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Travel / Travel insurance / Travel insurance included

International travel insurance included with your card

For eligible credit cards, you must spend at least $500 in a single transaction on your prepaid travel costs and activate to ensure you receive any cover, including Overseas Medical cover # . For World Debit Mastercards, you need to activate to receive comprehensive cover. Overseas Medical cover and personal liability insurance is automatically included.

International travel cover eligibility & activation

Effective 7 February 2024, the Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet  has changed.

Note: These changes are not applicable to World Debit Mastercards.

If you activated/departed on or before 6 February 2024, please refer to the Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet – effective 2 June 2023 .

The changes include:

• You need to spend $500 in a single transaction on your prepaid travel costs (e.g. the cost of your return overseas travel ticket, prepaid accommodation, cruise, travel or tour) by charging the cost for that trip on your eligible credit card account before leaving Australia and activate to receive any cover. You will no longer automatically receive Overseas Medical cover.
• The excess for Benefit 2: Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses; is no longer reduced to $250 upon activation. This will remain at $500 upon activation. No cover will be provided where you do not activate.
• We removed Benefit 6: Travel Service Provider Insolvency and Transit Accident cover. Business, Corporate Cardholders and Travel Management Account users will retain Transit Accident benefits, refer to the Certificate of Transit Accident .
• Platinum Awards * credit cards have the same benefits, maximum duration per journey, benefit limits and sub-limits as Gold credit cards.
• The maximum benefit limit for Cancellation Costs for Gold and Platinum credit cards is reduced to $5,000 – cardholder only and $10,000 – cardholder with family
• Refer to the Summary of Travel Insurance changes for a full list of the changes or contact Cover-More directly on 1300 467 951 , 8am-5pm Mon - Fri and 9am-4pm Sat (Sydney/Melbourne time).

Cards with comprehensive international insurance cover available

International travel insurance is available with Low Fee Gold, Low Rate Gold, Gold Awards ^ , Platinum Awards * , Diamond Awards * , Smart Awards  and  Ultimate Awards CommBank credit cards and World Debit Mastercard when you activate your insurance in NetBank, the CommBank app or by contacting Cover-More .

Then you, your spouse and up to 10 accompanied children, if they’re travelling with you for the entire journey, are protected. 

If you don’t have an eligible CommBank credit card or World Debit Mastercard, take a look at our CBA International and Domestic Travel Insurance   instead.

Check if you are eligible

For eligible credit cards​

To receive cover, including Overseas Medical cover#, before you leave Australia you must:​

1.    Spend at least $500 in a single transaction on your prepaid travel costs using your eligible credit card; and​

2.    Activate your travel insurance​ ​You will also qualify if the $500 worth of prepaid travel costs is redeemed using CommBank Awards points.​ You will need to provide a copy of the letter/statement/email confirming the redemption.​

​For World Debit MastercardTM ​

You need to activate your insurance to receive comprehensive cover.  ​

Overseas Medical cover, which includes overseas emergency medical assistance and hospital expenses and personal liability cover is automatically included.  

Activate your included insurance in NetBank , the CommBank app or by contacting Cover-More .

Upgrade your cover to include more adventurous activities or if you or a family member travelling with you for the entire journey, has an existing medical condition that's been approved. A premium will apply.

Once activated, your Certificate of Insurance will be emailed to you shortly thereafter. If you don’t receive it or you’re unsure if it’s been activated, contact Cover-More on 1300 467 951 or email [email protected] .

Looking for a credit card with included international travel insurance?

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Check what's covered

This table is a summary of the key benefits and their maximum benefit limits. If any excess applies, it’ll be included on your Certificate of Insurance.

For everything that’s covered including benefit limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions, carefully read our  Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement  (PDF) or  World Debit Mastercard insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet  (PDF).

If you have activated international travel insurance included in your CommBank credit card on or before 6 February 2024, please refer to the Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet – effective 2 June 2023

If you have activated international travel insurance included in your World Debit MasterCard on or before 9 August 2022, please refer to the World Debit Mastercard insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet – effective 29 September 2021 .

Remember to check the  Travel Alerts page  regularly to see if there are any global events that can affect you and your travel insurance policy.

Doing more than relaxing? 

Consider adding activity cover. Refer to our  Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement  (PDF) or  World Debit Mastercard insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet  (PDF) for more information.

Cruise cover  

• Available for an additional premium after you activate your insurance policy in NetBank or the CommBank app
• Lost or damaged formal cruise clothes, pre-paid shore excursion cancellation, cabin confinement due to illness or injury and marine rescue diversion

Snow sports cover

• Cover for hire, repair or replacement of snow sports equipment, alternative ski arrangements due to weather conditions and more
• Cover has clear exclusions e.g. not racing

Motorcycle/Moped riding cover

• Cover has clear exclusions e.g. not for motocross, and clear inclusions e.g. you must meet licensing eligibility criteria and wear a helmet

Adventure activities cover

• Designed for the intrepid traveller. It covers a range of more adventurous sports activities not automatically covered in your policy
• This includes bungy jumping, jet skiing, jet boating, horse riding, white water rafting, scuba diving to a depth of 30m and more
• Cover has some exclusions and eligibility criteria e.g. participating in a professional capacity

Any existing medical conditions?

Why this is important.

You and anyone travelling with you needs the reassurance that you’re protected, no matter what. That includes claims directly or indirectly relating to an existing medical condition.

Let’s debunk a myth - being honest about a medical condition doesn’t always mean you can’t get travel insurance.

It pays to be upfront when you answer this, give Cover-More a call if you’re not sure. 

What’s listed?

Many conditions can be automatically included on your activated policy provided you and your condition meet the specified criteria.

Conditions include:

• Coeliac Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol

For a full list of conditions and criteria (including pregnancy), check our  Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement  (PDF) or  World Debit Mastercard insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet  (PDF). 

Mine’s not there. Now what?

If all of your existing medical conditions or your travel companion’s conditions aren’t automatically included, you’ll need to complete an online health assessment as part of activating your travel insurance or call 1300 467 951 for help.

You’ll instantly know if they’re covered. If approved, you’ll need to pay an additional premium to cover your existing medical condition.

80 or over?

If you’re 80 or over, you must apply for Upgrades cover. Check our  Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement  (PDF) or  World Debit Mastercard insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet  (PDF) for more information.

How to make a claim

Make a claim online or call cover-more - our travel insurance provider.

Make a claim online or call 8am - 5pm Mon - Fri and 9am - 4pm Sat (Sydney/Melbourne time)

• Within Australia: call Cover-More on  1300 467 951
• From overseas: call Cover-More on + 612 8907 5060   (call charges may apply)

If you’re unable to upload supporting documents, post them to:

CommBank Travel Insurance c/o Cover-More Private Bag 913 North Sydney NSW 2059 Australia

It’s important to also include your policy number and contact details.

What you'll need to submit your claim

If you need to make a claim, in addition to your Certificate of Insurance, you’ll need to provide evidence of a minimum $500 pre-paid travel, trip-related transaction made before leaving Australia, on your eligible credit card statement (or confirmation of redemption if using CommBank Awards points).

The transaction cannot appear on another account, for example, your debit card or savings account.

View  how to make a claim  to see what you should consider and which documents and information to have handy before making your claim.  

Other Insurances

A range of other insurances are also available on eligible credit and debit cards.

Please read the  Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement  (PDF) for Low Fee Gold, Low Rate Gold, Gold Awards^, Platinum Awards*, Diamond Awards*, Smart Awards and Ultimate Awards credit cards or the  Credit Card Insurances Information Booklet  for Low Rate Standard, Low Fee Standard, Awards Standard and Essentials Credit Cards or the  World Debit Mastercard insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet  (PDF) for more information.

In an emergency

Make a local or international call

Within Australia:  call Cover-More on 02 8907 5641  (24/7)

Within Australia, to report a lost or stolen CommBank card:   call us on 13 2221  (24/7)

From overseas: call Cover-More on +61 289075641  (24/7)

From overseas, to report a lost or stolen CommBank card: call us on + 61 2 9999 3283  (24/7)

Managing your travel insurance policy online

Update your contact details, locate your Certificate of Insurance, add or remove travellers and make changes to your travel insurance policy.

Discover how

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Things you should know

^  Gold Awards cards are no longer available for sale from 23 March 2018.

* Platinum Awards & Diamond Awards cards are no longer available for sale from 3 June 2023.

#  For eligible credit cards, you will need spend at least $500 in a single transaction on your prepaid travel costs (e.g. the cost of your return overseas travel ticket, prepaid accommodation, cruise, travel or tour) by charging the cost for that trip on your eligible card account before leaving Australia and activate to receive any cover, including Overseas Medical cover. You will also qualify if the $500 worth of prepaid travel costs is redeemed using CommBank Awards points. You will need to provide a copy of the letter/statement/email confirming the redemption.

Insurance is provided by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited, ABN 13 000 296 640, AFS Licence Number 232507 through its agent Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713 (Cover-More) for Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).

Terms, conditions, restrictions, exclusions (including for pre-existing medical conditions and persons aged 80 years or over), benefit limits, sub-limits and excesses may apply to all insurances. Please read the  Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet (PDF) for Low Fee Gold, Low Rate Gold, Gold Awards^, Platinum Awards, Diamond Awards, Smart Awards and Ultimate Awards credit cards or the Credit Card Insurances Information Booklet  for Low Rate Standard, Low Fee Standard, Awards Standard and Essentials Credit Cards or  World Debit Mastercard insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet  (PDF) for more information.

If you have activated international travel insurance included in your CommBank credit card on or before 6 February 2024, please refer to the Credit Card Insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet – effective 2 June 2023 .

If you have activated international travel insurance included in your World Debit MasterCard on or before 9 August 2022, please refer to the  World Debit Mastercard insurances Product Disclosure Statement and Information Booklet – effective 29 September 2021 .

Where used, the term “unlimited” only means there is no capped dollar sum insured. All costs and expenses claimed must be reasonable. You are only covered for treatment received and/or hospital accommodation during the 12 month period after the sickness first showed itself or the injury happened. Sub-limits may apply.

The target market for this product will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination,  available here .

For products offered by Cover-More, information about the Target Market can be found in the Target Market Determinations (TMD) available  here .

CBA and its related bodies corporate do not issue or guarantee this insurance. It does not represent a deposit with or liability of either CBA or any of its related bodies corporate. We do not provide any advice on this insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. If you purchase an upgrade policy, we (CBA) receive a commission which is a percentage of your premium.

