to pay for your trip. But its coverage might not be sufficient for an expensive or international trip. 

“Many credit card providers include no additional charge travel insurance coverage as part of a customer’s selection of a particular card,” said Scott Adamski, spokesperson with AIG Travel . “Based on the card type and level, benefits vary significantly, so it’s incumbent on the cardholder to review the terms and conditions in order to understand what coverages, if any, are included in the card.”

He cautions that cardholders should review limits of coverage to determine whether they are adequate for their needs. “In one review of credit card trip cancellation coverage, a particular card offers a $1,500 maximum trip cancellation benefit. If the customer were taking a trip with, for example, a $5,000 trip cost, there may be a limitation as to getting reimbursement above the benefit level through the coverage under the credit card,” said Adamski.

Another important consideration is that select credit cards may provide limited or no medical expense coverage . As most domestic health insurance isn’t accepted in foreign countries, make certain you are prepared with health coverage when traveling outside the U.S.

Travel insurance policies that you buy from a third party let you customize your coverage so you can get the benefits you need for a particular trip. These standalone policies offer a larger list of covered cancellation and interruption reasons, missed connection benefits, optional upgrades like adventure bundles, rental car coverage or increased limits on baggage, trip delay and medical and emergency evacuation protection . Plus, the only way to get “ cancel for any reason ” and “interruption for any reason” coverage is through a third-party policy. 

Although many credit cards provide baggage and trip delay insurance, getting a claim paid can take an extended period. Because airlines sometimes provide compensation for delayed flights and baggage, the credit card company may require you to prove what the airline reimbursed you before it will consider your claim.

“It is important to understand all parameters of the coverage, and you should review the details of any coverage you have through your credit cards,” Adamski said. He added, that due to the limitations described above, a third-party travel insurance program may be a great complement to the coverage offered through a credit card.

Can I insure only part of my trip?

Daniel Durazo, spokesperson for Allianz Partners US, said indeed you could purchase travel insurance to cover only part of your prepaid travel expenses. 

If, for instance, your flights are refundable and your car rental is cancellable, you may only want to buy travel insurance for the value of your prepaid accommodations. 

Travel insurance costs an average of 5% to 6% of the prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses you want to insure. Insuring a lower amount will bring down the cost of your travel insurance policy.

Can I insure a trip with a value of $0?

Adamski with AIG said, yes, you can insure a trip with a zero value. “In fact, purchasing a travel insurance plan where there are no prepaid nonrefundable costs is not uncommon, and a common scenario includes the use of airline or similar mileage to pay for travel,” he said.

So when someone is using rewards miles to purchase air tickets or other components of a travel experience, there may not be any non-refundable amount. “An insured can still purchase an AIG Travel plan at $0 trip cost and benefit from the comprehensive coverages offered in the plan, i.e., medical expense, baggage and medical evacuation,” said Adamski.

Is it worth buying an annual policy or are the limits much lower? 

Opting to buy an annual travel insurance plan may be a sound purchase for frequent travelers. “Typically, an annual plan may offer lower benefits and limited coverage for scenarios such as trip cancellation, trip interruption or travel delays but will, conversely, have robust coverage for medical expense and medical evacuation benefits,” explained Adamski.

Therefore, someone who’s taking a number of low-cost trips using domestic air travel may elect to buy an annual plan specifically for more catastrophic events, such as a medical evacuation, particularly if they’re not as concerned about protecting the low-cost airfares, he said.

As an example, parents who have children located throughout the U.S. and are paying for lower costs, such as domestic air tickets to travel and then staying with their children, have relatively low out-of-pocket costs. “An annual plan may be a good fit. However, if those parents decide to take a vacation and book a $25,000 cruise, an individual travel insurance plan would be a good option,” clarified Adamski.

Annual policies can vary widely in terms of how or whether they cover pre-existing conditions. Some policies may cover pre-existing conditions if you buy the plan shortly after paying the initial deposit, while others cover them only if you experience an acute flare-up. However, some don’t offer any extra protection and restrict coverage to a medical history look-back period.

To ascertain if a plan is correct for your travel circumstances, be sure to thoroughly review the terms and conditions, benefits, coverages and limits of your travel insurance policy.

When will travel insurance arrange payment for a medical emergency?

According to Durazo with Allianz, depending on your personal situation, you may need to pay up front for medical care or be able to rely on your travel insurance to handle payment.

“If you experience a minor injury, such as needing to get stitches for a cut or getting a splint for a sprained ankle, there’s a possibility you will need to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed later,” said Durazo. 

However, he said, should you experience a more serious injury that leaves you in the hospital for more than 24 hours, that’s typically when an insurance company can guarantee advance payment for medical care, up to the limit of your specific policy. 

“Experiencing a medical emergency when you’re far from home can be incredibly stressful,” said Durazo. “That’s why it’s essential to purchase emergency medical coverage from a credible travel insurance company, who you know will be there for you when you have a problem.”

Expert tip: A travel insurance company with a medical assistance team can help direct you to the local, pre-screened medical providers, provide translation services when speaking with medical professionals outside of your own country, guarantee payments to hospitals and help transfer you to a more appropriate medical facility for top care.

Is it worth buying travel insurance if my health insurance covers me?

Relying solely on your health insurance provider in a foreign country can leave you in a vulnerable situation. Even if your domestic health insurance reimburses for medical expenses incurred outside of the country — and many don’t — it may require you to get pre-authorization, find an in-network provider and submit reimbursement claims. This could put you in a tough spot if you need to pay for medical care before you can leave the country. 

Travel medical insurance , which is included in comprehensive travel insurance plans, can provide additional guidance and advance payments to ensure your safe return home.

According to Durazo, if your health insurance is accepted abroad, it’s important to speak with your health insurance provider to determine if your policy also includes coverage for potentially expensive emergency medical evacuation and transportation. 

“Emergency medical transportation, especially by air ambulance, can cost tens of thousands of dollars and be very difficult to arrange on your own,” said Durazo. “Your travel insurance policy can arrange and pay for costly emergency medical transportation.”

Can I get reimbursed if I’m too anxious to travel?

Travel insurance recognizes numerous “covered perils,” that would allow you to cancel your trip — even last-minute — and still be covered, subject to the terms of the insurance policy, said Adamski with AIG. “However, fear of travel is not a covered reason, nor is — as a more specific example — a concern that a developing tropical cyclone could become a hurricane and hit a certain destination when a traveler is scheduled to be there,” he said.

However, many travel insurance plans offer an optional “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade that would provide coverage for circumstances like these. The decision to pay extra for CFAR coverage is closely connected to the traveler’s risk tolerance, the value of the trip and circumstances that may arise that may not be covered under the terms and conditions of the base travel insurance plan, said Adamski.

“The key benefit put plainly is that this optional coverage could provide reimbursement for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs in circumstances where no other coverage may apply. It is of great importance that travelers carefully review the terms of any policies that offer a CFAR option to get specifics on coverage amounts, limits or exclusions,” said Adamski.

For example, if a traveler has purchased the optional CFAR coverage and needs to cancel for a non-covered reason under their AIG travel insurance plan, Adamski said they may be reimbursed up to 50% of their prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost. “Please note that, under the terms of CFAR, the traveler must cancel the trip more than 48 hours prior to their planned trip departure,” he emphasized. 

