Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
The travel industry is intrinsically unpredictable. From inclement weather to mechanical issues to absent crew members, there are many reasons why your trip may not commence at its scheduled time of departure. And now with labor shortages and winter weather causing even more disruptions, your credit card’s travel insurance can be more valuable than ever.
Find the right card with trip delay insurance
30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). Earn 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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.
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Trip delay insurance covers you (and often family members traveling with you) for expenses like meals, transportation, lodging, medication, and toiletries. For example, if your flight is delayed by more than six hours, some travel credit cards will reimburse you up to $500 in “reasonable expenses” such as:
- An Uber from the airport to a hotel
- A one-night hotel reservation
- Dinner at a nearby restaurant
I’ve (unfortunately) used this benefit a handful of times, and it’s saved me hundreds. Just note that you must use your qualifying card to pay for your fare — even if that means simply paying taxes and fees on an award flight.
Trip delay insurance applies to more than just flights. You’re eligible for coverage whenever you book a “common carrier” — defined as “any land, water, or air conveyance that operates under a valid license to transport passengers for hire and requires purchasing a ticket before travel begins.” As long as it’s not a taxi, limo, commuter rail, bus, or rental car, you’re likely covered.
Below are the best travel credit cards for trip delay insurance. Even if you don’t travel regularly, you should be using one of these cards to reserve your travel, because trip delay insurance will come in handy sooner or later.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Compare the best travel credit cards with trip delay insurance
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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.
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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.
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.74% – 27.74% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.99% – 26.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 26.74% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 26.74% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Intro offer
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
Intro offer
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
On Chase’s website
The United Explorer card is the best all-around credit card for United flyers, offering a generous range of benefits for a modest annual fee. Cardholders receive a free checked bag, priority boarding, and inflight discounts on United flights, plus two one-time United Club airport lounge passes each year.
Details
Rewards
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Intro offer
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.24% – 27.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
See Rates and Fees
Show more
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
N/A
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Intro offer
150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Intro offer
150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.99% – 28.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
15.74% to 24.74% variable APR on purchases
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). Earn 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). Earn 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). Earn 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 26.74% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the gold standard of trip delay insurance. After just six hours of delay — or any delay that requires an overnight stay — you’re eligible for up to $500 in covered expenses per ticket. You and those traveling with you (a spouse and dependent children under 22) are covered.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a $550 annual fee. Still, it’s a favorite among the travel community for its well-rounded offerings of top-tier travel coverages such as baggage delay insurance and primary car rental insurance. The card also provides excellent travel benefits, such as:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Insider estimates Chase Ultimate Rewards® points value to be 1.8 cents each, on average. That makes this bonus worth around $1,080 in travel. Read our guide to the best ways to use Chase points.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is Capital One’s first premium travel credit card. It’s a Visa Infinite card (similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®), and benefits from extremely generous trip delay insurance***. You’ll get up to $500 per ticket in covered expenses after a delay of six hours or more. Those eligible for this insurance are your spouse and dependent children under age 22.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card incurs a $395 annual fee, but comes with benefits like:
This card currently offers 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth at least $1,275 in travel based on Insider’s valuation of Capital One miles — and much more if you know how to use Capital One transfer partners for fancy airplane seats and luxury hotels.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best beginner travel credit card on the market because of its easy-to-use rewards, high-quality travel benefits, and manageable $95 annual fee. The card reimburses you for up to $500 per ticket for reasonable expenses when your flight is delayed by 12 hours or more, or if you’re required to stay overnight. Family members are covered — that is, your spouse/domestic partner and any dependent children under age 26.
You’ll also receive perks like:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes with 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth an average of $1,080 in travel, based on Insider’s points and miles valuations.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
offers the same trip delay insurance you’ll find on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. If your travel plans are delayed more than 12 hours or require an overnight stay, you and your family (spouse/domestic partner and dependent children under age 26) can be reimbursed for necessary expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.
The card comes with an annual fee of $95, and also offers:
- Additional travel coverages (such as car rental insurance and baggage delay insurance)
- One free night at a Category 1 through 4 Hyatt hotel after each account anniversary (potentially worth hundreds of dollars)
- Another free night at a Category 1 through 4 Hyatt hotel after spending $15,000 in a calendar year
- Five elite night credits toward Hyatt elite status — and the ability to earn two additional credits for every $5,000 you spend in a calendar year
- Automatic Hyatt Discoverist status
If you’re a Hyatt enthusiast, this is an excellent card to consider. Its current welcome bonus is 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening. That’s worth up to $900 in hotel stays, based on Insider’s valuations — but it’s not difficult to receive more value from them if you know the best ways to use Hyatt points.