How to activate free travel insurance cover on your credit card

One of the biggest perks of having a rewards card or travel credit card in your pocket is the potential for complimentary travel insurance .

While it’s a great freebie to have, the fine print on credit card travel insurance can really get you. There’s nothing worse than discovering mid-trip that you aren't adequately covered.

To ensure your travel insurance is activated before you head overseas, we’ve rounded up the major Australian credit card providers who offer complimentary travel cover for their credit cards , as well as how to activate the included travel insurance.

NOTE: Before signing up for a new card, always read the terms and conditions and get across what's covered. Most included travel insurance will exclude pre-existing conditions, and may not cover for additional activities like cruise cover or snow sports.

Credit Card Providers

American express, commonwealth bank.

Underwritten by: Chubb

Eligible American Express Credit Cards :

• Qantas American Express Ultimate Credit Card
• Qantas American Express Premium Credit Card
• American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card
• American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card
• American Express Explorer Credit Card

How to activate: Your travel insurance cover starts when you:

• Buy a return ticket from Australia.
• INTERNATIONAL:  Pay for the full fare of that ticket with your American Express card or corresponding membership points.
• DOMESTIC:  Spend at least $500 on accommodation or the full transport fare for domestic trips on your American Express card or with corresponding membership points.
• You must be a resident of Australia, a current American Express card holder (or their spouse or dependent), and are 79 or younger at the time of purchase.

What prepaid travel costs count? This one is very specific - only the full fare of your return trip counts towards activating your travel insurance cover, including flights and cruises. For domestic trips, you will need to either spend the entire cost of your return fare (bus, train, flight, cruise, etc) or at least $500 in domestic accommodation costs to activate your travel insurance cover.

Are my spouse and dependants covered? This will depend on the type of card you have, as certain cards will cover your spouse and dependents under the age of 22. 

Underwritten by: Insurance provided by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited through its agent Cover-More Insurance Services. 

Eligible Commonwealth Bank Credit Cards:

• Commonwealth Bank Smart Awards Credit Card
• Commonwealth Bank Ultimate Awards Credit Card

How to activate: Activate cover with the press of a button via NetBank, the CommBank app, or directly with Cover-More.

What prepaid travel costs count? Cover is automatically activated for 12 months from when you make the booking for your trip. However, if you're trying to activate mid-trip keep in mind a three day waiting period applies.

Are my spouse and dependants covered? Yes, your spouse and up to ten children are covered as long as they are travelling with you (the cardholder) for the duration of the trip.

Underwritten by: Allianz

Eligible NAB Credit Cards :

• NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Credit Card
• NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Credit Card
• NAB Rewards Signature Credit Card
• NAB Rewards Platinum Credit Card
• NAB Low Fee Platinum Card

How to activate: NAB have range of travel insurance plans on their credit cards and each one is activated in a slightly different way. For your overseas travel insurance plan, you need to:

• Have an eligible card.
• Have a return trip booked from Australia.
• Before leaving Australia, spend $500 on your prepaid travel costs on the eligible NAB credit card.
• Be an Australian resident and under 91 years of age at the time of departure.

What prepaid travel costs count? Your return flights or boat trip, transport, accommodation and tours DO count, but travellers cheques and foreign currency DON’T count (check T&Cs for further information). To qualify, you need to use your NAB card or card details to purchase these items – using the account linked to your debit card via BPay or PayPal won’t activate your travel insurance.

Are my spouse and dependants covered? Yes, but they will also need a return ticket for the trip and a $500 spend each on prepaid travel costs, paid on your eligible card, and they will need to satisfy the relevant eligibility requirements.

Eligible Westpac Credit Cards :

• Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card (available in Altitude Rewards, Velocity Frequent Flyer, and Qantas Frequent Flyer varieties)
• Westpac Altitude Platinum Credit Card  (available in Altitude Rewards, Velocity Frequent Flyer, and Qantas Frequent Flyer varieties)

How to activate:  To activate travel insurance on your Westpac credit card, you'll need to have:

• A return ticket to Australia booked before you leave
• An eligible Westpac card
• Paid for $500 of your prepaid travel costs with that card before leaving Australia

You must also be under 81 years old and an Australian resident.

What prepaid travel costs count? Your return flight, accommodation, other travel while you’re away and any tours that might be on your itinerary can be included in the $500 figure.

Are my spouse and dependants covered? Yes, as long as they also have a return ticket and $500 of their travel costs have been paid on the Westpac credit card in question, and are travelling with the cardholder for at least 50% of their travel time.

Eligible ANZ Credit Cards :

• ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum
• ANZ Frequent Flyer Black
• ANZ Rewards Platinum
• ANZ Rewards Black
• ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures
• ANZ Platinum

How to activate: At $250, ANZ has one of the lowest thresholds for activation. To activate your ANZ travel insurance, all you need to do is:

• Have one of the above eligible cards
• Use it to purchase just $250 of your prepaid travel costs
• Have a return flight from Australia
• Be under 81 years old

What prepaid travel costs count? This can include flights, other transport, accommodation or tours for you and your spouse or dependent children. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use your reward points towards your $250 payment.

Are my spouse and dependants covered? As long as they are travelling with you, have a return ticket and $250 of their prepaid travel costs have been paid on your ANZ card.

Eligible Citi Credit Cards :

• Citi Prestige Credit Card
• Citi Premier Credit Card
• Citi Rewards Credit Card

How to activate:  To get your insurance up and running, you’ll need to make sure:

• Your overseas trip does not last more than 6 consecutive months.
• Your travel ticket was purchased using an eligible Citi credit card or via the associated frequent flyer program.
• If you're purchasing with frequent flyer points, you must spend a minimum of 15,000 points accrued on a Citi Card or through Citi Rewards over a 12 month period prior to buying your travel ticket. 

What prepaid travel costs count? Only the cost of your overseas travel ticket is relevant to your travel insurance policy activation.

Are my spouse and dependants covered? Yes, as long as they’ve met the same eligibility requirements as the cardholder, which means paying for their ticket using the eligible Citi credit card. They will also need to be travelling with you for at least 50% of the trip.

Eligible HSBC credit cards :

• HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card
• HSBC Platinum Credit Card
• HSBC Premier World MasterCard
• HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card

The HSBC Low Rate Credit Card does offer domestic travel insurance, but not international. 

How to activate: There are two simple steps to activating travel insurance on an HSBC credit card, which are:

• Have a return ticket for your trip
• Spend at least $500 with your card on prepaid travel costs before you leave.

You will also need to be an Australian resident.

What prepaid travel costs count?  In the $500 you need to spend towards your trip, you can include your return tickets and prepaid accommodation costs.

Are my spouse and dependants covered? Yes, but they need to activate their travel insurance in the same way you do. They’ll also have to be travelling with you for at least 50% of the trip.

Eligible St. George Credit Cards :

• St. George Amplify Rewards Signature Credit Card
• St. George Amplify Rewards Platinum Credit Card
• St. George Amplify Qantas Signature Credit Card
• St. George Amplify Qantas Platinum Credit Card

How to activate: To activate your St. George travel insurance cover, you’ll need to make sure:

• You've bought a return ticket to Australia for your trip
• You've paid $500 of your prepaid travel expenses with your eligible St. George card
• You're under 81 years old and an Australian resident

What prepaid travel costs count? Accommodation, flights, other travel, and tours can all contribute to the $500 required to activate your included travel insurance.

Are my spouse and dependants covered? Your spouse and any dependents are covered as long as they are travelling with you at least 50% of the time and meet the criteria of having a return ticket, $500 of their prepaid travel expenses paid on your card, and are under 81 years old. 

Underwritten by: Cover-More

Eligible Bankwest Credit Cards :

• Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard
• Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard
• Bankwest More Platinum Mastercard
• Bankwest More World Mastercard
• Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard
• Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

How to activate: You’ll be automatically covered as long as you hold one of the eligible Bankwest cards. Keep in mind if you're over 80 years old you won't have access to complimentary medical cover. 

What prepaid travel costs count? There are no minimum prepaid travel costs required to activate your cover. You can see your complimentary cover through either the Cover-more or Bankwest apps. This policy only covers the basics. You do have the option to upgrade to a more comprehensive cover for an added premium.

Are my spouse and dependants covered? Yes! Once you are eligible, they are too, as long as they’re travelling with you for the duration of the trip.

Don’t forget these important rules!

Our mantra here at Mozo may as well be, “Always read the product disclosure statement ”, as this will tell you what the inclusions/exclusions are of your chosen policy.

Here are some things to keep in mind about your travel insurance policy if you activate it through your credit card:

• Pre-existing medical conditions aren’t covered under most of these policies. If you’re travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, you might have to think about purchasing a standalone policy that suits your needs.
• Unless it's specified (like with Amex or HSBC) you don’t NEED to pay for your return ticket with your credit card to be eligible, but it’s a good way to spend a chunk of the required amount.
• The period of cover generally ranges from 3-6 months, but it’s important to check your particular policy.
• Most of the time, there’s no need to tell your bank that you’re travelling - your cover is automatically applied once you meet the eligibility requirements. It might be helpful anyway, to prevent foreign charges being flagged as fraudulent!
• For spouses or dependent children to be covered, they usually need to be travelling with the card holder for the duration of the trip. Check your policy for an exact definition of who qualifies as a dependent, because the age limit sometimes changes from policy to policy. (Otherwise, check out our guide to family travel insurance ).
• A lot of these travel insurance policies have age limits, usually up to 80 years of age. If you or someone you’re travelling with needs seniors' coverage, take a look at our handy seniors guide.

Ready to jet-set? Here’s a pre-trip travel document checklist to get you started.

Head to the best travel insurance hub for more expert tips, or find more of the best credit cards for some year round picks. 

Meanwhile, if complimentary travel insurance isn't enough, start comparing standalone travel insurance policies below.

Compare travel insurance policies - last updated 11 May 2024

Mozo experts choice awards won:

• Exceptional Value Ski Travel Insurance - 2024
• Exceptional Value Essential Travel Insurance - 2024
• Exceptional Value Comprehensive Travel Insurance - 2024

International Travel Insurance

Covid medical cover, covid cancellation cover, overseas hospital, cancellation cover.

Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO10. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

To see the Pre-existing Conditions and Activities covered by this policy please visit our detailed page about this product.

Comprehensive

Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

Be prepared for the unexpected on your adventures with Butter Travel Insurance. Emergency medical and hospital cover. COVID-19, accident and personal liability cover. Optional trip cancellation & interruption cover. Customise your cover with added extras like Motorcycle and ski cover (T&Cs apply).