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.

Erica Lamberg is a regular contributor to Fox News, Fox Business, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, AAA and USA TODAY. She writes about business, travel, personal finance, health, travel insurance and work/life balance. She is based in suburban Philadelphia.

Alyce Meserve is an experienced insurance, personal finance and travel writer. Alyce is a licensed insurance professional in life, health and property and casualty, and holds an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Duke University.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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The Points Guy Shares His Best Pieces Of Budget Travel Wisdom For 2023

A new year is fresh upon us, meaning there’s 12 months waiting for new travel adventures and spiritually-enhancing experiences . But whether you have your sights set on finally embarking on your dream trip or starting to cross off destinations on your travel bucket list, there’s no doubt that traveling can eat up your bank account. Or… does it?

While booking trips – whether domestically or abroad – does require some chunk of change, it doesn’t have to break the bank .

In order to help you have the best year, full of travel, we’ve tapped Brian Kelly – aka The Points Guy – a preeminent voice for all things travel, loyalty programs, and credit card perks. For over a decade, Kelly has traveled all over the world while educating people on how they too can make travel a budget-friendly priority in their own lives. From starting off as a Wall Street road warrior to now being a leading figure for all things budget travel – emphasizing his keen sense for maximizing travel experiences while minimizing spending – Kelly is gearing up to make 2023 one of his own biggest years yet for traveling the world. As a new dad, he’s excited to travel to places where the U.S. dollar is strong while keeping it kid-friendly. With Asia reopening to the world, he’s already planning trips to Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Fiji, Portugal, and Jordan for culturally rich and budget-friendly experiences.

Here are The Points Guy’s top five pieces of budget travel wisdom for 2023.

1) Travelers Need To Protect Themselves

“It’s a fool’s error to think that airlines or the government are going to take care of you. There are essentially no travel protections for consumers in the United States, especially if you take a look at Europe who has really robust protections. If an airline throws your trip into chaos, at best you’re going to get a refund or maybe a hotel or a voucher. What this means for travelers is that you need to take matters into your own hands by booking all of your travel with a credit card that has travel protections. Most of the top credit cards do have travel protections and most people don’t even know it.”

“When the airlines wreak havoc on your plans, so many people go straight to the airline for reimbursement when the best place is actually your credit card company. Most travel credit cards have what is called “Trip Delay Cancellation Coverage” so when you need to get a rental car, hotel, or even to get into the airline lounge if your trip is delayed, it’ll be covered. Points are great when it comes to travel credit cards but in 2023 you gotta know the perks. For example, Chase Sapphire will reimburse you $500 per ticket in reasonable expenses if you’re delayed six hours. This would include getting into the airline lounge, meals, buying formula for your baby, and more.”

2) Utilize Technology

“When things go awry, don’t depend on the gate agent for updates. The worst thing you can do is be among the masses of people at the gate. Gate agents are usually the last people to know what’s going on with an airline. It pains me because I see so many people waiting to get information and updates from a human when the best information is available online. I use Flight Aware for all of my travel. It’s a free app and you can track your flight and inbound aircraft. This gives you a leg up from all of the other people on your flight because when you know that the incoming plane is stalled at its previous destination due to weather or air traffic issues, you can get ahead of everyone else for rebooking yourself or seeing other options. Another app you can use is Flighty. Always use your airline app but that’s not enough in 2023. These third-party apps will also tell you when the pilot files the flight plan, which is a real signal that your flight is getting ready to depart. When flights are canceled or delayed, you can be way ahead of everyone else when it comes to figuring out your next steps and rebooking with the airline, which often will result in you leaving even earlier than your delayed flight.”

“Also, standing in line to talk to someone at the airport is not sufficient in 2023. Utilize technology. A lot of airlines have chat features now that are actually pretty good. A lot of airlines now also offer social media help desks. If you have a credit card that gets you into the lounge, make sure to go in there when there’s chaos with the airline. The lounge agents are usually some of the best agents in the whole airport. They can come up with creative solutions versus the exhausted agents working with the general public in the terminal.”

“AMEX Platinum is one of the best overall travel credit cards. It’s expensive but it grants you access to Delta lounges, premium lounges, and priority pass. If you’re flying American Airlines most likely you’ll want to get the American Airlines Executive card and same with United. Getting these expensive credit cards is actually better than paying for lounge access membership directly plus you get a ton of other perks. Cheap is expensive. If you’re traveling with a no-annual-fee credit card and you think that’s going to be enough, it’s not. If you’re a frequent traveler, you absolutely should have at least a mid-tier or premium credit card. Again, you get lounge access as well as amazing flight protections and benefits that offset the annual fee. You can literally have and eat your cake in the lounge. Lounge access isn’t just about getting a free drink or snack, it’s really about getting access to the best agents while saving time.”

3) Get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and Clear

“Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and Clear are a necessity in 2023. Literally the trifecta of efficient airport navigation. The biggest is Global Entry which costs $100 for five years. What people don’t realize is that the $100 also qualifies you for TSA PreCheck, which is $80 by itself. So this means you should never pay for TSA PreCheck. Plus all of those premium credit cards usually offer a $100 Global Entry credit for free. This means that every five years you can get Global Entry for free just by having one of those premium credit cards. You’re waiting at most maybe 10 minutes in security when you have Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. What people get hung up on is that you actually have to go to the airport to get an appointment to get Global Entry. If you log on, you usually won’t see appointments for months. There’s an easy tool to get around this called Appointment Scanner. It costs $30 and it will keep checking and scanning hundreds of times a day for open appointments at your nearest airport and notify you when there’s an opening. The first day that you set an alert you’ll be getting multiple options for closer appointment dates. For people who live in New York City, there’s a Global Entry enrollment facility in Manhattan where you don’t even have to go to JFK or Newark to get your appointment.”

“Most major international airports will also offer Global Entry interviews on arrival. When you come back into the U.S. from traveling out of the country, go to the immigration desk and tell them that you’ve been pre-approved for Global Entry. They’ll ask you a couple of questions, take your fingerprint, and you’ve got your Global Entry. You then don’t even need to schedule an appointment.”

“Clear is now expedited security for around $180 every year. Clear is now at most major airports and allows you to skip to the front of the TSA PreCheck line. AMEX Platinum also gives you a major discount on Clear. As an added bonus, it also works in a lot of stadiums around the United States as well. The Yankees Stadium and other major sports centers are now using Clear where you can literally skip the line and enter without a hassle.”

4) Travel To Countries Where The U.S. Dollar Is Strong

“Inflation is going down, but overall travel is still more expensive than pre-pandemic. One way to beat this is to travel to countries where the U.S. dollar is strong. Europe was nearly 1:1 recently. People will be blown away with how far the U.S. dollar goes in South Africa against the Rand. Portugal is my favorite destination because it’s more affordable than most European countries, it’s unbelievably beautiful, and the U.S. dollar is strong. It can also be usually cheaper to fly to Portugal from New York than it is to go to Miami. Iceland is also a great country when it comes to cheap flights from the U.S. Any country that uses the Euro is a great way to make your dollars stretch in 2023. There are a lot of budget-friendly hotel options in these countries.”

