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16 Valuable Benefits of the Amex Delta Gold Credit Card

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Delta Gold Card Snapshot

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The Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card is the entry-level option among their co-branded Delta cards.

American Express also offers the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card , both of which come with a few increased benefits and significantly higher annual fees.

If Delta is your primary airline, the benefits of having a free checked bag on Delta flights and priority boarding alone make carrying an American Express Delta card worth it. Unless you need the extra help to qualify for elite status with Delta , the Gold Delta Card is likely your best option, so for now, that’s the card we will concentrate on.

Let’s take a detailed look at the benefits that come along with the Gold Delta Card . That way, you can decide if it’s the right card for you.

Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Frequent Delta flyers will love the Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card . The card offers great benefits that will help save you money, effectively mimics low-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles, and helps you earn miles even faster, all for a low annual fee. Let’s dive into the benefits to see if the Delta Gold card is a good fit for your needs.

• $100 Delta Stays Credit: You can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com .
• Receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
• 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.
• Bonus earning on Delta purchases and U.S. supermarket and worldwide restaurant purchases
• First checked bag free on Delta flights
• 20% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases
• Moderate annual fee
• Earn rate for Delta flights is relatively low compared to other travel cards
• Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
• Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
• Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $240 per round-trip flight.
• Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card Members can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
• Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• With Send & Split ® , you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

• Find the 70k Welcome Bonus Offer for the Delta Gold Card
• Benefits of the Amex Delta Gold
• Amex Gold vs Delta Gold
• Do I Need To Pay With My Airline Credit Card To Get Free Checked Bags & Perks?
• Best Credit Cards for Delta Flyers
• Comparison of Amex Delta Credit Cards

Key Card Benefits

Not surprisingly, the main benefits of this card are centered around Delta Air Lines , though other standard credit card benefits are there too.

This card earns miles in the Delta SkyMiles Program . SkyMiles can be redeemed for flights on Delta or more than 15 of their airline partners around the world. Delta is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance and partners with all other member airlines.

You will earn 2 miles per dollar spent when using your card on purchases made directly with Delta. This includes flights and vacation packages booked at delta.com, Sky Club memberships and passes, seat upgrades, and any inflight purchases of headsets, drinks, or food.

In addition to 2x miles on Delta purchases, you will also earn 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets finally giving this card extra value for everyday spending.

For all other purchases with your card, you will earn 1 mile per dollar. There is no limit to how many miles you can earn.

You will never be held responsible for fraudulent charges on your card. If you notice a charge that you didn’t make or authorize, call the number on the back of the card and they will take care of it for you. American Express will remove the charge, and there will never be any deductible for you.

At the end of the year, you can log in to your account to get a year-end summary. This summary includes all of your charges throughout the year organized by type of expense. This allows you to analyze your spending, which helps with budgeting and organization of your finances.

Travel Benefits

The Delta Gold Card has a variety of benefits that will make your travel easier, more comfortable, and more pleasant overall. From checking bags to renting cars, this card makes sure your trip will go smoothly from start to finish.

Your first checked bag is free when traveling on Delta-marketed and Delta-operated flights, as long as your SkyMiles number is on both the reservation and your credit card. To qualify, the bag must not be oversized or overweight, and you must check in with Delta.

Assuming you would normally have to pay to check a bag, this benefit will save you $30 on every qualifying flight while you are a cardmember.

Hot Tip: The first checked bag free benefit applies to up to 9 people flying on the same reservation, as long as the reservation is booked by the primary cardholder. That means you can save up to $540 per round-trip when you travel with a large group!

Cardmembers will receive Main Cabin 1 priority boarding on flights operated by Delta and Delta Connection. To receive this benefit, the reservation must include the primary cardmember’s SkyMiles number. Priority boarding is not available on Delta Shuttle flights.

Like the checked baggage waiver, this benefit applies to up to 9 people on the same reservation as the cardholder. This means that as long as you’re booked on the same reservation, your whole party should be able to board together.

Priority boarding can be an important benefit if you’re traveling with bags that need to fit in the overhead compartments. With passengers trying to avoid paying to check bags, the overhead compartments often get full before everyone has boarded. Boarding first means there will definitely be space for your bag.

By using your card for inflight purchases, you can save 20%. Savings come in the form of a statement credit on your card, and they will appear 6-8 weeks after you make the purchase.

The 20% savings applies to pre-purchased meals and inflight purchases of food, drinks, and audio headsets. Savings only apply on Delta-operated flights and do not apply for any other inflight purchases than those listed. Wireless internet and charitable donations are specifically excluded.

