The Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance for 2025

A credit card with built-in travel insurance can safeguard your adventures without extra costs.

The best credit cards with travel insurance offer essential coverage—trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance—letting you explore with peace of mind.

By choosing the right card, you gain travel insurance benefits without purchasing a separate policy.

In this guide, we highlight top credit cards with travel insurance and their unique benefits.

What is a travel credit card?

A travel credit card is your ticket to smarter, more rewarding adventures.

These cards earn points or miles on purchases, redeemable for flights, hotels and other travel expenses.

But they’re more than rewards cards—they’re a safety net, offering insurance and protections that can save you thousands if plans go awry.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel cards reward you in two main ways:

1. Earning rewards: Earn points or miles for spending.
2. Travel benefits: Access perks like airport lounges, free checked bags and travel insurance.

The magic happens at redemption. Most travel cards let you:

• Book travel directly through their portals.
• Transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
• Get statement credits for travel purchases.

Types of travel credit cards

Transferable rewards credit cards

• Most flexible option.
• Points transfer to multiple travel partners.
• Typically offer better value than fixed-rate cards.

Airline credit cards

• Best for loyal airline customers.
• Airline-specific perks (e.g., free bags, priority boarding).
• Miles restricted to one airline program.

Hotel credit cards

• Elite status benefits.
• Free night certificates.
• Bonus points at hotel properties.

Fixed-value credit cards

• Simple redemption structure.
• No need to track award availability.
• Ideal for budget travelers.

Business credit cards for travel

• Higher earning rates on business expenses.
• Travel perks for you and employees.
• Separate business and personal spending.

Best Premium Perks with Simple Redemptions: U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Perfect for: Luxury travelers who want straightforward rewards and premium benefits.

• Welcome Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in first 90 days
• Annual Fee: $400
• Regular APR: 19.99% – 26.99% Variable
• Credit Score Needed: Excellent (740+)

Standout Features:

• 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals
• $325 annual travel credit
• 12 complimentary Gogo in-flight WiFi passes
• Real-time mobile rewards redemption

Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards

Want to earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee?

These cards prove you don’t need to pay yearly charges to get solid travel benefits.

Best Intro APR Travel Card: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Great for: Travel lovers who want to earn rewards while paying off a big purchase.

• Welcome Bonus: $200 cash back after spending $500 in first 3 months
• Annual Fee: $0
• Regular APR: 19.49% – 28.24% Variable
• Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Travel Benefits:

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Secondary auto rental collision damage waiver
• Travel and emergency assistance services
• No foreign transaction fees

Best Low Annual Fee Card with Flat-Rate Rewards: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Perfect for: Budget-conscious travelers who want simple rewards earning.

• Welcome Bonus: 20,000 miles after spending $500 in first 3 months
• Annual Fee: $0
• Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% Variable
• Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Key Features:

• 1.25x miles on every purchase
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel accident insurance
• Extended warranty protection

Best Travel Cards for Airlines and Hotels

For loyal customers of specific travel brands, these co-branded cards offer exceptional value and unique perks.

Best Airline Credit Card: United Quest℠ Card

Ideal for: United Airlines flyers who want premium travel benefits.

• Welcome Bonus: 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in first 3 months
• Annual Fee: $250
• Regular APR: 21.49% – 28.49% variable
• Credit Score Needed: Good to excellent (670+)

Airline Benefits:

• Up to $125 in annual United purchase credits
• Two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits
• Free first and second checked bags
• Priority boarding

Best Hotel Credit Card: The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Perfect for: Hotel enthusiasts who value elite status and free nights.

• Welcome Bonus: Up to 60,000 bonus points
• Annual Fee: $95
• Regular APR: 20.49% – 27.49% variable
• Credit Score Needed: Good to excellent (670+)

Hotel Perks:

• Free night certificate every anniversary
• Automatic Discoveries status
• 4x points at Hyatt properties
• No foreign transaction fees

Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards

Let’s be real about what these cards offer – they’re amazing tools, but they’re not for everyone.