5) Use Your Points!

“Use your royalty points in 2023! In general, airlines keep increasing the amount of points needed for flights so the best way to beat this is to use them. Points don’t gain value over time either so it’s best to use them when you have them. Airlines now are making every seat on a flight available to book with points. Say you want to go to Mexico and it’s 100,000 points per ticket. Always monitor the price you pay, because if it drops, the airline will allow you to cancel and rebook it using less points and refund your miles. Airlines will usually open up seats last minute with low prices or points to fill all remaining seats. So if you’ve already booked a seat using a certain number of points and more seats open up for less, you can call the airline and get refunded the point difference. You just have to be savvy enough to monitor this. There is an app called Expert Flyer that allows you to set alerts for most airlines when seats open up at a Saver Level of points than what you used. Using points also allows you to save money on your flight or hotel and you can then savor your travel experience more richly with your cash.”

Fox Business

'The Points Guy' founder reveals how consumers can get the best travel deals

Posted: July 1, 2024 | Last updated: July 1, 2024

'The Points Guy' founder Brian Kelly gives advice for getting the best deals ahead of July 4 weekend on 'The Claman Countdown.'

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• Trawick International Travel Insurance Review

Trawick International Plans

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Filing a Claim with Trawick Travel Insurance

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Trawick travel insurance review 2024: a comprehensive overview.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're planning a trip, one of the most important things you can do is ensure you're protected if something goes wrong. That's where travel insurance comes in. Trawick International is among the best travel insurance companies with a variety of plans for different types of travelers, so you can find the coverage that's right for you. 

Here we'll look at the variety of plans Trawick offers, coverage amounts, costs, and how to file a claim. We'll also compare Trawick's most popular policies and other leading travel insurance providers' coverage.

Trawick International Travel Insurance Summary

Trawick International travel insurance is one of the most popular travel insurance companies on the market, earning spots on our guides on the best cheap travel insurance and the best CFAR travel insurance . 

Trawick offers a wide array of policies, so you're sure to find one that will fit your travel plans. Even if you can't find a plan that is one-to-one with your trip, one of Trawick's stand-out options is its Safe Travel Flex plan, which allows you to build your own insurance plan from scratch. It includes travel cancellation and interruption insurance in addition to travel assistance. Everything else is optional, from medical coverage to baggage delay. 

Trawick has received an average Trustpilot rating of 4.2 across nearly 500 reviews and 4.1 across over 3,100 SquareMouth reviews. Trawick reviews on its headquarters in Alabama are mixed, averaging 3.3 stars across nearly 350 reviews. Negative reviews cited a difficult claims process and unresponsive customer service.

Types of Plans Available

• Safe Travels Trip Protection: With 10 plans under this umbrella, Trawick Trip Protection is highly customizable. You can even build a plan from the ground up with Safe Travels Flex. It covers domestic and international trips for US residents.
• SafeTreker:  Trawick's plan for adventure sports travel, SafeTreker covers sports equipment rental, search and rescue, and non-medical evacuation for over 450 sports.
• Safe Travels USA:  Trawick offers four tiers of insurance for non-US citizens and non-US residents traveling in the USA, offering accident and sickness coverage, emergency medical evacuation, and unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing conditions (limitations apply). 
• Safe Travels International:  Trawick offers two plans for non-US citizens and non-US residents traveling outside the US, covering emergency medical procedures, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. 
• Safe Travels Outbound: This plan offers primary but temporary travel insurance for US citizens and residents traveling outside the US. It includes medical and emergency evacuation coverage, including COVID-related illnesses.
• Safe Travels Annual:  Trawick offers three multi-trip annual travel insurance plans that offers emergency medical, baggage delay, and trip delay coverage for trips up to 30 days long. Trip cancellation coverage spans between $2,500 to $10,000 per year.
• Safe Travels Vacation Rental Protection plan: This plan covers non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotels, vacation rentals, and other pre-paid trip deposits. It's only available for US residents.
• Collegiate Care Essential plan: This plan is designed for students studying abroad for study and research purposes. It offers coverage for up to $300,000 in medical expenses, with a limit of $150,000 per injury or sickness. COVID-19 medical expenses are covered with the plan, as is coverage for sports activities.

Regardless of which policy you choose, it's vital to study each of them closely to see what is and isn't covered in the one you choose.

Key Features and Benefits

Trawick International travel insurance offers several plans for different types of travelers with different needs. The coverage levels and premiums will vary depending on the traveler's age, trip costs, and destination.

Below is a list of six travel insurance plans Trawick offers with its Trip Protection plan:

Additional Coverage Options

Trawick International travel insurance offers additional coverage options on specific plans. Some come with no extra charge. Others cost extra. And only some policies allow for these additional coverage options.

Additional coverage options include:

Rental car damage coverage:  It's possible to add this coverage to certain plans from Trawick, like its Safe Travels First plan. This coverage will reimburse damage to a rental car up to an allowed amount.

Pre-existing condition coverage:  Pre-existing condition waivers are available if you purchase travel insurance within seven to 21 days of booking your flight, depending on the policy.

CFAR coverage: "Cancel for any reason" coverage can only be added to Trawick's Armor, Journey, Voyager, First Class, Flex, and Rental Plus plans. This add-on allows travelers to cancel their trip, for any reason, up to two days before departure and get 75% of trip costs reimbursed. CFAR coverage is only available for US residents and US citizens.

How Much Does Trawick International Cost?

Getting a quote from Trawick is a straightforward process. You can visit its website or use an insurance comparison site like Squaremouth.

You must provide traveler and trip details like your date of birth, state of residence, destination, and trip costs. With this information, you should be able to get quotes for the different plans available almost instantly.

Below are a few real-world examples of coverage options and costs from Trawick as of April 2024.

For example, let's look at what it would cost to insure a 35-year-old resident of Ohio spending $8,000 on a two-week trip to France. Below are the costs for each of the six different coverage options.

The cost of coverage ranges from the bottom-tier Safe Travels Explorer plan at $257.04 to the top-tier Safe Travels First Class policy for $453.33. That equates to about 3% to 6% of the total trip cost, which is on the lower end when compared to the average cost of travel insurance .

Now let's look at the cost of coverage for a 55-year-old from Colorado traveling to Argentina and spending $6,000 on a three-week trip.

The premiums for this traveler are higher, but that's to be expected given their age. The lowest-cost Safe Travels First Class plan costs $243.23 and the top-tier Safe Travels Voyager costs $574.14. That represents a cost of between 4% and 9.5% of the total trip cost, higher than the previous example but still within industry averages.

Lastly, we'll look at the premium costs for a 45-year-old resident of Texas traveling to Fiji for two weeks and spending $7,000 on the trip.

The lowest cost plan in this scenario is the Safe Travels Explorer plan, which runs $284.28. And the most expensive is the Safe Travels First Class, at $405.54. You're paying between 4% and 5.8% of the total trip cost at these prices. Again, that's right on track with the averages in the travel insurance industry.

Trawick International travel insurance has several different claims departments and forms, so how you file a claim will vary depending on the coverage you purchase.