When you rent an eligible car and pay for the entire rental with your card, you will have insurance coverage for theft, damage, or loss of use. For this benefit to apply, you must decline the collision damage waiver at the counter when picking up the rental. Insurance coverage is secondary to your primary auto insurance but Amex also offers the option to purchase Premium Protection for 1 low price that covers the entire rental period.

Certain high-end vehicles, off-road vehicles, limousines, and antique cars are not covered by this insurance. Coverage also does not apply to auto rentals in Australia, Italy, and New Zealand.

Hot Tip: This insurance coverage is secondary coverage. That means if you have a loss, your primary personal insurance will pay out first.

If you are traveling more than 100 miles from your home, the cardholder will have 24/7 access to global emergency coordination and assistance services. These can include medical or legal referrals, cash wire assistance, passport replacement, missing luggage, and more.

This hotline will help you set up any of the services listed above, but it is important to note that the cardholder will be responsible for any third party costs charged by the actual service providers. Setting up the services is covered for free; actually using the services is not.

Shopping and Entertainment Benefits

Aside from travel, shopping and entertainment are among the largest categories of spending for most credit cards. When making a purchase, it is important to know what consumer protections your credit card will offer in case you have a problem down the line.

When it comes to entertainment access, American Express is one of the best credit card issuers. Each card has its own set of benefits, but if you want to get those hard-to-find tickets, the Delta Gold Card might the right card for you.

By signing up with your eligible American Express card, cardholders can receive a free ShopRunner membership. This membership is available at no cost as long as you keep the associated American Express card open.

ShopRunner provides free 2-day shipping on millions of products from hundreds of online stores. This benefit only applies to select items at certain stores; it does not necessarily apply to every item a store sells. To activate the free shipping, you must sign in to ShopRunner during checkout.

In addition, ShopRunner provides free return shipping for orders from several online stores. For eligible items, you will be provided with a paid return shipping label.

When using your card to make a purchase, the warranty of the item purchased will be automatically matched and extended by up to 1 year. To be eligible for this extended warranty, the product must have come with an original United States manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less.

The coverage has a limit of $10,000 per item and $50,000 per calendar year, and it is limited to the purchase price put on your card.

Hot Tip: When making a major purchase, especially of appliances or electronics, it is in your best interest to choose a credit card that will offer an extended warranty . That way, if you have a problem with the product just after the warranty runs out, you will still be covered by your credit card.

In the case of accidental damage or theft, purchase protection can refund eligible purchases charged to your card. The benefit has a limit of $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per calendar year.

Lost items, consumable/perishable items, vehicles (and their part and accessories), and normal wear and tear are specifically excluded from this coverage. It is also important to note that this coverage is secondary. If you have renters or homeowners insurance that will cover your loss, that policy would pay out before this coverage takes effect.

Whether your interest is sporting events, concerts, or Broadway shows, American Express can help you get the tickets you want.

In select cities, American Express cardmembers have access to exclusive presales for a wide variety of events. With many concerts and shows selling out within minutes, access to the presale might make the difference between enjoying the event in-person and sitting at home on your couch wishing you were there.

During the presales, tickets must be purchased with your card, not all seats will be available, and there will be some blackout dates. Similar to purchasing through a general public sale, tickets sales will be final, with no refunds or exchanges being offered.

American Express is the only bank that issues Delta co-branded credit cards, and the benefits of free checked bags, priority boarding, and a 20% inflight discount make holding one of their cards worth it (even if you only fly with Delta a few times a year).

The Delta Gold Card is a great option if you want added perks when flying with Delta but don’t need extra help qualifying for elite status. This could either be because you will not qualify even with help from a credit card, or you will easily qualify even without help from a credit card.

In either of these cases, the Gold Delta Card is likely the most favorable of the 3 American Express Delta cards for you.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the gold delta card worth it.

Yes, as long as you regularly travel on and spend money with Delta Air Lines. If not, other cards provide similar benefits to the non-Delta specific benefits of the Gold Delta Card.

Is there an annual fee for the Gold Delta Card?

Yes; see the card review page for details.

What credit score do I need to get the Gold Delta Card?

Although every situation is different, approvals have been seen with credit scores as low as 625. Scores of 675 or higher would have a better chance of approval.

What's the difference between the Gold Delta Card and the Platinum Delta Card?

The higher annual fee on the Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express gives you the opportunity to earn Delta Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) with the typical welcome bonus and with certain levels of yearly spending. If elite status is important to you and you regularly fly Delta on paid tickets, the Platinum Delta Card may be the better option for you. If you do not fly enough to reach elite status levels, but you still want some perks when flying with Delta, the Gold Delta Card is probably the better choice.