Backed by the NIB, one of Australia’s largest travel insurance providers, Travel Insurance Saver brings you peace of mind on your travels. Compare three tiers of insurance cover, featuring benefits like 24 hour emergency assistance, emergency medical cover, luggage cover, cancellation cover and more.

• Exceptional Value Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance - 2024

International Comprehensive Single

Enjoy the security of single trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents. Be in to win 1 of 5 $1,000 cash prizes! T&Cs Apply. Offer ends 30 September 2023.

• Exceptional Quality Travel Insurance - 2024
• Travel Insurance Company of the Year - 2024

Be covered for international overseas and medical expenses. Emergency medical assistance 24 hours/365 days a year. Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits. Cover for luggage and personal money. Dependents covered free of charge (conditions apply). Limited COVID cover available. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $3,500.

Get the security of unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $2,500,000 personal liability cover.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

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Our goal at Mozo is to help you make smart financial decisions and our award-winning comparison tools and services are provided free of charge. As a marketplace business, we do earn money from advertising and this page features products with Go To Site links and/or other paid links where the provider pays us a fee if you go to their site from ours, or you take out a product with them. You do not pay any extra for using our service.

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Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits

Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

7 best credit cards with travel insurance of May 2024

Many things can go wrong on a trip, so having one of the best credit cards with travel insurance in your wallet can provide peace of mind. Protection against unforeseen trip delays and mishandled baggage can save you money when your travels don’t go as expected.

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

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for a lower annual fee
• United Club℠ Infinite Card : Best for United loyalists
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for bonus earning
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury benefits
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card : Best for Delta loyalists
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for premium travel value
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for premium perks while traveling
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card : Best for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, maximizing credit cards with travel insurance, how we rate, what is travel insurance, how to choose a credit card with travel insurance, ask our experts, pros + cons of travel insurance credit cards, frequently asked questions, chase sapphire preferred® card.

Year after year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred wins at the TPG Awards for Best Travel Rewards Card. In exchange for a $95 annual fee, you’ll gain access to the incredible Ultimate Rewards program — unleashing tons of potential value for award travel. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• Earn multiple points per dollar on things like travel and dining
• The current welcome bonus on this card is quite generous
• 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 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 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

United Club℠ Infinite Card

The United Club Infinite Card comes with the most perks and highest earning rates of any of United’s personal credit cards. Read our full review of the United Club Infinite Card .

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

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

This card has a unique set of perks that make it attractive for business owners looking to maximize their earning potential and unlock valuable rewards through the Ultimate Rewards program. And it comes with one of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen from Chase or any business credit card — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening. Read our review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen for this card — 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 for a reasonable $95 annual fee
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement and primary car rental insurance when traveling on business
• Additional perks including extended warranty, cellphone protection and purchase protection
• High spending needed to get 100,000-point sign-up bonus
• 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 Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum card is not just a symbol of luxury. It comes with an immense number of travel, entertainment, wellness and retail benefits making it a versatile card option that boasts more than $1,400 in potential value. Read our full review of The Platinum Card from American Express .

• The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative
• This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 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 high 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 higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
• The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on 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

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex is an excellent choice for flyers who want Sky Club access while traveling, or who can spend their way for a boost toward elite status. Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card .

• Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
• Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta
• Ability to earn MQDs through spending
• High annual fee
• Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
• Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Reserve your piece of history with the new limited edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card design.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and bring up to two guests or immediate family members at a rate of $50 per person per visit when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $240 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $650 Annual Fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a no-brainer card for those who are looking to up their reward earnings to the highest level. Chase Ultimate Rewards are one of the most valuable points currencies. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners
• Unlimited 3x points on the broad category of travel and dining
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Broad definitions for travel and dining bonus categories
• Steep annual fee
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
• You must spend the $300 travel credit before earning 3x points for travel and dining
• No automatic hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Venture X combines high-end benefits like travel credits, mileage bonuses and lounge access with a simple earning formula that’s easy to maximize. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

• Excellent welcome offer worth 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months
• $300 in annual credits toward bookings make through Capital One Travel
• 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 toward travel) each account anniversary
• The $395 annual fee might be expensive for some, but this card’s benefits provide much more value than that
• If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
• 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
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card allows cardmembers to earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining expenses, but Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members will earn at a higher rate of up to 3.5 points per dollar spent. Read our full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card .

• This card is more valuable for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members, who can get between a 25% and 75% bonus on points earned
• Comes with up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits annually and up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® statement credit and travel protections
• Can transfer points earned into a 529 college fund
• Other cards offer higher points for key bonus categories
• Must open a Bank of America account to get the best value for points
• Low $95 annual fee.
• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is my favorite consumer credit card with travel insurance because you’ll earn at least 2 points per dollar on travel purchases. You’ll get access to trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement when you use your card to pay for flights and some other types of scheduled transport that require a ticket. You’ll also get primary rental car insurance when you pay for a rental car with your card. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a good choice for most travelers who don’t want to pay a massive annual fee. Between bonus earning on dining, travel, online grocery purchases and streaming, plus benefits like an Chase Travel hotel credit each account anniversary year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred can be useful for occasional and frequent travelers.

"The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been in my wallet for 5+ years and is the go-to mid-level rewards credit card that I recommend to people. It usually has a pretty solid sign-up bonus, with points that can be transferred to some of my favorite loyalty programs, like British Airways Executive Club and World of Hyatt. The strong earn rate on dining and travel as well as streaming services makes it a good choice for a millennial like me." - Matt Moffitt , managing editor

Consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offers more perks and slightly more comprehensive travel insurance in exchange for a higher annual fee.

The United Club Infinite Card offers perks with United, the ability to earn United miles on purchases and travel insurance comparable to the Chase Sapphire Preferred. This means you’ll get useful protections like trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance and primary rental car insurance.

If you can benefit from travel perks with United, including a United Club membership and free first- and second-checked bags for you and a companion on United flights, the United Club Infinite Card is likely a good option. You’ll also get Avis President's Club status and IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status with your card, making it a good choice for travelers who use these programs.

If you’re considering buying a United Club membership, you’ll likely come out ahead with the United Club Infinite Card. You’ll get some nice perks with United, as the card offers perks for United loyalists as well as those who don’t travel with United frequently enough to earn elite status with the airline.

If the United Club Infinite’s annual fee is too high for you, consider the lower-annual-fee United℠ Explorer Card .

The Ink Business Preferred is a go-to travel credit card due to its bonus earnings on travel and its built-in travel insurance. It earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and provides travel insurance that’s comparable to what is offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

You should get the Ink Business Preferred if you’re eligible for a small-business credit card and want to earn bonus points on shipping purchases, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines, internet, cable and phone services and travel each account anniversary year. Getting such a good earning rate with a card with a sub-$100 annual fee is amazing.

"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 are looking for a consumer card offering similar travel insurance and a slightly lower earning rate on most travel purchases, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good option.

The Amex Platinum Card offers one of the highest bonus rates on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel , making it a compelling card to use when booking flights. Plus, you’ll get trip delay insurance and a baggage insurance plan when you use your card to book eligible round-trip travel.

You should consider the Amex Platinum If you’ll use the many benefits it offers, from Centurion Lounge access to a monthly digital entertainment credit . However, be sure to calculate the value you’ll obtain from the Amex Platinum’s perks and read the fine print on its travel insurance before deciding whether it is right for you.

“Whilst this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear credits. And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” - Matt Moffitt , managing editor 

Consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you prefer a card that earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, offers access to Capital One lounges and still provides competitive travel insurance.

The Delta Reserve Amex offers many of the same travel insurance perks as other premium Amex cards, like the Amex Platinum. But we love the Delta Reserve for its Delta Sky Club access , 15% off Delta-operated award flights and 20% back on inflight purchases on Delta-operated flights.

Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

If you are a Delta loyalist who wants to earn Delta miles on your credit card purchases and will benefit from Delta-related benefits, the Delta Reserve Amex may be a good fit. However, bonus earning is limited to Delta purchases, so you may want to use a different card for many of your travel expenses.

"As a Delta Diamond Medallion, I spend a lot of time on Delta jets. The card's annual companion ticket is valid on first class itineraries and has helped me offset the card's annual fee multiple years in a row." - Andrew Kunesh , former senior points and miles editor

If you want to earn more on flights, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express to earn bonus points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. After all, you can transfer Amex points to Delta.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers at least 3 points per dollar on travel purchases, an annual $300 travel credit and what is likely the most comprehensive credit card travel insurance available. On top of what is offered by many other cards in this guide, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel accident insurance, emergency evacuation and transportation and an emergency medical and dental benefit.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve lets you redeem points for travel through the Chase Travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents each, making it a good option if you prefer to redeem your Ultimate Rewards this way. It’s also a valuable option if you spend a lot of money on dining and general travel purchases, as both purchase categories earn 3 points per dollar spent.

"I've had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it's going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and varied travel protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I'm able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases." - Nick Ewen , senior editorial director

If the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee is too high, consider its sibling with a lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

The Capital One Venture X offers 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel , 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Plus, cardholders get access to car rental insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay reimbursement and more when using their Venture X card for eligible purchases.

If you can benefit from earning at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, the Capital One Venture X is a good option. The card offers two perks — a $300 annual credit for Capital One Travel bookings and 10,000 bonus miles each year (starting on your first anniversary) — that fully offset the annual fee before you even consider the card’s other benefits.

"With an annual fee that is $300 less than the Amex Platinum, the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel Portal credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year. Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership and Hertz President's Circle status. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar in spend categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile (e.g. auto maintenance, pharmacies, medical bills)." - Kyle Olsen , former points and miles reporter

Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

If you want to pay a lower annual fee in exchange for fewer benefits, you can still earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card offers travel insurance protections to its cardholders if they experience trip delays, baggage delays, lost luggage and more. Plus, cardholders can claim up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits annually for qualifying purchases, which is more than enough to offset the card’s $95 annual fee.

This card offers 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. But, if you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you’ll get 25% to 75% bonus rewards on every purchase. So, this card is a particularly good option for Preferred Rewards members.

If you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you should seriously consider adding this card to your wallet. Other travelers should also consider this card, as it offers competitive travel insurance protections and earning rates given its sub-$100 annual fee that can be fully offset by the card’s annual airline incidental statement credits.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good option since it carries a similar annual fee and offers 2 points per dollar spent on general travel purchases.

Weigh the earning rate against the protections

When you look at the cards in your wallet, you may see a card that earns well on flights or car rentals. But, you may have another card that earns fewer rewards on these purchases but offers better travel insurance. So, you have to weigh the value of the travel insurance — which you likely won’t need — versus the incremental value of the rewards you could earn.