You can find claims forms and contact information on Trawick's claims forms page. That's where you'll find information regarding where to mail or email your claim form and contact information for the appropriate claims group.

Reviews on SquareMouth and Google say the claims process can take up to several months and require constant hassling. To avoid additional issues with the claims process, be sure to keep thorough documentation of any unexpected costs incurred during travel. Additionally, you should be as specific as possible when filing a claim.

See how Trawick stacks up against the competition. 

Trawick International vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz and Trawick International travel insurance are similar in offering several different coverage options.

Allianz offers 10 travel insurance plans, including one-off and multi-trip policies. So you'll have options whether you're looking to cover a specific trip or plan to take multiple trips a year. Of course, the different plans offer varying levels of coverage, and the premiums depend on the traveler and trip specifics.

Allianz's most popular single-trip travel insurance option, the OneTrip Prime plan, offers up to $100,000 in trip cancellation coverage, up to $150,000 in trip interruption coverage, $50,000 in emergency medical coverage, up to $1,000 in coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage, and up to $800 in travel-delay coverage.

Trawick's most comparable plan is its Safe Travels Explorer Plus plan, which offers up to $100,000 in trip cancellation and interruption coverage, $50,000 in emergency medical coverage, up to $750 for personal effects, and trip delay coverage of $500.

The best way to decide which company to go with is to compare quotes using your specific trip details and personal information, as those are the details that will affect the cost the most.

Read our Allianz travel insurance review here.

Trawick International vs. Nationwide Travel Insurance

Nationwide is a household name when it comes to insurance providers and one of the most well-known and recognized insurance firms in the US. By providing just two single-trip options, the Essential and Prime plans, Nationwide travel insurance has made it simple to find coverage. Nationwide also offers yearly trip insurance for those who travel a lot throughout the year, as well as cruise-specific plans and annual trip insurance.

To compare the two companies, we'll put Nationwide's Essential plan beside Trawick International travel insurance's middle-of-the-road Safe Travels Single Trip plan.

Nationwide's Essential Plan provides up to $10,000 in trip cancellation coverage, up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation, up to $150 per day ($600 maximum) reimbursement for travel delays of six or more hours, and coverage for delayed or lost baggage.

In comparison, Trawick's Safe Travels Single Trip plan offers 100% of the insured trip (up to two times the trip cost) in trip cancellation coverage, $350,000 in emergency medical evacuation, and up to $200 per day ($600 maximum) for travel delays of 12 or more hours, and lost and delayed baggage coverage.

So, this particular plan from Trawick offers slightly higher coverage limits for most of the coverages compared.

The high-tier Prime Plan from Nationwide offers even more coverage, including up to $30,000 in trip cancellation, up to $1 million in coverage for emergency medical evacuation, up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000) in trip interruption coverage, and $250 per day for trip delays of six or more hours.

To compare, Trawick's highest-tier Safe Travels Voyager plan comes with trip cancellation coverage of up to $100,000, up to $1 million in emergency medical evacuation, up to 150% of the insured trip cost for trip interruption, up to $2,000 maximum reimbursement for travel delays, and coverage for delayed or lost baggage.

Comparing these two policies, you see how it's somewhat of an apples-to-oranges comparison, as some coverage limits are higher or lower. And don't forget that the coverage premiums will vary depending on the traveler and trip specifics.

Read our Nationwide travel insurance review here.

Trawick International vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance Benefits

Be sure to compare the coverage of travel insurance plans with the coverage offered by your rewards credit cards before purchasing a travel insurance policy. Some basic coverage, like rental car insurance, could already be available through one of your existing cards.

If you're on a road trip and all your expenses are refundable, or if your health insurance covers you while abroad and you don't think you'll have many medical bills, the coverage from your credit card may be sufficient.

It's also worth noting that in most cases, credit card travel protection is only supplementary to a travel insurance policy. This implies you'll have to file your claim with the other relevant insurance (such as the airline) before filing a claim with your credit card company.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Trawick International

We compared Trawick International's travel insurance offerings to those of the best travel insurance companies to help you find the policy that fits your needs. When reviewing a policy, we considered coverage options and limits, what's included in your plan, add-ons available, and costs. The best policy for you is one that offers adequate coverage without breaking the bank.

Choosing the best policy for you and any co-travelers is about selecting a policy with the right type of coverage and adequate coverage limits. Ideally, you should ensure that it works well in your budget and allows you to submit a claim quickly. You can read more about  how we rate travel insurance products  here.

Trawick International travel insurance is a very popular and reputable travel insurance provider. The company has been in business since 1998 and is known for offering solid coverage options at affordable prices.

Trawick's policies included access to 24/7 travel assistance. Travelers can reach a customer service representative by phone, email, and live chat. Representatives can answer questions about the travel insurance and trip cancellation plans available, help purchase the right plan for an upcoming trip or cruise, and assist with changes to already purchased plans. The toll-free number is 888-301-9289. You can reach the company by email at [email protected] . Live chat is available on its website.

CFAR (cancel for any reason) is one of the many coverages buyers can expect in Trawick International plans. Always check individual plans to ensure you get all the coverages you want.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Best credit cards of July 2024

At The Points Guy, we know that choosing the best credit cards for your wallet can be tough since there are tons of options on the market. To simplify this process, our team has done the heavy lifting for you, compiling a current list of our top picks of the best credit cards available. 

Our curated selection features cards with premium rewards, elevated cash-back offers, impressive welcome bonuses and more. Whether you’re new to the world of credit card rewards or a seasoned traveler who's an expert at racking up points and miles, our comprehensive guide to the best credit cards is here to help.

Check out our hand-picked, top-tier options from our partners that cater to nearly every lifestyle and match your unique preferences.

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, credit pointers with brian kelly.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for non-bonus spending
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for premium travel
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for beginner travelers
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury benefits
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining at restaurants
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for bonus earning
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for all around business card
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for travel rewards with no annual fee
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card : Best for office supplies and technology services
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for U.S. supermarkets
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card : Best for simple cash back
• Citi Custom Cash® Card : Best for flexible cash back
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card : Best for casual Delta flyers
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for simple cash back
• American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for flexible rewards earning

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

• This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles, valued by TPG at $1,388
• You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
• Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners
• A couple of partners' transfer ratios are mediocre at a less than 1:1 ratio
• Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you can maximize the $300 credit toward Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations ) and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
• $395 annual fee.
• $300 back in credit annually only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Best overall

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

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. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else. 

• The current sign-up bonus on this card is quite generous. TPG values it at $1,230.
• Annual $50 Chase Travel hotel statement credit.
• 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

Best for travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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. Read our full review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

• 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 more than $1,400 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more.
• 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 and other statement credits 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 eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, 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.
• 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.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $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.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• 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 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), 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.
• 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.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

Best for airlines

American express® gold card.

This isn’t just a card that's nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There's also an up to $120 annual dining credit at  Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly ,  Wine.com , Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required. Plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card .