With the United℠ Explorer Card, trip delay insurance will activate after a delay of 12 hours or more, or if your delay requires an overnight stay. You and your family will be covered for up to $500 per ticket for covered expenses.
The United℠ Explorer Card has such well-rounded benefits that we consider it to be one of the best cards on the market. For an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95, you’ll get perks like:
The card currently offers an elevated welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That’s worth around $780 in flights, based on Insider’s valuations. Read our guide to using United miles to understand how powerful they can be.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
provides above-average trip delay insurance. When booking round-trip travel, coverage will kick in after just six hours of delay. You’ll be reimbursed for up to $500 in reasonable expenses per ticket for you and any family members traveling with you — that is, a spouse/domestic partner and unmarried dependent children up to age 19 (or full-time students at an accredited college or university under age 26).
You can use this benefit no more than twice per consecutive 12-month period.
The Amex Platinum charges an annual fee of $695 — a bit intimidating for many, but its ongoing benefits can easily offset that cost. Here are just a few annual statement credits that come with the card:
The Amex Platinum offers 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Insider values Amex Membership Rewards points at 1.8 cents each, on average. That means you can get about $1,440 in value from the 100,000-point bonus.
When you book round-trip travel with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, trip delay insurance will trigger after a delay of six hours or more. You’re entitled to $500 in reasonable expenses per ticket for you and any family members traveling with you (spouse/domestic partner and unmarried dependent children up to age 19 or full-time students at an accredited college or university under age 26). You can file two claims per 12-month period.
This card charges an annual fee of $650 per year — but it’s worth the price tag for anyone who frequently stays with Marriott. You’ll get perks like:
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers a substantial welcome bonus: 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening. Based on our valuation of Marriott points, that bonus is worth $1,050 in travel.
The American Express Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers trip delay insurance after a delay of six hours. You’ll get up to $500 in reasonable expenses per ticket for you and family members traveling with you (spouse/domestic partner, as well as unmarried dependent children up to age 19 or full-time students at an accredited college or university under age 26). Your travel must be round-trip. You can use this benefit up to twice per 12-month period.
This is one of the few cards that receive a full five-star review from Insider. Its benefits so dramatically outweigh its $450 annual fee that it’s worth keeping year after year:
Plus, the card offers 150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Per Insider’s valuation of Hilton points, that’s worth $750 in Hilton hotel stays — though it’s possible to get quite a bit more value if you know the best ways to redeem Hilton points.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee card with trip delay insurance that punches in the same weight class as many $95-annual-fee cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
If your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours, or requires an overnight stay, you and your immediate family are eligible for up to $500 per passenger in reasonable expenses. Family members include your spouse/domestic partner and any legally dependent children under the age of 26. You can only use the benefit once per person per covered trip.
For a no-annual-fee card, you’ll also receive great delayed baggage insurance: up to $100 per day (maximum of five days) once your bag is delayed more than six hours.
As for Marriott-centric benefits, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold’s only noteworthy benefit is 15 annual elite night credits — a big help toward achieving Marriott elite status. The card’s current bonus is 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Per Insider’s valuations, that’s worth around $210 in travel. Read our guide to redeeming Marriott points for secrets as to how you can get much more value from this bonus.
How we chose the best credit cards for trip delay insurance
Personal Finance Insider chose the top credit cards for trip delay insurance based on:
- The amount of money you’ll receive in the event of a delay
- The amount of time it takes for trip delay insurance to kick in
Many cards offer identical trip delay insurance, so we’ve also considered the overall value each credit card offers — from heightened welcome bonuses to ongoing benefits that handily offset each card’s annual fee.
Trip delay credit cards frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Trip delay insurance covers you after your trip has begun, and you’re either in transit to your destination or you’re headed home. If something happens that severely delays your flight, or if you miss a connection that puts you several hours behind schedule, you may be eligible for hundreds of dollars in compensation for “reasonable expenses” via trip delay insurance.
Trip cancellation insurance covers you before your trip even begins. If a covered hazard arises that prevents you from going on your trip (think car accident on the way to the airport, death in the family, etc.) you may be reimbursed for non-refundable travel. This does not give you the freedom to cancel your trip simply because you’ve decided not to go.
For example, I once booked a trip to Norway and broke my clavicle a few weeks before my flight. I obtained a doctor’s note advising against flying, and my card’s trip cancellation insurance reimbursed me for the trip.