When paying the taxes and fees on award flights, I often use a lower-earning card with excellent trip and baggage delay protections. After all, taxes and fees are usually minimal, so missing out on a higher earning rate isn’t a concern. But if I’m booking an expensive flight, I’ll sometimes use a card with a higher earning rate and fewer protections to earn more rewards.

Know the coverage details

Before deciding that a specific travel insurance card is best for you, take some time to learn about the details of the card’s travel insurance benefits. For example, what travel companions, if any, are covered? Is round-trip travel required? What types of expenses can be reimbursed for a trip or baggage delay? What types of documents are needed for a claim?

Check out the application page and our review to learn about a card’s travel insurance protections. But you may also need to find a recent guide to benefits for the card online to get the full coverage details.

Consider the other benefits

Many cards discussed in this guide have benefits besides travel insurance. Multiple cards offer statement credits, airport lounge access and program-specific perks. So, especially if you aren’t interested in getting a card just for its travel insurance, you’ll want to consider what other perks you could use.

For example, United loyalists may benefit from the United Club℠ Infinite Card , while Delta flyers might enjoy the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card . And Bank of America Preferred Rewards members might find the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card most rewarding.

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

Travel insurance is a type of insurance that may cover unexpected losses you might incur while traveling. You can purchase many types of travel insurance policies , but some travel rewards cards include travel insurance when you purchase eligible travel with your card.

Types of credit card travel insurance

Here’s a look at some of the most common types of credit card travel insurance that might be available when you use your card to purchase travel. However, check your card’s guide to benefits to see what types of insurance are available and the specifics.

Trip cancellation protection may reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses charged to your card if you must cancel your trip before departure due to a covered reason. Covered reasons often include illness, injury or death of you, your travel companion, or select family members. In some cases, trip cancellation may also help if your destination is affected by a natural disaster or other serious incidents.

Trip interruption protection is similar to trip cancellation, except that it may cover you during your trip. Sometimes, trip interruption protection may reimburse costs to rejoin your trip or return a rental car if you must abandon it.

Trip delay coverage may reimburse you if you are delayed by a passenger carrier (such as an airline or train company) for at least a set amount of time due to a covered reason. Usually, the delay must be outside your control. And in most cases, coverage is only provided for expenses incurred while you wait out the delay.

Travel accident insurance may offer you (or your survivors) payment in the case of accidental loss of life, limbs, sight, speech or hearing during travel. You’ll often need to be traveling on a passenger carrier during the accident for this type of insurance to go into effect.

Credit card rental car insurance usually covers damage to or theft of your car and, in some cases, may cover loss-of-use fees charged by the rental card company.

Many cards discussed in this guide offer primary rental car insurance, meaning you don’t need to file with your personal auto insurance first. But some cards offer secondary rental car insurance, in which case you must file with your personal auto insurance first.

Emergency evacuation insurance may help get you to the nearest medical facility if you are in a remote location and need to be medically evacuated. This perk is only offered by a few credit cards, and you usually must contact the credit card’s benefits administrator if evacuation is needed and have them arrange it for you.

Lost luggage protection may reimburse you if your carry-on or checked luggage is lost, stolen or damaged while you are a passenger. Meanwhile, delayed luggage protection usually kicks in six to 12 hours after an airline mishandles your luggage. It may reimburse your purchase of essential items you need while waiting for your luggage to arrive. For both types of protection, you’ll usually need to claim with the airline first.

Finally, some credit cards offer roadside assistance as a cardholder perk. If you need roadside assistance, you can call the number on the back of some cards, and they’ll send out someone to help.

Services often include jump starts, tire changing, fuel delivery, towing and locksmith services. Some cards will cover roadside assistance charges up to a certain amount, while others offer services at a pre-negotiated set rate.

How to claim travel insurance from a credit card

Claiming travel insurance, whether from a credit card or a private plan, usually requires filling out some forms. But before you start, double-check your guide to benefits and call the number listed in the benefits guide. By doing so, you can ensure your claim is valid and determine what documents the insurance company will need to process your claim.

Related: Readers say this credit card insurance provider isn't reliable: Here's what you need to know

• 1 Sign-up bonus Select a credit card with travel insurance that has a solid sign-up bonus with an achievable spend threshold. You can use this reward for future travel plans or to pay down a balance if you're earning cash back. Seek to earn the currency that's most valuable to you, be it points, miles or cash back.
• 2 Annual fee Credit cards with travel insurance come with varying annual fee prices. Some are higher for more premium benefits, while others are lower with less perks. We included a range of annual fee rates for every traveler to consider.
• 3 Bonus categories Many travel insurance credit cards feature bonus categories. We selected cards with a range of bonus category earnings to fit each consumer. Select a card that matches with your regular spending habits to maximize your expenses.

What's your favorite travel insurance card — and why?

• Travel insurance cards are good to have for protections while you're traveling
• Using a credit card with travel insurance responsibly can help you build your credit score
• Many cards with travel insurance come with other perks, such as elevated earning rates
• Credit cards can encourage overspending
• Carrying a balance on your card with travel insurance can damage your credit score
• The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans

Many travel rewards cards offer travel insurance. We’ve discussed some of our favorites that offer the most comprehensive travel insurance in this guide. But many other cards also offer travel insurance — these cards may have lower benefit maximums, fewer types of coverage, and more exclusions.

The best way to determine if your credit card has travel insurance is to study the guide to benefits that came in the mail when you received your card. You can also usually find the guide to benefits or detailed information about your benefits in your online credit card account. However, you can also call the number on the back of your card and inquire about what travel insurance, if any, your card offers.

Many travelers wonder if more than credit card travel insurance is required. In particular, you may wonder whether you should get travel insurance if you have credit card protection . There’s no right answer, and it often depends on your health, the type of trip you are taking and whether you have an emergency fund that can cover unexpected costs if needed. In short, if you fear your credit card insurance isn’t enough, it may be smart to purchase a travel insurance plan.

Best credit cards for travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Comparing the top travel credit cards for trip insurance

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

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

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

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

Who should apply

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

Who should skip

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

The Platinum Card from American Express: Best for lounge lovers

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

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

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

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

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for budget travelers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

United Club℠ Infinite Card: Best for United loyalists

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

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

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

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

Is a travel credit card right for you?

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

How to choose a credit card with travel insurance

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

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

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

The bottom line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Advertiser Disclosure

Best credit cards for travel insurance

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

Published: August 17, 2022

Author: Aaron Broverman

Author: Lee Huffman

Editor: Brady Porche

How we Choose

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

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

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

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

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best travel insurance coverage amounts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capital One Venture X: Best for adding authorized users

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bank of America Premium Rewards: Best for large bank balances

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comparing the best credit cards for travel insurance

Types of travel insurance coverage on credit cards.

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

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

How to choose a credit card for travel insurance

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

Editorial Disclaimer

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

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

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

On this page

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

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CreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. CCDC has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

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Credit cards with travel insurance

Free travel insurance is a popular feature, but cover varies a lot between credit cards. here’s how to find the best one for you..

Credit cards with complimentary travel insurance can save you hundreds of dollars on cover when you're travelling overseas. Some even offer cover for travel in Australia.

Compare credit cards with complimentary travel insurance

I took out the Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard (which won the 2023 Finder Award for Best Travel Credit Card) when I went to Japan with my partner. It comes with the option to upgrade, which includes a higher cancellation cover benefit.

What is complimentary credit card travel insurance?

Complimentary travel insurance is a credit card benefit that gives you access to cover for overseas trips, domestic trips or a mix of both. In most cases, you'll get cover for yourself, your partner and dependent children that are travelling with you.

You don't have to pay for this travel insurance, because it's included with your credit card. But you typically need to book your return travel using the credit card or activate the policy online before you get cover.

Types of credit card travel insurance

There are 4 main types of complimentary credit card travel insurance, with cover for different situations.

• International travel insurance Typically gives you comprehensive cover for overseas trips, including for emergency medical and dental costs, travel delays and lost or stolen luggage.

• Transit accident insurance A type of cover for injuries or accidents that happen on planes, trains, buses or other eligible vehicles. It usually only applies when you're overseas.

• Rental vehicle excess insurance Helps cover the cost of any excess you need to pay a car hire company if there's an accident. Depending on the card's insurance policy, you could get cover on rental vehicles overseas, in Australia or both.

• Domestic interstate flight inconvenience insurance The most common type of credit card travel insurance for domestic trips. Offers cover for issues such as cancelled flights, flight delays of 4 hours or more, delayed or lost luggage and funeral expenses when you're flying to a different state or territory in Australia.

What does credit card international travel insurance cover?

If you get a credit card with comprehensive overseas travel insurance, it will typically include cover for:

• Emergency medical issues
• Cancellation (for specific situations)
• Major flight delays
• Lost and stolen baggage, travel documents and valuables
• Hijacking, kidnap and ransom
• Personal liability
• Accidental death
• Funeral expenses

Does credit card travel insurance cover COVID-19?

A lot of major banks and brands offer credit card travel insurance with some COVID-19 cover in 2023, including Amex, ANZ, CommBank, NAB and Westpac.

In fact, Finder has analysed the complimentary credit card insurance policies for 14 providers and found at least 58 cards offered some cover for claims related to COVID-19 . In most cases, this includes overseas emergency medical assistance and some cancellation cover.

Similar to buying travel insurance , there are specific situations when you can and can't claim. These details are included in the insurance policy documents (or PDS).

Credit card brands that offer complimentary travel insurance with some COVID-19 cover.

Finder's analysis found these providers all offer credit cards with travel insurance that includes some cover for COVID-related claims in 2023:

• American Express
• Bank of Melbourne
• BOQ Specialist
• Bendigo Bank
• P&N Bank
• Virgin Money

Remember: You'll need an eligible credit card and will have to make sure you meet its travel insurance requirements before you can make a claim.

Pros and cons of credit card travel insurance

• Save money on buying insurance. Credit card travel insurance can save you hundreds of dollars on paying for cover when you're going overseas.
• Includes immediate family members. Your partner and children can also get cover through your credit card travel insurance when they're travelling with you and meet the eligibility requirements.
• Cover is provided by major insurance brands. Most complimentary credit card travel insurance is underwritten by Allianz, Chubb or Cover-More, which are all large, global insurance brands.
• Simple activation process. Usually, you just need to use your credit card to book a return travel ticket or activate the insurance through internet banking. Some policies also let you make claims online.
• Only covers trips up to a certain length. Overseas credit card travel insurance policies typically cover trips of up to 3 or 6 months. Interstate or domestic cover could be for as little as 7–14 days. So it won't be suitable if you're planning a longer journey or a one-way trip.
• Limited customisation. Only a few credit card travel insurance policies give you the option of adding or upgrading cover for things like extreme activities or sports.
• Credit card costs. Most credit cards with comprehensive overseas travel insurance have higher annual fees than other cards. There could also be interest charges if you book your travel and don't pay it off straight away.