• 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
• Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership
• Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories
• Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
• Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
• Few travel perks and protections
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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. Read our full  review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• 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.
• Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners.
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
• Reasonable $95 annual fee.
• Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
• Yearly cap on bonus categories.
• 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

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. Read our full  review on The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 TSA PreCheck application fee every 4 1/2 years.
• Up to $400 annual statement 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 (enrollment required)
• International Airline Program
• Cruise Privileges Program
• Steep $695 annual fee
• High spend needed for welcome offer.
• Limited high bonus categories outside of travel
• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the 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 statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
• $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 the 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 the 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.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If you feel like paying an annual fee negates your will to learn about travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne is the perfect place to begin. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25x rate on all purchases, you’ll earn miles that can be used for travel purchases or transferred to Capital One’s 15+ travel loyalty partners. Read our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

• No annual fee means that beginners can ease into the world of travel rewards with little stress.
• Easy-to-remember 1.25x earning rate on all purchases.
• The sign-up bonus is outdone by most competing credit cards.
• No bonus categories means that you may not necessarily maximize all your purchases to the fullest.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Cash is an excellent no annual fee card for small business owners. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities, as well as 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations. Read our full review of the Chase Ink Business Cash card .

• The current sign-up bonus on this card is an impressive up to $750.
• There is no annual fee which is perfect for small business owners.
• You’ll earn 5% at office supply stores and on common monthly bills such as internet, cable and phone services. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
• 5% cash back earned on certain categories is capped at the first $25,000 you make in combined purchases each account anniversary year.
• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee that’s $0 the first year. Read our full  review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express .

• This card has one of the best earning structures out for among cash-back credit cards
• The card comes with access to Amex Offers, which can save you even more money on specific purchases
• There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with large grocery budgets
• You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on international purchases, so it’s not a great choice when you’re traveling abroad
• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit on Amazon.com at checkout.
• $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card is a great option for simple cash rewards. With the Active Cash’s flat 2% cash rewards on purchases, you won’t have to worry about maximizing your spending. It can also be a great addition to your wallet if you are looking to fill in the earning gaps of more specialized cards. As a Visa Signature® card, the Active Cash also provides benefits like cellphone protection and Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection. Read our  full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash .

• No annual fee
• Flat-rate cash rewards
• Up to $600 cellphone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Welcome bonus
• No bonus categories
• Fixed-value rewards
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Citi Custom Cash® Card

The Citi Custom Cash is the most flexible cash-back card on the market, allowing you to earn 5% back on your top eligible spend category on up to $500 spent each billing cycle. Read our full review of the  Citi Custom Cash .

• 5% cash-back rewards on your top eligible spend category on up to $500 spent each billing cycle.
• No annual fee.
• Maximum $500 on top eligible spend category each billing cycle, then 1%.
• 3% foreign transaction fee.
• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex provides valuable elite-like benefits for casual Delta flyers including a first checked bag free and priority boarding. It can easily justify getting and keeping this card. Read our full review of the  Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex card .

• First checked bag free for you and up to eight companions
• Priority boarding
• 20% back in the form of a statement credit on in-flight purchases (not including Wi-Fi)
• Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
• There are better Delta cards if you want lounge access or a boost to earn elite status
• Earn 65,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold 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.
• $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
• Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
• Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a decent option for those in need of a straightforward cash back card. However, there are other options that offer more flexibility to redeem your rewards. Read our full  review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card .

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Cash back doesn't expire
• Limited card perks and benefits
• Other cards offer more potential and upside when it comes to redeeming cash back
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full  review of the American Express Business Gold Card .

• You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each month (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
• Hefty $375 annual fee.
• There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
• *Terms Apply

The Venture Rewards card offers a terrific combination of simplicity and value. You’ll earn at least 2 miles for every dollar you spend on the card, and those can be used to cover any travel purchase — or you can transfer those miles to one of Capital One’s lucrative transfer partners.

Anyone who wants a simple earning structure plus straightforward redemptions and value-added perks (like a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership) could be a good candidate for the card.

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone's wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards' bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior editor

Even if you’re a casual traveler, consider this card’s sister product, the very popular Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). The card’s up to $300 annual credit for purchases made with Capital One Travel immediately covers the higher annual fee — and that’s not even considering the added perks you’ll enjoy.

The Venture X packs a punch with a lucrative sign-up bonus, extensive lounge access and a yearly credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel. You can use your miles to cover any travel purchase charged to the card, or you can potentially unlock even more value by transferring them to travel partners .

This card is a great fit for someone who wants to dip their toes into the world of premium credit cards without paying over $400 a year in annual fees. It provides a healthy collection of perks and rewarding everyday earning rates.

“The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the card that rewards me for every purchase I make with 2 miles per dollar spent that I can then use toward my travel goals. I also love how easy it is to earn and redeem my miles either through transferring to partners or covering travel purchases, big or small.” — Ashley Onadele , writer

Those turned off by the Venture X’s annual fee could opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ) and similar earning rates and redemption options.

The Sapphire Preferred has a nearly perfect combination of lucrative earning rates and value-added perks at a comparatively low annual fee. With bonus earning on dining, travel, online grocery purchases and select streaming service purchases, you can quickly rack up a large balance of incredibly flexible points.

Beginner travelers, experienced travelers and everyone in between can get incredible value from the Sapphire Preferred. Whether you want to book travel directly with Chase or transfer points to one of the issuer’s valuable partners, it’s easy to get a ton of value with Ultimate Rewards.  

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it's hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior editor

To add more luxury to your travel experience, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Though it comes with a higher annual fee, you’ll also enjoy Priority Pass lounge access plus a $300 annual travel credit to help offset the fee.

The Amex Platinum carries a high annual fee (see rates and fees ), but you can easily recoup that fee with a high welcome bonus, along with the array of perks it offers. From extensive lounge access to numerous statement credits, your travels can easily be more comfortable and rewarding with the card in your wallet. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

This card has long been a favorite of luxury travelers, but you don’t have to be a high spender to get value from it. Its assortment of travel and shopping credits plus automatic elite status with Hilton and Marriott makes it a great option for even leisure travelers looking to maximize their rewards.

“The Amex Platinum includes a lucrative combination of luxury travel benefits along with non-travel perks that save me hundreds of dollars every single year. I love earning 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with an airline or via Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year), and the airport lounge access is unparalleled in the world of premium cards.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) can be a great alternative to the Amex Platinum, with a notably lower annual fee, similar perks and a more rewarding earning rate on everyday purchases.

Foodies will love the Amex Gold card, regardless of whether you’re eating out, ordering in or cooking at home. You’ll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar worldwide restaurant purchases, plus 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets each year, then 1 point per dollar. There are a number of other perks that can easily cover most of the card’s $250 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

Anyone with frequent restaurant and grocery purchases can get a ton of value  from the Amex Gold, especially if you utilize the issuer’s array of lucrative transfer partners.

“Groceries and dining at restaurants are two of my top spending categories, and I love that the Amex Gold rewards those purchases with 4 points per dollar. When you factor in the $10 dining credit and $10 in Uber Cash each month, the $250 annual fee is a net cost of $10.” — Senitra Horbrook , former credit cards editor

If you still want extra rewards at restaurants along with additional bonus categories and other valuable perks at a lower fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

For starters, what’s not to love about a huge sign-up bonus on a card with just a $95 annual fee? Beyond that, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar on an array of everyday business purchases, and these points can be used via Chase Travel or transferred to one of Chase’s valuable travel partners.