Trip interruption insurance covers you during your trip (in other words, the part between your commute, covered by trip delay insurance). Some examples that would trigger trip interruption include:
- You get very sick during your trip and must return home
- Severe weather causes you to leave early
- Your hotel is “uninhabitable”
Trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable travel including your remaining hotel bill, any unused land, air, or sea arrangements, and change fees.
While this answer may vary slightly depending on which card you have, trip delay insurance tends to cover you (and family traveling with you) for things like:
- Hotel stays
- Food
- Transportation
- Toiletries
- Medication
You’ll be covered for travel on any “common carrier”, which includes things like airlines and cruises. Some covered hazards for trip delay insurance include:
- Equipment failure
- Inclement weather
- Labor strikes
- Hijacking
Some credit cards offer trip delay insurance that activates after just six hours. More commonly, the insurance will activate after 12 hours.
Trip delay insurance should be one of the biggest factors when choosing your travel credit card. If you travel with regularity, the benefit can save you many hundreds of dollars each year — particularly in the current era of mayhem within the travel industry. Flight delays and cancellations are becoming common occurrences.
While trip delay insurance specifies that you’ll be covered for “reasonable expenses,” this doesn’t relegate you to bare-bones accommodation. During a recent trip delay, My Chase Sapphire Preferred paid for my lodging at a Grand Hyatt (one of the highest-rated hotels in the city) and my pricey meals at the hotel restaurant. I was reimbursed within a couple of weeks for hundreds of dollars in expenses.
You must pay for the entire fare with your eligible card. However, you can still use miles and points to reserve your flight. As long as you pay the entire cash portion of your fare (the taxes and fees), your card will cover your trip.
Many cards from both Amex and Chase offer similar trip delay insurance — though there appears to be one standout difference in the terms: American Express requires that you book round-trip travel, and Chase does not.
According to American Express, a covered trip “may consist of roundtrip, one-way, or combinations of roundtrip and one-way tickets with Common Carrier(s).” However, it also specifies that the trip “ends when the Eligible Traveler returns by Common Carrier to the city of departure.”
It’s worth noting that Citi credit cards come with absolutely zero travel insurance of any kind. Booking travel with a Citi credit card is unwise, as you’ll have to pay for all travel complications out of your own pocket.
Related Post
Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
The travel industry is intrinsically unpredictable. From inclement weather to mechanical issues to absent crew members, there are many reasons why your trip may not commence at its scheduled time of departure. And now with labor shortages and winter weather causing even more disruptions, your credit card’s travel insurance can be more valuable than ever.
Find the right card with trip delay insurance
30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). Earn 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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.
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Trip delay insurance covers you (and often family members traveling with you) for expenses like meals, transportation, lodging, medication, and toiletries. For example, if your flight is delayed by more than six hours, some travel credit cards will reimburse you up to $500 in “reasonable expenses” such as:
- An Uber from the airport to a hotel
- A one-night hotel reservation
- Dinner at a nearby restaurant
I’ve (unfortunately) used this benefit a handful of times, and it’s saved me hundreds. Just note that you must use your qualifying card to pay for your fare — even if that means simply paying taxes and fees on an award flight.
Trip delay insurance applies to more than just flights. You’re eligible for coverage whenever you book a “common carrier” — defined as “any land, water, or air conveyance that operates under a valid license to transport passengers for hire and requires purchasing a ticket before travel begins.” As long as it’s not a taxi, limo, commuter rail, bus, or rental car, you’re likely covered.
Below are the best travel credit cards for trip delay insurance. Even if you don’t travel regularly, you should be using one of these cards to reserve your travel, because trip delay insurance will come in handy sooner or later.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Compare the best travel credit cards with trip delay insurance
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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.
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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.
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.74% – 27.74% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.99% – 26.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 26.74% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 26.74% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Intro offer
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
Intro offer
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
On Chase’s website
The United Explorer card is the best all-around credit card for United flyers, offering a generous range of benefits for a modest annual fee. Cardholders receive a free checked bag, priority boarding, and inflight discounts on United flights, plus two one-time United Club airport lounge passes each year.