Related: Credit card travel insurance saved me $200 – here's how

How to activate credit card travel insurance

Most credit card travel insurance is automatically "activated" when you meet the eligibility requirements, including for eligible ANZ, NAB and Westpac cards.

Each policy is different, but common requirements include:

• Book a return ticket. Most credit card travel insurance policies require you to book and pay for your return ticket to Australia before your trip starts.
• Use your credit card to book your travel. Usually, you need to pay for some or all of your overseas trip with your credit card. A really simple way to do this is to use it for flights, accommodation or other major costs. If you have a rewards credit card , you may be able to activate the policy by redeeming points for some or all of your travel booking.
• Make sure the length of your trip meets the policy requirements. For example, if the insurance covers trips of up to 3 consecutive months, you wouldn't be covered for a trip that's 6 months long.
• Activate the policy. Sometimes you'll need to activate your credit card travel insurance online to be eligible for full cover. For example, if you have a CommBank card with international travel insurance, you need to activate it through NetBank or by calling Cover-More to get comprehensive cover.

Remember to check the insurance policy booklet that came with your credit card for the exact requirements of your cover. You can also call the insurance provider if you have any questions (or need more proof of cover).

Who is covered by credit card travel insurance?

As well as cover for yourself, most policies offer cover for your spouse and dependent children when they meet the eligibility requirements. Some common conditions are:

• They must be travelling with you for most or all of the trip
• Some or all of their travel must be paid for using your credit card
• They must have a return ticket to Australia before the start of the trip

Check out Finder's guide to credit card travel insurance for your spouse and dependent children for more details on how this cover works.

Most credit card travel insurance policies cover people up to the age of 79. But different age limits may apply if you have a pre-existing condition.

For example, if you're over 50 years of age and have diabetes or glucose intolerance, you wouldn't get cover for those conditions with a Bankwest credit card. Finder's guide on credit card insurance and age limits has more details on different age requirements.

Pre-existing medical conditions

All travel insurance policies have specific requirements around when you will and won't be covered for a pre-existing condition.

In basic terms, a pre-existing condition is anything you have been professionally diagnosed with and/or are currently being treated for before the start of your trip. For example:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Psychological and psychiatric conditions

Some pre-existing conditions can be automatically covered by an insurance policy and others may require you to apply for cover. Depending on the policy, some conditions may not be covered at all. So, you should always check the insurance policy document for full details.

🔥 Hot tip: The easiest way to find details in the insurance policy booklet is to open your digital copy and use the find tool (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to search for the terms. E.g. "Pre-existing medical conditions".

How to make a claim

This process depends on the insurance provider. But as a general guide, the steps you'll need to take are:

• Contact the insurance provider. As soon as you think you'll need to make a claim, call or email the insurance provider using the contact details in the insurance policy booklet.
• Fill in the claim form. This is usually an online form or one that you can download and send back to the insurer.
• Your credit card statement showing the relevant purchase/s required to activate the policy (e.g. a travel ticket)
• A copy of a police report, if you're claiming for lost or stolen items
• Medical certificates
• Photo evidence
• Proof of ownership for lost, stolen or damaged items
• Flight itineraries and letters from carriers detailing delayed flights or unexpected events
• Submit your application. You should receive written confirmation from the insurer once you have submitted all the details online, over the phone or by mail.

How can I find the best credit card for travel insurance? 3 questions to ask

There's no single best credit card for travel insurance because everyone wants different features from a card. So here are the key questions you can ask to choose a card.

How much cover can I get for my trips?

Credit card overseas travel insurance typically offers comprehensive cover for trips of up to 3–6 months.

But there are different claim limits for specific types of cover, which are in the insurance policy document. For example, a policy might offer unlimited cover for emergency medical claims and up to $2,000 for emergency dental.

What are the costs?

Credit cards with overseas travel insurance typically have annual fees that range from $49 to over $450, although some cards do offer $0 annual fees in the first year or ongoing.

You should also check if you need to pay for some of your trip with the card to get cover and consider potential interest charges as rates can be high. And if you want to use the card overseas, check the foreign transaction fee (usually around 3%).

What other features are on the card?

Most credit cards that offer overseas travel insurance are platinum or higher-level accounts. So you could get benefits like frequent flyer or reward points, airport lounge passes or travel credit.

Just keep in mind that these features are only worth it if you use them and can justify the card's annual fee.

Other credit card travel insurance costs to look for:

• Excess payments. This is what you pay when you make an insurance claim. It's typically between $0 and $250 per claim with complimentary credit card travel insurance, which is similar to the excess for paid travel insurance . But it does vary and (can be higher).
• Out-of-pocket costs. You need to cover any essential costs (e.g. medical bills) while a claim is being processed. And if your expenses are more than the claim limit, you'll be out of pocket.
• Other policy fees. If you need to request cover for a pre-existing medical condition or if you're over the maximum age for standard cover, there may be an additional premium. Some credit cards also offer upgraded travel insurance with more coverage, which also attracts a fee.

What is interstate flight inconvenience insurance?

This type of complimentary insurance typically offers cover for trips of up to 14 days when you're flying to other states and territories in Australia. What you can claim depends on the card and the insurance policy, but some of the most common options include:

• Flight delays. If your flight is delayed for a set amount of time (e.g. 4 hours or more) and no alternative transport is provided, you could claim compensation for food and refreshments.
• Baggage delays. If your baggage is delayed (usually by more than 12 hours) you can claim compensation for essentials.
• Lost or damaged items. If your items are accidentally lost, damaged or stolen during the trip, this insurance could help cover the cost of repairs or replacement items.
• Funeral costs. In the event of accidental death during the trip, you could be able to submit a claim for costs related to the transportation of remains or cremation or burial.
• Cancellations. Usually, you'll only get cover for very specific reasons if you need to cancel a trip. For example, if the travel is non-refundable and you or a close family member becomes seriously injured before the trip.

To get cover, you usually need to pay for the return flight with your credit card before the start of your trip. There are also exclusions, claim limits and sometimes excess costs. So check the credit card insurance policy booklet for full details of the cover.

Other types of credit card complimentary insurance

Some credit cards offer complimentary insurances that relate to purchases or specific items, including:

• Purchase protection insurance. Cover for theft, accidental damage or loss of items purchased with an eligible card , typically for up to 90 days from the purchase date.
• Extended warranty insurance. Offers an extension on the manufacturer's warranty for eligible items purchased in Australia, usually for up to 12 months.
• Best-price guarantee. This cover offers a refund on the difference in price if you buy an item in-store and then find it at a lower price a few weeks later.
• Mobile phone insurance. A few credit cards offer insurance for mobile phones, including some Citi and Amex cards. Depending on the policy, you could get cover for accidental damage to your smartphone screen, theft or other types of accidental damage.

Is credit card travel insurance worth it?

The government's SmartTraveller website says travel insurance is "as important as your passport". So if you're going overseas, getting travel insurance through a credit card means you'll save money on paying for a policy. But it's important to check what's covered – especially if there's something specific you want to cover.

Credit card travel insurance is convenient but there are some situations where it falls short. Many don't automatically cover pre-existing medical conditions and lots come with a $500 excess. This can make smaller claims pointless. For example, my luggage was delayed on a recent trip. ​​I could have claimed to buy essentials. Instead, I made do with what I had. There's no way my expenses would have exceeded $500. In these situations, standalone travel insurance may be better.

Gary Ross Hunter Finder's insurance and innovations editor

Frequently asked questions

What should i do if i have a pre-existing medical condition.

Credit card travel insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies depending on the policy. So here's what to do before you travel:

• Check the credit card insurance policy document to find out if your pre-existing condition is covered.
• Contact the insurance provider (not the credit card company) and ask if there is a way for you to get coverage for the pre-existing condition.
• Ask the insurer for confirmation that your pre-existing condition will be covered and/or that you'll be eligible for cover unrelated to the condition.
• Find out if there's an additional fee for getting the pre-existing condition covered (e.g. for a medical assessment). If there is a cost, you can compare it to buying insurance to help decide what will suit your trip.

Tip: Document any conversation you have with the insurance provider so you can refer to it later if you need to make a claim.

What domestic travel insurance can I get through my credit card?

A lot of credit cards offer interstate flight inconvenience insurance, which typically covers trips of up to 14 days when you book return flights to another state or territory in Australia. Some cards also offer rental vehicle excess in Australia insurance.

If your international travel includes a domestic leg as part of the booking, it may also be eligible for a limited amount of cover through a credit card's international travel insurance policy. But only a few credit cards offer comprehensive domestic travel insurance, including the American Express Explorer, Qantas American Express Ultimate and American Express Velocity Platinum.

What is transit accident insurance?

Credit card transit accident insurance offers cover for serious injuries or accidental death when you're travelling on a licensed plane, train, bus, ferry or other form of specified transportation. It also applies when you are boarding or leaving the transport. It's sometimes known as travel accident insurance and full details will be in each insurance policy booklet.

If I have high blood pressure, will I still be able to use my credit card's complimentary travel insurance policy?

High blood pressure is typically considered a pre-existing medical condition, so cover varies between credit cards and insurance policies.

For example, ANZ complimentary international travel insurance provides cover for high blood pressure (hypertension) as long as it is stable and you're not waiting for treatment , on a hospital waiting list or awaiting the results of medical tests or investigations. If any of those situations apply, you'll need to contact Allianz for confirmation of cover.

In comparison, Suncorp credit cards with complimentary international travel insurance offers cover for hypertension if you have no known heart conditions and your current blood pressure reading is lower than 165/95 .

You also need to meet the other eligibility requirements for the cover.

Do I need to travel with all my documents to get insurance?

Credit card travel insurance policies don't typically require you to travel with any extra documentation beyond what's needed for the trip (such as your passport, flight or other travel tickets and any required international visas).

But it is useful to take a copy of the credit card travel insurance policy and proof you have activated the cover (e.g. a receipt showing pre-payment for the trip). You'll need these details for any claims, so having them in a travel wallet or online folder could make it easier if something unexpected happens.

How do I get the policy number for my complimentary travel insurance?

You can check the credit card complimentary insurance policy booklet to see if there is a master or group policy number – this number is often used instead of an individual policy number. You could also call the insurance provider to get these details.