Any small business that wants a low-annual-fee card with a lucrative welcome offer and rewarding spending bonuses is a great fit for this card.

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I've found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

If you don’t want to worry about maximizing specific purchases and are looking for a lower spending requirement to earn a sign-up bonus, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card , which offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases and carries no annual fee.

The Amex Business Platinum tends to come with a hefty welcome bonus and a lengthy list of perks, many of which appeal directly to small-business owners. From saving on U.S. wireless services to enjoying airport lounge access, the card can take your travels and lifestyle to the next level.

Small businesses looking for luxury travel perks and discounts on business-related services can benefit greatly from this card.

“I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, airline incidental credits, statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking our printer with ink and paper from Dell, we are getting more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Rewards — and we earn 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

For less-frequent travelers, consider the American Express® Business Gold Card , which offers 4 points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

This product is a great starter card for travelers, awarding 1.25 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. This is effectively 1.25% back when used for travel purchases, but it also includes the option to transfer those miles to Capital One’s various travel partners .

Anyone new to the world of travel rewards who wants a simple earning rate plus the potential for higher value could find this card to be a good fit.

“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For a small annual fee, many travelers could benefit from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and receive an up to $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

The Ink Business Cash offers a great introductory offer, no annual fee and multiple elevated reward rates. In addition, you can increase the value of your rewards by transferring rewards to an eligible Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points.

New business owners who are looking to separate their business and personal expenses while earning rewards on a card with no annual fee should consider the Ink Business Cash card. 

The Ink Business Cash card offers elevated cash-back rates on regular business categories and a solid sign-up offer, all with no annual fee. When combined with a higher-end Ultimate Rewards card, the Ink Business Cash is a no-brainer for any small-business owner looking to maximize their rewards earning.

If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee business card but have varied spending habits, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card . That card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all spending and features a similar introductory bonus.

Most cash-back cards have limited earning potential, but this card is a notable exception. You’ll earn 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back) and on select U.S. streaming services, plus 3% back on transit and U.S. gas station purchases. Cash back received in the form of reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. 

If you don’t want to mess with travel redemptions and airline award charts, the Blue Cash Preferred is a fantastic option with lucrative cash-back rates and a $0 introductory annual fee in the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees ). Just be sure you earn enough in rewards to justify the annual fee starting in the second year.

“The Blue Cash Preferred Card is the card I recommended to my parents when they were looking for a new cash-back rewards card for their groceries. My parents prefer the simplicity of cash-back rewards and I knew they'd benefit from earning 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets. Compared to the 1.5% cash back they were earning on these purchases, the elevated earnings easily justified adding the Blue Cash Preferred to their wallet.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

If you aren’t a big spender, you may not be able to justify the annual fee on the card. In that case, opt for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express , which comes with slightly lower earning rates but also charges no annual fee (see rates and fees ).

The Active Cash card is a great pick for credit card beginners who want a simple cash back card. It offers a flat 2% back on purchases so you don’t have to overthink your credit card earning strategy. In addition, the card offers additional perks like cellphone protection, all with no annual fee.

Credit card beginners or people who are looking for a simple credit card strategy would benefit from the simple earning scheme on the Active Cash. 

“This card offers a generous 0% intro APR period (over a year) and 2% cash back. When the time came to pay my daughter’s preschool tuition, I got the card. I figured I could split the expense up monthly and pay a service fee to the school, or I could spread it out with 0% APR and get 2% back. It was a no-brainer for me!” - Eileen Sullivan, Senior UX researcher

If you are looking for a credit card with a simple earning model, consider the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) which also offers unlimited cash back of 2% on all purchases (1% when you buy; 1% when you pay your bill). This card is a great way to fill in the gaps in your earning strategy so you can maximize your earned rewards across the board. 

This card offers 5% back on up to $500 in your top spending category every month (then 1% back) — and it automatically changes based on your purchase habits. Add in the long introductory annual percentage rate period for purchases and balance transfers and decent sign-up bonus and you have a solid no-annual-fee card .

Those with variable spending habits are ideal candidates for the Custom Cash card, as you don’t have to worry about rigid bonus categories. Spend away, and you’ll be automatically rewarded based on where you spend the most — even if it changes from one month to the next.

This card helps you to maximize purchases that don’t fit into other traditional bonus categories, especially if you hold another Citi card.

If you want to maximize rewards, consider the Chase Freedom Flex®  instead. You’ll earn 5% back on rotating quarterly bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in combined spending) after activation. More importantly, you can effectively convert these rewards into more valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you carry a higher-end Chase card as well.

The card offers elite-like perks that can provide solid value for casual Delta flyers — all at a low $150 annual fee (that’s $0 the first year) compared to other Delta cobranded cards.

The card is best suited to casual Delta flyers who may not fly often enough to earn elite status but would enjoy elite-like perks such as priority boarding and a free checked bag.

“As someone who likes flying Delta but doesn’t fly with them often enough to earn elite status, my Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex still gives me elite-like perks to help upgrade my travel experience.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior editor

If you are a regular Delta flyer interested in earning elite status, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a strong alternative. You’ll get the same elitelike benefits as with the Gold, but you’ll also get the ability to fast track your way to Medallion status .

Simplicity meets affordability with this card. It offers a no-fuss earning rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, coupled with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

If you don’t want to worry about travel rewards and want to minimize the out-of-pocket cost of your card, this card can be a perfect fit.

“This is my oldest credit card, but I’ve kept it open for more than just its history to aid my credit score. With no annual fee and a fair earning structure, it’s a good option for purchases that don’t fall into bonus categories on my other credit cards. I’m happy knowing I’ll never earn less than 1.5% back on spending.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you still want to avoid fees but increase your potential for cash back, consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). It offers 3% back on dining, select streaming services, grocery store (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and entertainment.

There are few perks more rewarding than earning a large number of points automatically — but that’s just the attraction of the Amex Business Gold. You’ll earn 4  Membership Rewards points per dollar in your top two spending categories monthly (on up to $150,000 of these purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar). Categories include popular business expenses like U.S. media providers for advertising in select media, U.S purchases from electronic retailers and software providers, and U.S. gas station purchases, to name a few. Plus, you can add up to 99 employee cards; the annual fee for the Employee Business Gold Card will be $95 for the first 5 Cards and $95 for each card thereafter. The card currently has a welcome bonus of 70,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.

Business owners who spend in the card’s bonus categories will love its up-to-8% return (based on TPG’s valuations ). Bonus categories where you can earn up to 4 points per dollar include transit purchases; U.S. purchases for online, TV and radio advertising; monthly wireless phone service charges made directly from U.S. service providers; U.S. purchases at gas stations; U.S. purchases at restaurants; and U.S. purchases from electronic goods retailers and cloud system providers. You’ll also enjoy perks like Amex Offers .