Details
Rewards
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Intro offer
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.24% – 27.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
See Rates and Fees
Show more
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
N/A
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Intro offer
150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Intro offer
150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.99% – 28.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
15.74% to 24.74% variable APR on purchases
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). Earn 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). Earn 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). Earn 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 26.74% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the gold standard of trip delay insurance. After just six hours of delay — or any delay that requires an overnight stay — you’re eligible for up to $500 in covered expenses per ticket. You and those traveling with you (a spouse and dependent children under 22) are covered.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a $550 annual fee. Still, it’s a favorite among the travel community for its well-rounded offerings of top-tier travel coverages such as baggage delay insurance and primary car rental insurance. The card also provides excellent travel benefits, such as:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Insider estimates Chase Ultimate Rewards® points value to be 1.8 cents each, on average. That makes this bonus worth around $1,080 in travel. Read our guide to the best ways to use Chase points.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is Capital One’s first premium travel credit card. It’s a Visa Infinite card (similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®), and benefits from extremely generous trip delay insurance***. You’ll get up to $500 per ticket in covered expenses after a delay of six hours or more. Those eligible for this insurance are your spouse and dependent children under age 22.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card incurs a $395 annual fee, but comes with benefits like:
This card currently offers 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth at least $1,275 in travel based on Insider’s valuation of Capital One miles — and much more if you know how to use Capital One transfer partners for fancy airplane seats and luxury hotels.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best beginner travel credit card on the market because of its easy-to-use rewards, high-quality travel benefits, and manageable $95 annual fee. The card reimburses you for up to $500 per ticket for reasonable expenses when your flight is delayed by 12 hours or more, or if you’re required to stay overnight. Family members are covered — that is, your spouse/domestic partner and any dependent children under age 26.
You’ll also receive perks like:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes with 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth an average of $1,080 in travel, based on Insider’s points and miles valuations.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
offers the same trip delay insurance you’ll find on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. If your travel plans are delayed more than 12 hours or require an overnight stay, you and your family (spouse/domestic partner and dependent children under age 26) can be reimbursed for necessary expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.
The card comes with an annual fee of $95, and also offers:
- Additional travel coverages (such as car rental insurance and baggage delay insurance)
- One free night at a Category 1 through 4 Hyatt hotel after each account anniversary (potentially worth hundreds of dollars)
- Another free night at a Category 1 through 4 Hyatt hotel after spending $15,000 in a calendar year
- Five elite night credits toward Hyatt elite status — and the ability to earn two additional credits for every $5,000 you spend in a calendar year
- Automatic Hyatt Discoverist status
If you’re a Hyatt enthusiast, this is an excellent card to consider. Its current welcome bonus is 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening. That’s worth up to $900 in hotel stays, based on Insider’s valuations — but it’s not difficult to receive more value from them if you know the best ways to use Hyatt points.
With the United℠ Explorer Card, trip delay insurance will activate after a delay of 12 hours or more, or if your delay requires an overnight stay. You and your family will be covered for up to $500 per ticket for covered expenses.
The United℠ Explorer Card has such well-rounded benefits that we consider it to be one of the best cards on the market. For an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95, you’ll get perks like:
The card currently offers an elevated welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That’s worth around $780 in flights, based on Insider’s valuations. Read our guide to using United miles to understand how powerful they can be.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
provides above-average trip delay insurance. When booking round-trip travel, coverage will kick in after just six hours of delay. You’ll be reimbursed for up to $500 in reasonable expenses per ticket for you and any family members traveling with you — that is, a spouse/domestic partner and unmarried dependent children up to age 19 (or full-time students at an accredited college or university under age 26).
You can use this benefit no more than twice per consecutive 12-month period.
The Amex Platinum charges an annual fee of $695 — a bit intimidating for many, but its ongoing benefits can easily offset that cost. Here are just a few annual statement credits that come with the card:
The Amex Platinum offers 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Insider values Amex Membership Rewards points at 1.8 cents each, on average. That means you can get about $1,440 in value from the 100,000-point bonus.
When you book round-trip travel with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, trip delay insurance will trigger after a delay of six hours or more. You’re entitled to $500 in reasonable expenses per ticket for you and any family members traveling with you (spouse/domestic partner and unmarried dependent children up to age 19 or full-time students at an accredited college or university under age 26). You can file two claims per 12-month period.
This card charges an annual fee of $650 per year — but it’s worth the price tag for anyone who frequently stays with Marriott. You’ll get perks like:
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers a substantial welcome bonus: 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening. Based on our valuation of Marriott points, that bonus is worth $1,050 in travel.
The American Express Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers trip delay insurance after a delay of six hours. You’ll get up to $500 in reasonable expenses per ticket for you and family members traveling with you (spouse/domestic partner, as well as unmarried dependent children up to age 19 or full-time students at an accredited college or university under age 26). Your travel must be round-trip. You can use this benefit up to twice per 12-month period.