If you need the policy details for a travel company or cruise, you can also ask for a letter of eligibility.

Does credit card travel insurance cover travel agent issues?

There is typically some cancellation cover for bookings made through travel agents. For example, if you had to cancel a trip because you were seriously injured and the travel agent you booked with charged a cancellation fee.

But complimentary travel insurance won't cover travel agent errors and omissions. That's why you should always read the policy booklet for full details or call the insurance provider.

Can I get cover for trips that start overseas?

No, credit card travel insurance policies typically require your trip to start in Australia. Most policies also require you to have a return ticket to Australia before your trip.

Pictures: Shutterstock, Pexels, Flaticon

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald.

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10 Responses

I would like to know if Suncorp complimentary travel insurance includes cruises. I only seem to see flight information. Do I need to purchase seperate insurance when going on a cruise.

Hi Vicki, Some cover for cruises may be available if it is an overseas cruise or a foreign-registered cruise vessel in Australian territorial waters, based on the definitions of “overseas” and “return overseas travel ticket” in the insurance policy information booklet for the Suncorp Clear Options Platinum Credit Card. But as this is a very specific question about the cover, you may want to call Allianz (the insurance provider) on 1800 072 791 to get specific details relating to cruises. Alternatively, you can compare cruise travel insurance on Finder. I hope this helps.

My parents are travelling to Greece in June for three months. They are 76 and 69 years old. They have various pre existing conditions including high blood pressure. They are pensioners. Are they able to get health insurance through a credit card?

Hi Cathy, Most credit card travel insurance will typically cover people up to the age of 79 or 81. This includes eligible cards from American Express, ANZ, Bankwest, Westpac, St.George. All of them have different details about pre-existing conditions and most include information for hypertension (high blood pressure) and other common existing conditions.

If your parents already have a credit card, they can check the relevant policy document or call the insurance provider. If they don’t have a credit card already and their trip is already booked, it could be difficult to get cover as many cards require some of the travel to be paid for with the card. But you can compare options in this guide. Alternatively, Finder has a dedicated guide for seniors travel insurance where you can compare policies and prices. I hope that helps.

Can I get card travel insurance if I am a type 1 diabetic

Hi Alan, Yes, it’s possible to get credit card travel insurance that covers diabetes. Because it’s considered a pre-existing medical condition, the cover and requirements vary between credit card insurance policies.

For example, with both St.George credit card complimentary insurance and Suncorp credit card complimentary insurance offer cover for diabetes/glucose intolerance if you:

• Were diagnosed more than 12 consecutive months ago
• Have not had any complications in the last 12 consecutive months
• Have a blood sugar level reading between between 4 and 12 or a HbA1C score of 9% or less
• Are not currently undergoing treatment for kidney, eye or nerve complications

But some other credit card insurance policies don’t offer cover for diabetes or other pre-existing conditions. If you’ve found a card you want, you can check whether diabetes is covered by looking at the credit card insurance policy booklet’s details on pre-existing conditions, or by calling the insurer listed in the booklet. I hope that helps.

Why isn’t BankWest’s Zero Platinum credit card on here? It offers a credit card with no fees, gives complimentary travel insurance, and no international transaction fees (none of the credit cards above offer that). It’s arguably the best credit card for travelling in overseas if you’re after a credit card with no fees. ING One Platinum also offers complimentary travel insurance, no international transaction fees, but costs $149 per year.

Thanks for your comment.

Yes, Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard doesn’t incur fees when you use it overseas plus no annual fee on the card. Although we feature a wide range of products, providers, and services, we don’t cover every product, provider, or service available in the market so there may be other options available to you. You can check out more about Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard and ING Orange One Platinum .

Hope this helps.

Cheers, May

Am I covered for complimentere travel insurance with a Coles platinum credit card?

Thank you for your comment.

Per checking, the platinum versions of the Coles Mastercard does not have a complimentary travel insurance. To check, kindly refer to the pages below: – https://www.finder.com.au/coles-low-rate-mastercard – https://www.finder.com.au/coles-rewards-credit-card – https://www.finder.com.au/coles-no-annual-fee-mastercard

Regards, Jhezelyn

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The benefits of free travel insurance with credit cards

Who doesn’t love free stuff? When it comes to credit cards, ‘free’ stuff will always be appealing. From free insurances, to bonus rewards points, to cashback, to gift cards, credit card providers are always coming up with new incentives to attract new customers.

To help you make the right decision, we’re going to look at the pros and cons of credit card travel insurance, and what it does and doesn’t cover. We’re also going to look at which credit cards offer free travel insurance – from American Express, all the way to Westpac.

Which credit cards offer free travel insurance?

In the past, only premium credit cards offered incentives such as free travel insurance. Nowadays however, standard credit cards, rewards cards and frequent flyer credit cards often offer complimentary insurances as well.

Scroll down for our list of credit cards currently offering free travel insurance.

What to be aware of when choosing a credit card with free travel insurance

When credit card providers offer ‘free’ features such as insurance, it can often mean the card is more costly in fees and interest. Just as you would do when comparing rewards credit cards , think about what you are getting from the card, and how much you are paying for those features. (Find out more about making the most of your rewards card here .)

The key to choosing the right credit card – in any circumstance – is making sure it offers value for money. Think about what you are getting from the travel insurance, what cover it offers, what exceptions there are, and how often you are going to use it.

What are the benefits of credit card travel insurance?

The main benefit of credit card travel insurance is the cover it provides. Your credit card provides you with travel cover, so you don’t have to buy standalone travel insurance, which should save you money – and the hassle of looking for cover.

Depending on your insurer, you could be covered for medical costs, travel delays and cancellations, lost baggage and personal belongings, and lost money and travel documents. You may also be covered for flight ‘inconvenience’, transit accidents, and car rental excess.

Here are the main types of insurance available on credit card travel insurance (bear in mind that most of the travel insurance is for overseas trips only).

• International/Overseas Travel Insurance : Travel cancellation, overseas medical expenses, lost luggage or travel documents, accidental death and disability, missed connections, personal liability and more.
• Interstate Flight Inconvenience Insurance : You’re usually covered if, during an interstate flight, your luggage is lost or delayed or if you have to cancel or amend an interstate flight due to serious illness.
• Transit accident insurance : Covers you if you or members of your family die or are seriously injured in an accident while travelling.
• Rental Excess Cover : Reduces your excess payment if you made the car hire on the credit card, but usually only if you took the comprehensive insurance option.

In order to make the most out of your credit card travel insurance, be sure to read the terms and conditions of the cover, and find out about any possible exclusions.

And remember…

• Always remember the free insurance will only be activated if you purchase the item on the card, for example the full price of the air fare or the holiday. (Find out more about booking travel and accommodation on your credit card here .)
• Always read and understand the terms and conditions closely before relying on the insurance cover, all of the banks use reliable insurers but there are still subtle differences to be found.
• Supplementary card members are often NOT covered unless they’re an immediate family member. So a friend or colleague who has an additional card on the account may not be covered.

Find out more about credit card travel insurance and what it covers here .

American Express Credit Cards

American Express cards provide extensive free travel insurance options. The most important difference is the domestic cover – most other providers don’t offer this. American Express free travel insurance is provided by ACE Insurance. The Platinum card has 18 different insurance benefits including roadside assistance and hijack cover.

ANZ Credit Cards

ANZ’s four platinum cards all feature free travel insurance. The travel and medical insurance covers a trip of up to 6 months. Interstate flight inconvenience covers you for return flights purchased for up to a 14 day period, and transport accident insurance covers plane, bus, ferry or train journeys when you’ve bought the full fare on your ANZ Platinum card.

Bank of Melbourne, Bank SA and St George Credit Cards

Bank of Melbourne , BankSA and St George all provide the same products under different branding, and therefore the same insurance cover. All cover is for the main cardholder, their spouse and dependent children.

Citi Credit Cards

All Citi credit cards shown on this site are regarded as premium and include international travel insurance. The Signature and Prestige cards are more comprehensive than the Platinum cards in terms of domestic cover – there is no domestic flight inconvenience insurance included on those.

Commonwealth Bank Credit Cards

Commonwealth Bank credit cards ’ free travel insurance is only really extensive on the Awards Platinum card option.  The other credit cards provide overseas travel insurance but not interstate flight inconvenience or transit accident insurance. The cardholder’s spouse and dependent children are automatically covered.

Diners Club Credit Cards

Diners Club (yes it still exists) offers extensive free travel insurance as it’s a premium credit card offering. It offers cover for the card holder, spouse and dependent children for all items, the cover of which is provided by Zurich Insurance.

HSBC Credit Cards

HSBC updated the free travel insurance for its HSBC credit cards in 2022 to include a spouse and dependants aged under 16, making it a better all-round option for travelling overseas with family. It also includes rental vehicle excess insurance up to $3000, funeral expenses if you’re travelling for an overseas funeral or return of remains, and domestic pet travel cover if your journey is delayed.

NAB Credit Cards

NAB credit cards ’ free travel insurance covers the cardholder and their immediate family, it is limited however, if you or another family member is 75 years old or older. NAB does include some interesting additional extras such as domestic hotel burglary insurance, kidnappings and hijacks.

Virgin Credit Cards

Virgin credit cards only provide free overseas travel insurance on their premium High Flyer card , but do provide transit accident insurance on the Flyer Card. Insurance is applicable to spouse and dependant children too.

All in all, there is a huge range of options to consider. If you are travelling with family and book the whole trip on the card, there are good options to save yourself a lot of money on separate travel insurance – if you’re sure your credit card has you covered. Always check the terms and conditions thoroughly.

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Pauline hatch.

Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Pauline is passionate about seeing Aussies win by making their money – and their credit cards – work smarter, harder and bigger.

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NAB Low Rate Credit Card – Balance Transfer Offer

0% on balance transfers for 28 months.

2% BT fee applies; reverts to 21.74% p.a. Enjoy $0 annual fee for the first year ($59 thereafter) plus, low variable purchase rate of 13.49%. New members only.

Low variable purchase rate of 13.49% p.a. No annual fee for the first year and get a free additional cardholder.

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Qantas American Express Ultimate Credit Card

60,000 bonus qantas points.

Spend $3,000 within the first 3 months. $450 Qantas Travel Credit to use on eligible domestic or international Qantas flights each year. Two complimentary The Centurion® Lounge entries each year plus travel insurance covers. T&Cs apply.

When you spend $3,000 within the first 3 months. $450 Annual Qantas Travel Credit. Two complimentary The Centurion® Lounge entries each year plus travel insurance covers. Add 4 additional cardholders for free.