“ No other card provides the earning potential and adaptability this card has. Sure, its annual fee isn’t cheap, but I love the fact that I don’t need to think about what purchases I put on this card. It will automatically adapt and provide 4 points per dollar in my top two spending categories monthly (up to $150,000 of these purchases yearly).” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re looking for a lower annual fee or a card that earns bonus points on more purchase categories (not just your top two per month), consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card . You’ll earn 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel, shipping, select advertising purchases and internet, cable and phone services (on up to $150,000 in annual purchases, then 1 point per dollar). Its annual fee is just $95.

How do credit cards work?

The idea behind credit cards is simple — you’re borrowing money that you pay back later. If you take a while to pay it back, rather than pay it in full when your credit card statement comes, you’ll be charged interest. The amount is carried over to the next month, and you pay interest on the whole balance (unless you’re on a special 0% deal). In basic terms, this is how credit cards work .

Why not just borrow cash from a bank then? Well, one of the biggest perks of a credit card is the potential rewards you can earn from this type of payment for something — and that’s where TPG comes in. We’re here to help you find the credit card and rewards program that are right for you.

How do credit card rewards work?

Many credit cards offer redeemable rewards on purchases as an incentive for using the card. These rewards differ from issuer to issuer and even card to card. Some earn cash back, while others offer points or miles that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards or other rewards. 

It’s important to note you won’t earn rewards on purchases when you return them. When it comes to credit card refunds , your rewards balance will be adjusted just like your account balance after a return is processed. Keep that in mind when you’re making purchases. 

At TPG, we are partial to travel credit cards that have additional perks and benefits to enhance our travel experiences. There are also incredible rewards structures available on top cash-back cards , and some of the best credit card combinations allow you to further maximize these rewards.

Typically, the best credit cards charge an annual fee as a trade-off for the rewards, perks and other benefits cardholders receive. This is especially true for the best premium credit cards on the market today. However, cardholders who earn rewards and take advantage of these perks will find it easy to offset the cost of any annual fee.

How does credit card interest work?

Credit card interest is the annual percentage rate (APR) you pay for holding a balance on your credit card. As a rule of thumb, the lower the APR, the less interest you’ll pay over time.

Before you apply for a credit card, all lenders have to tell you the APR, and it can help you make sure you’re getting the best deal if you are someone who typically holds a balance on a credit card.

APR can be a good way to compare different credit cards, but what you actually pay in interest depends on how and when you pay off your debt.

Generally, APR rates on credit cards range from 15% to 30%, with lower rates reserved for those with higher credit scores. A good credit score makes it a lot easier to get a favorable APR, so improving your credit score is a good first step toward a better APR.

It’s worth noting that your APR is usually based on rates for making new purchases (e.g., buying something online or in-store). Rates for other transactions, such as cash withdrawals or balance transfers, may be different.

Your credit card’s APR affects how much you pay, so it’s worth doing your research — some cards offer 0% APR for a promotional period on new purchases or balance transfers , but always check the terms and conditions carefully to make sure you’re aware of exactly what you’ll be paying.

And, of course, you can avoid interest entirely by paying your entire balance in full and on time every single month.

Credit card issuers and networks

Most credit cards have two or three different logos on them, representing the issuing bank, the card network and the cobranded partner (if there is one). What is the difference between them ? It mostly boils down to a division of labor. Each party is responsible for different jobs that keep your credit card working.

Card issuers, such as Chase and Citi, do the following:

• Handle and evaluate credit card applications.
• Produce and distribute the physical cards.
• Create the terms and benefits of the account, including things like interest rate, annual fees and bonus categories.
• Pay merchants on behalf of the cardholder (i.e., paying the restaurant when you swipe your card).
• Collect payments from cardholders and provide account services.

The primary functions of a card network, such as Visa or Mastercard, include setting the interchange fees (commonly known as swipe fees) and building out a payment infrastructure so more merchants can accept their cards. American Express and Discover are unique in that they are both issuers and networks, so they fulfill duties for both.

Cobranded credit cards earn rewards with a specific brand that has struck a marketing agreement with an issuer. These cards also tend to offer brand-specific perks, such as an anniversary free night or elite status with a hotel, free checked bags and priority boarding with an airline, or statement credits for shopping with the specific merchant.

Private label credit cards, commonly referred to as store credit cards, are limited to usage at one specific store. Typically, store credit cards aren’t a great idea and are unlikely to rank among TPG’s picks for the best credit cards. Their sign-up bonuses usually aren’t as good as our favorite cash-back or travel cards, the rewards aren’t flexible and their annual percentage rates are higher than average.

Types of credit cards and their benefits

Credit card companies offer different kinds of cards to meet different consumer needs. Some people put a lot of money on their cards every month and then pay them off immediately — those people benefit from a card that returns a portion of their spending in the form of rewards. Others tend to carry a balance from month to month — they’re better served with a card that offers a low ongoing interest rate. Still, others are working to improve their credit — issuers have cards designed for those consumers, too.

Cash-back cards take a percentage of each purchase (usually somewhere between 1% and 5%) and offer it back to you as a reward. Those earnings are typically pooled into an online account, but the exact redemption method varies. On some cards, you redeem them as a statement credit against your outstanding balance, while others allow direct deposits into your bank account. Some even do this automatically for you.

These cards earn points linked to a specific bank or issuer like Chase or American Express. The rewards you earn can then be used in a variety of ways, including for gift cards, travel purchases or even cash back. However, many popular travel cards also allow you to transfer your rewards to a selection of airlines and hotel programs, depending on the partnerships of each bank or issuer. This is where you have the potential for huge value. If you’re loyal to one specific airline or hotel, it’s worth researching the transfer partners of cards before applying.

If you’re loyal to one specific airline or hotel, it’s worth researching the transfer partners of cards before applying. This gives the ultimate freedom when deciding how you’d like to redeem your points, as your points don’t already belong to an airline or hotel brand.

Airline cobranded cards earn a specific type of airline miles. These cards also generally come with perks specific to that airline. For example, an airline card may offer free checked bags , a certain number of elite qualifying miles to help you reach status, priority boarding privileges, inflight discounts and more.

Hotel cobranded cards work like airline cards. You’ll earn rewards that are redeemable for a particular hotel program, such as Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy. Hotel cards come with their own benefits, such as complimentary elite status or free award night stays. Additionally, hotel cards can help you stack your earnings on hotel stays with the hotel’s program.

While we recommend never carrying a balance on a credit card, there are times when a large purchase or emergency situation arises. Alternatively, you may have misunderstood how credit works in the past, and you have a large balance you’re working to pay off.

In either of these cases, having a 0% APR or balance transfer credit card can be a lifesaver. These cards offer a set introductory period of zero interest on new purchases, balance transfers or sometimes both. This can help finance one-time purchases, such as getting a new roof or remodeling the bathroom, or allow you to transfer a balance from a high-APR card with another bank and enjoy a year (or more) of no additional interest.

When using these types of cards, you’ll want to make sure to pay the balance off before the promotion expires in order to avoid paying any interest. You should also be careful not to use a 0% APR or balance transfer card as an excuse to spend beyond your means. Instead, you should treat this like one element of your emergency fund and only tap into it when necessary.

If you don’t qualify for a 0% APR credit card, consider a low-interest rate card instead. Though we advise against carrying a balance, if you need to pay down debt, a low-interest card can help you save money and pay down your balance faster.