This is one of the few cards that receive a full five-star review from Insider. Its benefits so dramatically outweigh its $450 annual fee that it’s worth keeping year after year:
Plus, the card offers 150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Per Insider’s valuation of Hilton points, that’s worth $750 in Hilton hotel stays — though it’s possible to get quite a bit more value if you know the best ways to redeem Hilton points.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee card with trip delay insurance that punches in the same weight class as many $95-annual-fee cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
If your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours, or requires an overnight stay, you and your immediate family are eligible for up to $500 per passenger in reasonable expenses. Family members include your spouse/domestic partner and any legally dependent children under the age of 26. You can only use the benefit once per person per covered trip.
For a no-annual-fee card, you’ll also receive great delayed baggage insurance: up to $100 per day (maximum of five days) once your bag is delayed more than six hours.
As for Marriott-centric benefits, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold’s only noteworthy benefit is 15 annual elite night credits — a big help toward achieving Marriott elite status. The card’s current bonus is 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Per Insider’s valuations, that’s worth around $210 in travel. Read our guide to redeeming Marriott points for secrets as to how you can get much more value from this bonus.
How we chose the best credit cards for trip delay insurance
Personal Finance Insider chose the top credit cards for trip delay insurance based on:
- The amount of money you’ll receive in the event of a delay
- The amount of time it takes for trip delay insurance to kick in
Many cards offer identical trip delay insurance, so we’ve also considered the overall value each credit card offers — from heightened welcome bonuses to ongoing benefits that handily offset each card’s annual fee.
Trip delay credit cards frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Trip delay insurance covers you after your trip has begun, and you’re either in transit to your destination or you’re headed home. If something happens that severely delays your flight, or if you miss a connection that puts you several hours behind schedule, you may be eligible for hundreds of dollars in compensation for “reasonable expenses” via trip delay insurance.
Trip cancellation insurance covers you before your trip even begins. If a covered hazard arises that prevents you from going on your trip (think car accident on the way to the airport, death in the family, etc.) you may be reimbursed for non-refundable travel. This does not give you the freedom to cancel your trip simply because you’ve decided not to go.
For example, I once booked a trip to Norway and broke my clavicle a few weeks before my flight. I obtained a doctor’s note advising against flying, and my card’s trip cancellation insurance reimbursed me for the trip.
Trip interruption insurance covers you during your trip (in other words, the part between your commute, covered by trip delay insurance). Some examples that would trigger trip interruption include:
- You get very sick during your trip and must return home
- Severe weather causes you to leave early
- Your hotel is “uninhabitable”
Trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable travel including your remaining hotel bill, any unused land, air, or sea arrangements, and change fees.
While this answer may vary slightly depending on which card you have, trip delay insurance tends to cover you (and family traveling with you) for things like:
- Hotel stays
- Food
- Transportation
- Toiletries
- Medication
You’ll be covered for travel on any “common carrier”, which includes things like airlines and cruises. Some covered hazards for trip delay insurance include:
- Equipment failure
- Inclement weather
- Labor strikes
- Hijacking
Some credit cards offer trip delay insurance that activates after just six hours. More commonly, the insurance will activate after 12 hours.
Trip delay insurance should be one of the biggest factors when choosing your travel credit card. If you travel with regularity, the benefit can save you many hundreds of dollars each year — particularly in the current era of mayhem within the travel industry. Flight delays and cancellations are becoming common occurrences.
While trip delay insurance specifies that you’ll be covered for “reasonable expenses,” this doesn’t relegate you to bare-bones accommodation. During a recent trip delay, My Chase Sapphire Preferred paid for my lodging at a Grand Hyatt (one of the highest-rated hotels in the city) and my pricey meals at the hotel restaurant. I was reimbursed within a couple of weeks for hundreds of dollars in expenses.
You must pay for the entire fare with your eligible card. However, you can still use miles and points to reserve your flight. As long as you pay the entire cash portion of your fare (the taxes and fees), your card will cover your trip.
Many cards from both Amex and Chase offer similar trip delay insurance — though there appears to be one standout difference in the terms: American Express requires that you book round-trip travel, and Chase does not.
According to American Express, a covered trip “may consist of roundtrip, one-way, or combinations of roundtrip and one-way tickets with Common Carrier(s).” However, it also specifies that the trip “ends when the Eligible Traveler returns by Common Carrier to the city of departure.”
It’s worth noting that Citi credit cards come with absolutely zero travel insurance of any kind. Booking travel with a Citi credit card is unwise, as you’ll have to pay for all travel complications out of your own pocket.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(770x458:772x460)/William-Sadler-and-wife-Marni-Joan-Bakst-122024-ebcfa977f3e345dca1e0bcf984de6ada.jpg "Actor William Sadler Mourns Death of Wife After Decades-Long Marriage")