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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 weather causing even more disruptions, your credit card's travel insurance can be more valuable than ever.
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 rewards credit cards will reimburse you up to $500 in "reasonable expenses" such as:
- An Uber or other transportation from the airport to a hotel
- A one-night hotel reservation
- A meal 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.
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 eventually come in handy.
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
Best Credit Cards With Trip Delay Insurance
- : Best credit card for all-around travel protection
- : Best Capital One card for all-around travel protection
- : Best beginner credit card for travel protection
- : Best Hyatt credit card for travel protection
- : Best United credit card for travel protection with a low annual fee
- : Best Amex card for all-around travel protection
- : Best Marriott credit card for travel protection
- : Best Hilton credit card for travel protection
- : Best no annual fee credit card for travel protection
See our picks for the best credit cards »
Methodology: 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.
To learn more about our methodology, read our post on how we rate credit cards at Insider.
Why you should trust our recommendations
Insider's credit card editorial staff is separate from the business side of Insider. Our credit card reviews are not motivated by money. We will tell you truthfully if a card is good or poor.
Trip Delay Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between trip delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance?
The difference between trip delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is substantial. 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.
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"
What does trip delay insurance cover?
Trip delay insurance tends to cover you (and your family traveling with you) for things like hotel stays, food, transportation, toiletries, and 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, and hijacking. Your coverage may vary slightly depending on which card you have.
Some credit cards offer trip delay insurance that activates after just six hours. More commonly, the insurance will activate after 12 hours.
Are cards with trip delay insurance worth it?
Credit cards with trip delay insurance are worth it. 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.
Do I have to pay with my card to be covered?
Yes, you have to pay for the entire fare with your eligible card to be covered. 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.
Is Chase trip delay insurance better than Amex trip delay insurance?
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."
Best credit card for all-around travel protection
The 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 comes with a 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:
- Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits (offsets the first $300 in travel you purchase each year with the card)
- Airport lounge access (Priority Pass Select, Chase Sapphire lounges, and the Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin airport)
- Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit
- Two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (worth $199 per year)
The is offering a welcome bonus of . Insider estimates Chase Ultimate Rewards® points value to be 1.8 cents each, on average. That makes this bonus worth around in travel. Read our guide to the best ways to use Chase points.
Best Capital One credit card for all-around travel protection
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The is Capital One's first premium credit card. It's a Visa Infinite card (similar to the ), 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 incurs a annual fee, but comes with benefits like:
- Primary rental car insurance and baggage delay insurance***
- Up to $300 per year in statement credits toward Capital One Travel bookings
- 10,000 bonus miles after each account anniversary (worth at least $100)
- Airport lounge access (Priority Pass Select, Plaza Premium, and Capital One lounges)
- Access to upscale hotels and elite-like benefits through Capital One's new Premier Collection
- A free subscription to PRIOR, a luxury travel booking service
This card currently offers . That's worth at least 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.
Best beginner credit card for travel protection
The is the best beginner travel credit card on the market because of its easy-to-use rewards, high-quality travel benefits, and manageable 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:
- Primary rental car insurance
- Baggage delay insurance
- Up to $50 in annual statement credits toward hotel stays booked through Chase
- 10% anniversary point bonus
The comes with . That's worth an average of in travel, based on Insider's points and miles valuations.
Best Hyatt credit card for travel protection
offers the same trip delay insurance you'll find on the . 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 , 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 elite status
If you're a Hyatt enthusiast, this is an excellent card to consider. Its current welcome bonus is . That's worth up to 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.
Best United credit card for travel protection with a low annual fee
With the , 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 has such well-rounded benefits that we consider it to be one of the best travel cards on the market. For an annual fee of , you'll get perks like:
- Free first checked bag on United flights (you must pay with the card)
- Priority boarding with United
- Two United Club one-time passes after each cardmember anniversary
- NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- Improved award seat availability
This United card currently offers a limited-time elevated welcome bonus of . That's worth around in flights, based on Insider's valuations. Read our guide to using United miles to understand how powerful they can be.
Best Amex card for all-around travel protection
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 charges an annual fee of — 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:
- Up to $200 in Uber Cash each calendar year**
- Comprehensive airport lounge access (Priority Pass**, Centurion lounges, etc.)
- Up to $200 in airline fee credits** each calendar year
- Up to $200 in credits per year toward prepaid hotel bookings through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay)
- $12.95 in credits each month toward Walmart+ membership
The offers . Insider values Amex Membership Rewards points at 1.8 cents each, on average. That means you can get about in value from the 100,000-point bonus.
Best Marriott credit card for travel protection
When you book round-trip travel with the , 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 per year — but it's worth the price tag for anyone who frequently stays with Marriott. You'll get perks like:
- Up to $300 in annual statement credit for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide (up to $25 per month)
- Annual free night award worth up to 85,000 points (potentially worth hundreds)
- 25 elite night credits each calendar year (helpful if you're trying to earn Platinum elite status or higher)
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite status
The is offering one of its highest welcome bonuses ever: . Based on our valuation of Marriott points, that bonus is worth up to in travel.
Best Hilton credit card for travel protection
Amex Hilton Honors Aspire Card
The 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 annual fee that it's worth keeping year after year:
- Free reward night award at any Hilton property worldwide (potentially worth $1,000+)
- Up to $250 annual credit valid at Hilton resorts
- Up to $250 annual airline incidental fee credit**
- Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership** (worth at least $429)
- Hilton Diamond elite status (the highest status you can earn)
Plus, the card offers . Per Insider's valuation of Hilton points, that's worth 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.
Best no annual fee credit card for travel protection
The is a no-annual-fee travel credit card with trip delay insurance that punches in the same weight class as many -annual-fee cards like the .
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 's only noteworthy benefit is 15 annual elite night credits — a big help toward achieving Marriott elite status. The card's current elevated bonus is . Per Insider's valuations, that's worth up to in travel. Read our guide to redeeming Marriott points for secrets as to how you can get much more value from Marriott credit cards.
from All Content from Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/trip-delay-insurance-credit-cards
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