Building credit as a college student is an essential life step on the path to learning financial responsibility. For the most part, student credit cards work the same as other credit cards. You’re provided with a credit limit representing the maximum amount of money you can borrow on that specific card for that month. You’re then required to pay back the amount you borrowed by the due date on your credit card statement to avoid incurring interest. 

Since you may have little-to-no income or credit history as a student, you likely won’t qualify for the top rewards credit cards. However, you can qualify for cards with no annual fees that are made exclusively for college students looking to start building credit .

A business credit card can help you maximize your purchases, separate your expenses and save money on interest each year. These business credit cards offer bonus rewards on categories popular with small businesses, such as office supplies, airfare , advertising and gas .

In fact, business-specific bonus categories are one of the main ways that business credit cards differ from personal credit cards, but you need to do your research before applying for a small-business credit card. While business cards often offer tailored bonus categories and additional benefits for business owners, they also have fewer consumer protections than personal credit cards.

Everyone is new to credit at some point in time. You won’t be able to get approved for the top rewards cards if you have a limited credit history — or have made some credit mistakes in the past and have a poor credit score . In those instances, you may want to use a  secured credit card while you work to improve your credit .

A secured credit card is a card that requires a security deposit from the cardholder when the account is opened. This security deposit is usually refundable and determines your initial credit limit. A secured credit card is a stepping stone to an unsecured (or traditional) rewards credit card. Once you’ve increased your credit score, you can apply for traditional rewards credit cards.

How to apply for a credit card

You can apply for a credit card online, by mail or by phone. The easiest option is to do it online. A credit card issuer will ask for some personal information, including your name, contact information, annual income, Social Security number and other financial details. You’ll be asked to read the terms and conditions of the card’s benefits, interest rates and applicable fees.

Once you apply, many issuers will give you a decision in just a few seconds, but you could end up having to wait for up to two weeks for an answer.

Helpful Tools

• Awards vs cash calculator Compare the cost in points or miles to cash.
• CardMatch™ Get prequalified offers in less than 60 seconds.

How we rate cards

Maximizing credit card rewards, optimize your spending strategy.

When using a credit card, every purchase you make should reward you with points or cash back based on how you spend. Key features to look for in a credit card include bonus earnings in every day categories like gas, groceries or entertainment, generous welcome offers that can be redeemed for travel, as well as benefits and perks that you can use and that can offset any annual fee you might pay.

Earn rewards in the right loyalty program for you

Finding the right loyalty program can be just as difficult as finding the right credit card. There are programs for banks, airlines and hotels — but not all points hold the same value. Consider your goals, and the earning rates and redemption options for each program to see how they can support you, and always keep in mind program limitations and blackout dates.

Redeem your points and miles

Redemptions are all about getting the most out of your points. Depending on the loyalty program, you can often maximize your redemption by choosing higher-value options, such as premium cabin flights or luxury hotels, that would otherwise be too cost-prohibitive. You can also look for limited-time promotions and deals that offer added value or bonuses for redemptions that would typically be less valuable.

What TPG readers have to say about their top pick for best credit card

We asked our readers which cards they most frequently use and why these cards are their favorites. Whether it’s the ability to earn and redeem high-value transferable points and miles, solid purchase protections, travel insurance or other benefits, here are credit cards TPG readers love the most.

Note: Responses have not been edited.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

“Love Chase Sapphire Reserve ! It’s an expensive card, but I get almost everything back between the travel credit, the Doordash credits and the points that I use.” — Susan B via Facebook

“Aside from the fact that benefits practically pay for itself [sic], the Premium Global Assist* saved us 2x while traveling overseas and needed to get back home ASAP.” — Lena W via Facebook

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

" Best card hands down ! The ability to transfer point for point to so many airlines is amazing!" — Ana J via Facebook

How to choose the best credit card

• 1 Sign-up bonus You should sign up for a card if you think you can achieve the spend for the card’s welcome bonus, as it is a large part of a card’s value. Sign-up bonuses are often higher than what a cardholder would earn through regular spending. Our best cards list features many of the highest bonuses available.
• 2 Annual fee Many cards on the best cards list feature a premium annual fee, but that means they also come with premium benefits. Choose the best credit card for you by selecting cards that have benefits that would be worth more than the card’s annual fee.
• 3 Bonus categories Bonus categories are a great way to narrow down what type of card you want. Many of the cards on our best cards list offer various types of bonus categories like dining, travel, and more. Choose the card with the best bonus category to match your spending to maximize your reward-earning potential.

Ask our experts

What is the best credit card — and why.

Pros + cons of credit cards

• Using credit cards responsibly can help build your credit score
• Credit cards can earn cash back or points on every dollar you spend
• Credit cards provide purchase, theft and fraud protection
• Credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and more
• Credit cards can encourage overspending
• Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
• The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans
• Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

There isn’t such a thing as “the best credit card" . Everyone and every situation is different, and that means the right card varies for each person. We all have different spending habits, changing financial goals and priorities, varying budgets and disparate levels of access to credit as a whole. What works for one person likely won’t work for the next — and there’s nothing wrong with that. Ultimately, the best credit card is subjective and largely based on your habits and priorities.

There are hundreds of credit cards available from many different credit card companies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, you might find a card with a strong balance transfer offer but no rewards, while the best travel cards typically incur annual fees. Rather than focus on the best credit card company, the key is to understand your individual needs and what cards you can qualify for based on your credit profile. Once you know those, you can then pick the best credit card that meets those requirements.

If you’re just starting out, the easiest credit cards to get are beginner rewards cards and secured credit cards.

Once you’ve been approved for a new credit card, the time it takes to receive a new card from different issuers varies. Some issuers, such as Amex, may expedite the new credit card for you so you receive it within a couple of days after approval, especially if the card carries a high annual fee. With other issuers, it may take up to two weeks before your new card arrives.

When you apply for a new line of credit, you’ll typically trigger a hard inquiry of your credit history. When this happens, you’ll almost always see a small, temporary drop to your credit score (generally less than 10 points). However, adding a new credit card to your arsenal can have some very significant positive impacts on your score. A new account gives you more opportunities to demonstrate immaculate payment history, and it can also decrease your credit utilization (since you’re spending the same amount with a larger amount of available credit).

It depends. Many cards with annual fees offer bonus rewards on select purchases along with lucrative perks like travel credits, airport lounge access or even automatic elite status. However, you should only pay an annual fee on a credit card if you get at least that much value out of the card every year.

Thankfully, there are many terrific no-annual-fee credit cards out there, so even if you can’t justify the ongoing cost of top premium travel cards, you can still get some solid value from your everyday spending.

It varies depending on multiple personal factors unique to every person. To put it shortly, there is no single perfect number of credit cards to have. Consider your personal finance habits and what you want to earn from your spending before you pick a card. Your perfect set-up is going to look different than someone else’s, so that number will vary.

This is a bit more complicated than you’d think. For one, you’ll be assessed on more than just your age when applying for a credit card; factors such as income level and credit age could also come into play. In short, the minimum age to get a credit card is 18 years old in the U.S. However, most people under the age of 21 have additional restrictions to consider when they apply for most credit cards.