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14 Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

• Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
• The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
• Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

• 46 travel credit cards evaluated
• 10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
• 100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. O ur top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
• Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
• Discover it® Miles – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

• American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

• United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Our top picks are listed in alphabetical order.

Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
• No bonus category for travel
• Few benefits compared to other cards
• Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

• No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
• Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
• You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
• Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
• No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
• Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
• You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
• Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

• Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
• Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
• No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

• Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
• Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
• Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
• See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
• Few benefits compared to other travel cards
• Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

• Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
• Includes cell phone protection plan
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Doesn't include travel insurance
• Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
• Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
• Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
• Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
• Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
• Includes primary rental car insurance
• Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
• $95 annual fee
• Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

• Earns 4x points on restaurants worldwide, takeout and food delivery within the U.S.
• Up to $120 in annual dining credits, issued as a $10 statement credit per month for select restaurants (enrollment required)
• Up to $120 as Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) for food delivery orders and rides in the U.S. after you add the American Express(R) Gold Card to your Uber account
• Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
• High annual fee ($250)
• Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $250 annual fee. These include:

• Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and Shake Shack (Enrollment required)
• Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
• $100 credit for dining, spa services and other activities when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
• Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

• 10,000 bonus miles every year
• Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
• High annual fee ($395)
• Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
• No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

• 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
• Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

• Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
• Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
• Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
• High annual fee ($550)
• Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

• $300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
• Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

• Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
• Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
• Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
• High annual fee ($695)
• Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
• Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

• Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
• Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
• $200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel and paid with your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
• Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
• Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
• Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
• Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year ($200 between January and June and $200 between July and December) for U.S. purchases with Dell.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

• Free first checked bag for you and a companion
• Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
• 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
• Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
• $95 annual fee (after the first year)
• No intro APR period
• Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

• Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
• 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
• Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
• Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards offer benefits and rewards geared towards individuals who travel frequently or want to earn travel benefits.

They provide high rewards for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. You can then use these rewards (in the form of points or miles) to book travel reservations. Some cards also let you transfer your rewards to hotel and airline partners or redeem them for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

On top of the rewards, these cards often feature several travel-related perks, such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you’ll typically get bonus points in additional spending categories. For example, some cards may offer 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

How to use credit card points for travel

Travel credit cards have rewards programs through which you can earn points (or miles). Well-known point programs include Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards® and Citi ThankYou® Rewards.

To redeem your points, go to your travel card’s rewards program portal. The process may differ across credit card issuers, but you’ll usually be able to access it through your online account on the issuer’s website or app.

Points are usually worth one cent each. However, some issuers increase their value if you redeem them for travel. For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card points are worth 1.25 cents when used to book flights through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

Points may also be worth less than a cent, depending on how you redeem them. For example, some cards allow you to use your points at Amazon checkout. While this might sound convenient, this option may bring down the value of points to around 0.8 cents.

Some cards also allow you to transfer your rewards to select airline and hotel partners. Typically, you can transfer rewards to these loyalty programs on a 1:1 ratio, meaning that 1,000 credit card points are worth 1,000 loyalty program points.

Difference between points and miles

You’ll earn points or miles depending on which travel credit card you have. For example, Chase travel credit cards earn points, while Capital One travel cards earn miles. Miles and points typically have similar value (around one cent each) and redemption options.

However, keep in mind that several cards that earn miles are tied to a specific airline — like the United℠ Explorer Card. In this case, you can only use your rewards for purchases with the issuing airline such as flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining and more.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

• Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
• Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
• They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
• Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
• Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
• They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
• Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
• Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

How to choose a travel credit card

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

• Do you travel often? A travel rewards credit card offers high reward rates on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you use their points on flights, hotels and car rentals. If you don’t take trips often but want to pile up rewards, a cash-back credit card might be a better fit.
• Assess your everyday spending. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
• Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
• General travel card vs co-branded cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
• Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer extras like annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of add-ons and pick one that will best suit your travel plans.
• Compare insurance policies. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
• Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
• Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your deciding factor, especially if you’ll end up paying a high annual fee without getting your money’s worth.

How get the most out of your travel credit card

To get the most out of your travel credit card, you need to use it as often and strategically as possible. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase, which you can then redeem for free or discounted flights, hotels and more.

Use your travel card to pay most of your purchases and bills and then pay your card off in full each month. This will help you earn points while avoiding interest charges and high credit card debt , which can impact your credit score.

Here are some other tips to maximize your rewards and benefits:

• Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
• Redeem your rewards for travel through the card issuer’s website. This redemption option usually offers the highest value compared to gift cards or merchandise, for example.
• If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example.
• Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
• If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

What is the best travel credit card, what is the best credit card for international travel, how to travel for free with credit cards, what is the best credit card for travel miles, what is a welcome bonus on a credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

• Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: 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.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: 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.

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

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

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

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** 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. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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Commonwealth bank of australia (asx:cba) shareholders have earned a 14% cagr over the last five years.

Stock pickers are generally looking for stocks that will outperform the broader market. Buying under-rated businesses is one path to excess returns. For example, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ( ASX:CBA ) share price is up 60% in the last 5 years, clearly besting the market return of around 24% (ignoring dividends). On the other hand, the more recent gains haven't been so impressive, with shareholders gaining just 24% , including dividends .

So let's assess the underlying fundamentals over the last 5 years and see if they've moved in lock-step with shareholder returns.

See our latest analysis for Commonwealth Bank of Australia

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

Over half a decade, Commonwealth Bank of Australia managed to grow its earnings per share at 3.0% a year. This EPS growth is slower than the share price growth of 10% per year, over the same period. This suggests that market participants hold the company in higher regard, these days. That's not necessarily surprising considering the five-year track record of earnings growth.

The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here .

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return . Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, Commonwealth Bank of Australia's TSR for the last 5 years was 96%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Commonwealth Bank of Australia shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 24% over one year. Of course, that includes the dividend. Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 14% per year), it would seem that the stock's performance has improved in recent times. Someone with an optimistic perspective could view the recent improvement in TSR as indicating that the business itself is getting better with time. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Commonwealth Bank of Australia better, we need to consider many other factors. Case in point: We've spotted 1 warning sign for Commonwealth Bank of Australia you should be aware of.

We will like Commonwealth Bank of Australia better if we see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Australian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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What Is Gap Insurance and How Does it Work?

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A new car is a big purchase, and many drivers end up making auto loan or lease payments for years. But a new car’s value can drop significantly, especially within the first year. If your new car is totaled in an accident, a full coverage car insurance policy will only cover up to the vehicle’s current market value. So how do you pay off your auto loan if you still owe more than what your car insurance will cover?

Unfortunately, you’re still on the hook for the difference between a car’s value and the amount you owe on it — unless you have gap insurance.

What is gap insurance?

Gap insurance, or guaranteed asset protection, is an optional coverage that pays the difference between what your vehicle is worth and how much you owe on your car at the time it’s stolen or totaled. This coverage supplements a comprehensive or collision car insurance payout, which can only be as high as your car’s value.

You’re responsible for paying off your car loan if your car is totaled or stolen, even if your insurance won’t cover the full amount you still owe. This is where gap insurance can come in handy.

But to be clear: If you don’t have a car loan or a lease, you don’t need gap insurance.

What does gap insurance cover?

Gap insurance covers what’s owed on a car after a total loss, whether that’s the result of an accident or vehicle theft. Gap insurance pays out after comprehensive and collision coverage, two coverage types that are typically required when you buy or lease a new vehicle. (They pay for damage to your car after things like accidents, fire or vehicle theft.)

However, comprehensive and collision insurance pay only what a car is worth at the time of a theft or accident. So when you owe more on your car loan or lease than that, gap insurance covers that amount.

In most cases, gap insurance doesn't cover your comprehensive or collision deductible. Your deductible is the amount your insurance subtracts from a claim payout.

» MORE: Why rising car prices make gap insurance worth a look

How does gap insurance work?

Let’s say someone stole your new car, and at the time it was worth $25,000. Unfortunately, you still owe $30,000 on the car. You have comprehensive insurance, which will pay for the value of your car at the time of theft. You’re responsible for your $500 insurance deductible , and then the insurance company pays $24,500 to your lender — but there’s still $5,500 due on your loan.

Gap insurance is designed to pay that final $5,500 so you don’t owe money on a totaled car. But without gap insurance, you’ll have to cover the balance on your loan as well as your insurance deductible.

Here is a visual of that example:

» MORE: What does car insurance cover?

Is gap insurance worth it?

You don’t need gap insurance unless you lease a vehicle or have a loan. You also don’t need it if your loan is paid down below the value of your car.

But if you do have a lease or loan, you may want to think about whether you can afford to pay the difference between the amount you still owe and the value of your car. If you couldn’t make that payment, or don’t want to deal with that financial stress in an emergency, then you’d probably benefit from having gap coverage.

Drop gap coverage when your car loan is less than the current value of your car. Online pricing guides like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book can give you an idea of how much your car is worth. Insurers might not drop it automatically, so you may need to remove it.

How to get gap insurance

You can generally only add gap insurance to your policy if you still owe money on the vehicle or lease. Although insurers’ guidelines vary, a company may require one or both of the following:

Your car is no more than two to three years old.

You are the original owner of the vehicle.

There are two main ways to buy gap insurance:

From your auto insurer, as part of your regular insurance policy.

Through the dealership or lender, rolled into your loan payments. With this arrangement, you’re paying interest on the cost of your gap insurance over the life of the loan, making the coverage far more expensive.

If you buy through your dealership or lender:

Check your auto loan contract to see if you’re required to have gap insurance — not all lenders require it. However, your lender will generally require you to buy comprehensive and collision coverage.

A dealer may automatically include gap insurance if you lease your car, so make sure to check your lease agreement.

If you already bought gap insurance from your dealer and want to buy it from your insurer, you may be able to remove it from your car loan contract. Make sure you have coverage during the transition if you switch providers.

NerdWallet recommends buying gap coverage through your auto insurer rather than from a dealership to avoid paying interest on it. Not all car insurance companies provide gap coverage (or an equivalent) or offer it in all states, so if you decide you want this type of insurance, you may need to switch companies .

Which insurance companies sell gap coverage?

Some of the largest insurance companies that offer stand-alone gap insurance (or an equivalent) as add-ons to car insurance policies are:

American Family.

Auto-Owners.

Liberty Mutual.

Nationwide.

» MORE: Get the cheapest car insurance

See what you could save on car insurance

How much does gap insurance cost.

Auto insurers typically charge a few dollars a month for gap insurance or around $20 a year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Your cost depends on individual factors, like your car’s value. You’ll also need to buy comprehensive and collision coverage. To find the best company for you, compare car insurance rates with at least three insurers.