Pros

• Earn valuable rewards for everyday spending
• Get comprehensive travel insurance coverage
• Access to airport lounges and travel perks
• No foreign transaction fees on most travel cards
• Sign-up bonuses can fund entire trips

Cons

• Higher annual fees on premium cards
• Need good to excellent credit
• Rewards can be complex to maximize
• May need to book through specific channels
• Points value can change over time

How Many Travel Credit Cards Should I Have?

The sweet spot is usually 2-3 cards that complement each other:

• One premium card for travel insurance and perks
• One everyday spending card
• One co-branded card for your favorite airline/hotel (optional)

Remember: Only get what you can manage responsibly. Each new card should serve a specific purpose in your travel strategy.

How To Compare Travel Credit Cards

Here’s your checklist when choosing between cards:

Annual Fee

• Does the card’s value outweigh its cost?
• Look at statement credits and perks that offset the fee
• Calculate your expected rewards vs. the annual cost

Foreign Transaction Fee

• Aim for cards with no foreign transaction fees
• Especially important for international travelers
• Can save 3% or more on overseas purchases

Sign-up Bonus

• Compare current offers
• Look at minimum spending requirements
• Consider timing with your planned purchases

Rewards Rate

• Check earning rates in your top spending categories
• Compare point values across programs
• Look for bonus categories that match your habits

International Acceptance

• Visa and Mastercard have wider acceptance globally
• Some regions may not accept American Express
• Consider having a backup card from different network

Travel Protections

Key features to compare:

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Rental car coverage
• Baggage delay protection
• Travel accident insurance
• Emergency evacuation coverage

Perks

Value-adding benefits to consider:

• Airport lounge access
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits
• Free checked bags
• Hotel elite status
• Annual travel credits

How To Maximize Credit Card Points for Travel

Airline and Hotel Rewards Loyalty Programs

• Choose programs that fly where you want to go
• Look for sweet spots in award charts
• Consider airline partnerships and alliances
• Stack credit card points with loyalty program earnings

Track Your Credit Card Points and Miles Earnings

• Use a spreadsheet or tracking app
• Monitor points expiration dates
• Keep record of annual fee due dates
• Set spending goals for bonuses

How To Use Credit Card Points for Travel

1. Plan Ahead
   • Book early for best availability
   • Look for transfer bonuses
   • Check peak vs. off-peak pricing
2. Compare Redemption Options
   • Direct travel portal bookings
   • Point transfers to partners
   • Statement credits
   • Upgrades and experiences
3. Stack Your Rewards
   • Combine points from multiple cards
   • Use shopping portals for extra points
   • Take advantage of seasonal promotions

Are Travel Credit Cards Worth It?

For travel lovers, the answer is usually a resounding yes! Here’s why:

• Financial Protection: Travel insurance alone can save thousands
• Travel Perks: Lounge access and upgraded experiences enhance your journey
• Rewards Value: Points and miles can significantly reduce travel costs
• Convenience: Travel-focused benefits make trips smoother
• Emergency Support: Global assistance when you need it most

The key is choosing the right card for your travel style and spending habits. Start with one card that matches your most important needs, then build your strategy from there.

Remember: The best travel credit card is the one that fits your specific situation. Consider your travel goals, spending patterns, and comfort with annual fees when making your choice.

Ready to take your travel game to the next level? Pick the card that speaks to your travel style and start earning those rewards. Your next adventure awaits!

Note: Credit card offers and terms are subject to change. Always check current offers and read the fine print before applying.

Conclusion: Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance

Choosing the best credit cards with travel insurance can make a big difference in how confidently you travel.

These cards offer comprehensive benefits that cover mishaps like flight delays, lost baggage, and even medical emergencies, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip

. Many travelers find that the additional protection from these credit cards is invaluable, especially when traveling abroad where healthcare costs or unexpected delays can quickly add up.

When selecting the best credit card for travel insurance, consider the extent of coverage, claim processes, and any associated fees or annual costs.

By making an informed choice, you’ll be equipped with a financial tool that enhances your travel experience and adds a valuable layer of security wherever your journey takes you. Safe travels!