Is there a limit to how many miles I can earn on my Gold Delta Card?

No, there is no limit to the number of Delta SkyMiles that can be earned on the Gold Delta Card.

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About Jeff Brownson

Since discovering miles and points in 2010, Jeff has traveled to over 35 countries, flying in first class, business class, and sometimes even in coach. Whether he’s staying in a hostel dorm, or in a luxury suite at a 5 star hotel, Jeff is constantly looking for the best deal to make travel as close to free as possible.

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The best cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance — and what it actually covers

Planning and taking a trip can be exciting, but unexpected events can disrupt even the most meticulously organized vacations. Sudden illness, severe weather and unforeseen circumstances can throw a spanner in the works, forcing you to change your plans and seek compensation.

In this guide, we will explore the best credit cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance , shedding light on what these policies cover and providing you with peace of mind for your next adventure.

Best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance

• Chase Sapphire Reserve : Best for travelers who want the most travel protections
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card : Best for travelers looking for a sub-$100 annual fee
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Capital One loyalists
• United Club Infinite Card : Best for United loyalists
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Best for IHG loyalists
• World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Hyatt loyalists
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card : Best for business travelers
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best when traveling with non-family companions

The cards listed above are our top picks for trip cancellation and interruption insurance. But many other cards — including some Bank of America and Barclays cards — also offer trip cancellation and interruption protection.

Related: Credit cards with trip cancellation insurance

What is trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance?

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may reimburse nonrefundable, prepaid trip expenses when you cancel or alter your trip due to a covered situation. In some cases, you may even be covered for select additional costs. But maximum coverage amounts, the types of covered situations and eligible expenses vary from card to card.

Generally, trip cancellation insurance provides reimbursement when you must cancel a trip before its departure date. Meanwhile, trip interruption insurance may refund you if an ongoing trip is interrupted or canceled.

Although you can buy separate travel insurance that will provide a partial refund if you cancel your trip for any reason , trip cancellation and interruption insurance doesn't typically work the same way. Instead, trip cancellation and interruption insurance typically has specific covered losses and exclusions that define the situations in which you can claim reimbursement (and these vary from card to card).

Many different types of cards — including some credit cards with no annual fee — offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance when you purchase travel with your card. The remainder of this guide details some of our favorite cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Of course, benefits frequently change. So it's best to look at your card's guide to benefits before booking to understand your card's protections.

Related: Why you might actually need road trip travel insurance

What is the difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage?

The main difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage is timing. Trip cancellation insurance protects your trip from when you make the initial payment to the time of your scheduled departure. In contrast, trip interruption insurance covers your trip from the day of your scheduled departure to your scheduled return date.

Does credit card insurance cover natural disasters?

Generally, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance will cover nonrefundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip (or the remainder of your trip) due to a natural disaster. However, credit card insurance policies vary, so check your benefits guide for specific exclusions.

Note that you must book your trip before the natural disaster starts to be covered. If a storm or hurricane is named and you book your trip afterward, you likely won't be covered.

Related: 4 times your credit card's travel insurance can help with travel woes, and 7 times it won't

Premium Chase credit cards

Chase credit cards offer some of the best credit card travel protections. The Chase cards in the table below provide trip cancellation and interruption insurance with relatively high maximum coverage amounts.

To help you understand this benefit, let's consider the specific protection provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card as described in its guide to benefits . The other Chase cards listed in the above table provide similar benefits, but check your card's guide to benefits to ensure your coverage is the same.

When you use an eligible Chase card (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ) to pay for select travel expenses, you and your immediate family may be eligible for trip cancellation and interruption protection. You must charge all or a portion of the cost to your Chase credit card (including bookings made with points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal associated with your account).

Eligible trip cancellation or interruption events

You'll only be eligible for reimbursement if certain events cause the cancellation or interruption of your travel arrangements. For example, Chase may provide trip cancellation and interruption coverage for the following circumstances:

• You or your traveling companion experience accidental bodily injury, death or sickness that prevents travel
• An immediate family member of you or your traveling companion dies or experiences accidental bodily injury or sickness that is life-threatening, requires hospitalization or requires care by you or your traveling companion
• Severe weather that would prevent a reasonable and prudent person from beginning or continuing on a trip (the weather must meet specific requirements regarding timing, location and effect on your trip)
• Named storm warning
• Change in military orders for you or your spouse
• A call to jury duty or a court subpoena that you can't postpone or waive
• Your or your traveling companion's permanent residence is uninhabitable, burglarized or damaged by fire or flood
• Your or your traveling companion's lodging at your destination becomes uninhabitable
• Your or your traveling companion's host at your trip's destination dies or is hospitalized
• A physician or a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction requires you or your traveling companion to quarantine due to health reasons
• You or your traveling companion miss at least 20% of your trip or the departure of a prepaid cruise or tour due to an organized strike affecting public transportation