Lenders charge a flat fee of around $500 to $700 for gap insurance, according to United Policyholders, a nonprofit consumer group. But if you add the coverage to your loan, you’ll also pay interest on it. That means you could pay more than that $500 to $700 for three years of gap coverage from a dealer, compared with around $60 from your auto insurer for that same timeframe.

Prices and interest rates will vary, so always check with your dealer and car insurance company to accurately compare costs.

» MORE: Car insurance quotes: What you need to know

Alternatives to gap insurance

Gap insurance isn’t the only way to protect yourself if your car is stolen or totaled. Depending on your needs, you may want to add one of these coverage options instead of gap insurance:

New-car replacement insurance : If you’re more worried about buying a new vehicle than paying off your old one, new-car replacement coverage might be a better choice for you. While it is more expensive than gap insurance, this coverage helps pay for a new car of the same make and model, minus your deductible, to replace your vehicle with a new one.

Better-car replacement coverage: If your vehicle is declared a total loss, this type of coverage will give you money for a model that is newer and has less mileage.

On a similar note...

Free car insurance comparison

Instantly compare top auto insurance companies.

Money latest: Chocolate is a superfood - if you buy these bars

Read all today's personal finance and consumer news below - and leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering.

Friday 10 May 2024 22:26, UK

• UK exits recession, official figures show
• Ed Conway:  Three reasons to be gleeful about the ONS figures
• Interest rate held at 5.25% | Bank of England: June rate cut 'not ruled out but not fait accompli'

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• Chocolate is a superfood - if you buy these bars
• How to avoid a holiday data roaming charge (while still using the internet)
• Mortgage rates up again this week - here are the best deals on the market
• PG Tips enlists stars in big-budget ad after falling behind competitors - but poll shows Britons prefer rival
• My daughter discovered undeclared £600 management fee after buying her flat - can we complain?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

If you've missed any of the features we've been running in Money this year, or want to check back on something you've previously seen in the blog, this archive of our most popular articles may help...

Loaves of bread have been recalled from shelves in Japan after they were found to contain the remains of a rat.

Production of the bread in Tokyo has been halted after parts of a "small animal" were found by at least two people.

Pasco Shikishima Corp, which produces the bread, said 104,000 packages have been recalled as it apologised and promised compensation.

A company representative told Sky News's US partner network, NBC News, that a "small black rat" was found in the bread. No customers were reported to have fallen ill as a result of ingesting the contaminated bread.

"We deeply apologise for the serious inconvenience and trouble this has caused to our customers, suppliers, and other concerned parties," the spokesman said.

Pasco added in a separate statement that "we will do our utmost to strengthen our quality controls so that this will never happen again. We ask for your understanding and your co-operation."

Japanese media reports said at least two people who bought the bread in the Gunma prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, complained to the company about finding a rodent in the bread.

Record levels of shoplifting appear to be declining as fewer shopkeepers reported thefts last year, new figures show. 

A survey by the Office for National Statistics shows 26% of retailers experienced customer theft in 2023, down from a record high of 28% in 2022.

This comes despite a number of reports suggesting shoplifting is becoming more frequent. 

A  separate ONS finding , which used police crime data, showed reports of shoplifting were at their highest level in 20 years in 2023, with law enforcements logging 430,000 instances of the crime.

Let's get you up to speed on the biggest business news of the past 24 hours. 

A privately owned used-car platform is circling Cazoo Group, its stricken US-listed rival, which is on the brink of administration.

Sky News has learnt that Motors.co.uk is a leading contender to acquire Cazoo's marketplace operation, which would include its brand and intellectual property assets.

The process to auction the used-car platform's constituent parts comes after it spent tens of millions of pounds on sponsorship deals in football, snooker and darts in a rapid attempt to gain market share.

The owner of British Airways has reported a sharp rise in profits amid soaring demand for trips and a fall in the cost of fuel.

International Airlines Group said its operating profit for the first three months of the year was €68m (£58.5m) - above expectations and up from €9m (£7.7m) during the same period in 2023.

The company, which also owns Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling, said earnings had soared thanks to strong demand, particularly over the Easter holidays.

The prospect of a strike across Tata Steel's UK operations has gained further traction after a key union secured support for industrial action.

Community, which has more than 3,000 members, said 85% voted in favour of fighting the India-owned company's plans for up to 2,800 job losses, the majority of them at the country's biggest steelworks in Port Talbot, South Wales.

Tata confirmed last month it was to press ahead with the closure of the blast furnaces at the plant, replacing them with electric arc furnaces to reduce emissions and costs.

In doing so, the company rejected an alternative plan put forward by the Community, GMB and Unite unions that, they said, would raise productivity and protect jobs across the supply chain.

Rishi Sunak has told Sky News that the UK exiting recession shows the economy has "turned a corner". 

He told our economics editor Ed Conway : "I am pleased that while there's more work to do, today's figures show that the economy now has real momentum, and I'm confident that with time, people will start to feel the benefits of that.

"We've had multiple months now where wages are rising, energy bills have fallen, mortgage rates are down and taxes are being cut... I'm pleased with the progress that we're making."

Mr Sunak added: "I am confident the economy is getting healthier every week."

Lidl will increase staff wages for the third time in 12 months, the supermarket has announced. 

Shop workers in London will get £13.65, up from £13.55, while staff elsewhere will get a rise from a minimum £12 to £12.40 - at a cost of £2.5m to Lidl.

The supermarket invested £37m in pay increases in March, on top of £8m in September - a total of more than £50m in the past 12 months. 

The increase comes into effect from 1 June. 

Lidl GB chief executive Ryan McDonnell said: "As we continue to expand, we are welcoming more customers and attracting more colleagues into the business every day.

"It's absolutely right, therefore, that we continue to offer industry-leading pay."

Tech giant Apple has apologised after an advert for its new iPad model prompted outrage.  

The ad promoting the thinnest-ever iPad shows creative tools including cameras, books, paint cans and musical instruments being crushed in an industrial press.

But many, including celebrities like Hugh Grant, decried the crushing of artistic objects.

In a statement released to Ad Age, Tor Myhren, Apple's vice president of marketing communications, said: "Creativity is in our DNA at Apple, and it's incredibly important to us to design products that empower creatives all over the world.

"Our goal is to always celebrate the myriad of ways users express themselves and bring their ideas to life through iPad. We missed the mark with this video, and we're sorry."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

The FTSE 100 has been propelled to another record high this morning after official figures showed that the UK is now out of recession.

The index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, is up more than 0.5% and hit an intraday (during the day) high of 8,433 points earlier.

The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

It comes after officials revealed that gross domestic product (GDP) in the UK grew by a better-than-expected 0.6% during the first three months of the year. 

However, commentators said investors had been buoyed more by the rising cost of metals, along with suggestions from the Bank of England yesterday that interest rates could be cut soon . 

Russ Mould, from investment platform AJ Bell, said: "Given its international horizons, this has little to do with the UK's better-than-expected GDP growth and is largely being driven by strength in the resources space where higher metals prices and the promise of M&A [mergers and acquisitions] are helping to stoke share prices.

"The next key test of the index's new-found vim and vigour will likely come next week in the form of US inflation figures. Investors have broadly accepted rate cuts won't be as deep or come as soon as would have been anticipated at the start of the year. However, any signs inflation is proving much more stubborn than predicted would still represent a shock to the system for financial markets."

Among the movers on Friday is UK-based mining firm Anglo American. 

Its shares are up almost 2% after reports that industry giant Rio Tinto has been considering a multibillion-pound takeover of the firm. It comes after Anglo American rejected a bid from rival BHP.  

Meanwhile, shares in Vodafone are up more than 2% after the government conditionally approved its plans to merge with fellow mobile operator Three. However, an investigation into the deal by the UK's competition watchdog is still ongoing, meaning it’s not a done deal yet. 

On the flip side, property listings website Rightmove is down nearly 6% this morning. It comes after the company cut its advertising revenue growth estimates in a trading update.

Rightmove said higher mortgage rates and lengthier completion times for sales were likely to weigh on buyer sentiment in the coming months, but it also forecast a better year for the UK residential market as a whole.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16.

Sainsbury's is running a scheme that allows some shoppers to earn easy Nectar card points. 

To earn extra points, shoppers just need to spend £1 across multiple transactions at Sainsbury's this month. 

The supermarket says the scheme is available to "millions" of customers, though all it would say about the eligibility criteria is that it's "based on a range of factors".

Check if you're eligible

Log into your nectar card app and check to see if you have this message...   

Make sure you opt in once you see the message. 

From there, you simply need to spend £1 or more five times - earning extra points each time. 

The number of bonus points on offer varies for each customer.

The offer runs until 4 June. 

Britain is not just out of recession. 

It is out of recession with a bang.

The economic growth reported this morning by the Office for National Statistics is not just faster than most economists expected, it's also the fastest growth we've seen since the tailend of the pandemic, when the UK was bouncing back from lockdown.

But, more than that, there are three other facts that the prime minister and chancellor will be gleeful about (and you can expect them to be talking about this number for a long time).

First, it's not just that the economy is now growing again after two quarters of contraction - that was the recession. 

An economic growth rate of 0.6% is near enough to what economists used to call "trend growth", back before the crisis - in other words, it's the kind of number that signifies the economy growing at more or less "normal" rates. 

And normality is precisely the thing the government wants us to believe we've returned to.

Second, that 0.6% means the UK is, alongside Canada, the fastest-growing economy in the G7 (we've yet to hear from Japan, but economists expect its economy to contract in the first quarter).

Third, it's not just gross domestic product that's up. So too is gross domestic product per head - the number you get when you divide our national income by every person in the country. After seven years without any growth, GDP per head rose by 0.4% in the first quarter. 

And since GDP per head is a better yardstick for the "feelgood factor", perhaps this means people will finally start to feel better off.

But this is where the problems come in. 

Because while this latest set of GDP figures is undoubtedly positive, the numbers that came before are undoubtedly grim.

GDP per head is still considerably lower, in real terms, than it was in 2022, before Liz Truss's disastrous mini-budget, or for that matter lower than in early 2019.

Raising another question: when people think about the state of the economy ahead of the election (and obviously these new figures are likely to increase the speculation about the date of the election), do they put more weight on the years of economic disappointment or the bounce back after them?

Do they focus on the fact that we're now growing at decent whack or on the fact that their income per head is, in real terms, no higher today than it was five years ago?

These are the questions we will all be mulling in the coming months - as the next election approaches. One thing is for sure: this won't be the last time you hear about these GDP numbers.

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