Related: 6 lesser-known Chase Sapphire Reserve travel and shopping benefits

Additionally, Chase may provide trip cancellation coverage for the following events:

• Terrorist incident within 25 miles of your or your traveling companion's place of permanent residence within 30 days of your scheduled departure date
• U.S. government travel warning due to terrorism for the immediate vicinity of your or your traveling companion's place of permanent residence within 10 days of your scheduled departure
• Terrorist incident within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or destination host's location as listed on your itinerary within 30 days of your scheduled arrival
• U.S. government travel warning due to terrorism for a geographic area within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or destination host's location that's in effect within 30 days of your scheduled departure

Finally, Chase may provide trip interruption coverage for the following events:

• Terrorist incident within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or destination host's location as listed on your itinerary while on a trip
• A U.S. government travel warning due to terrorism for a geographic area within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or a destination host's location that is issued during your or your traveling companion's trip

Related: Your guide to Chase's trip insurance coverage

Excluded reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

However, you won't be eligible for reimbursement if any of the following directly or indirectly cause (or result from) the trip cancellation or interruption:

• A change in plans, financial circumstances and any business or contractual obligations
• A preexisting condition or any other event that occurs or commences before the trip's initial deposit date or booking date
• Any loss due to voluntarily surrendering unused vouchers, tickets, credits, coupons or travel privileges from the travel supplier before their expiration date
• Travel after the 26th week of pregnancy, travel when any multiple pregnancy occurs before the initial deposit date or booking date of the trip, or travel during any pregnancy associated with an assisted reproductive program
• Any loss for any trip booked while on a waiting list for specified medical treatment or booked to obtain medical treatment
• Disinclination to travel due to civil unrest
• Failure to obtain necessary visas, passports or other documents required for travel
• Commission or attempted commission of any illegal act
• Suicide, attempted suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injury
• Being under the influence of any narcotic, legal recreational marijuana or other controlled substance at the time of a loss (except if the narcotic or other controlled substance is taken as prescribed by a physician)
• Disinclination to travel, a country closing its borders or a travel supplier canceling or changing travel arrangements due to an epidemic or pandemic
• Default of the common carrier resulting from financial insolvency or financial insolvency of a travel agency, tour operator or travel supplier
• War, undeclared war, civil war, insurrection, rebellion, revolution, warlike acts by a military force or personnel, any action taken in hindering or defending against any of these, the destruction or seizure of property for a military purpose or any consequences of any of these acts (war does not include terrorism)

Additionally, Chase won't provide trip cancellation coverage for trips booked to any area associated with terrorist activity. Plus, trip interruption coverage won't be provided for loss caused by or resulting from:

• Travel arrangements that a travel supplier cancels or changes unless the cancellation results from severe weather or an organized strike affecting public transportation
• Any terrorist incident or travel warning within 25 miles of your or your traveling companion's place of permanent residence within 30 days before the initial deposit date or booking date of the trip
• A terrorist incident within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or destination host's location within 30 days of your initial deposit date or booking date of the trip

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

What expenses are covered?

In general, Chase will only reimburse you for eligible nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses charged by a travel supplier or redeposit fees imposed by a rewards program administrator. However, for trip interruption, Chase may also reimburse you for the following:

• Change fees
• Costs to return a rental vehicle to the closest rental agency
• Costs to return your vehicle to your closest leased or owned residence
• Ground transportation expenses up to $250 to directly transport you for necessary medical treatment (excluding transportation in vehicles operated by a medical facility or specifically designed to transport sick or injured individuals)
• Prepaid, unused and nonrefundable land, air or sea arrangements (if you must postpone a trip due to a covered loss and set a new departure date)

But, if your trip cancellation or interruption results in a credit from a travel supplier, you will not receive any payment for that portion of the eligible travel expenses until the credit expires. And additional transportation expenses will not be reimbursed, including the difference in cost between the original fare or any new fare to return home or rejoin the trip.

Official application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Official application link: United Club Infinite Card Official application link: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Official application link: World of Hyatt Credit Card Official application link: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Other select Chase credit cards

Several other Chase cards, including the United Explorer Card , Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited , also provide trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

However, these cards have far fewer covered expenses than the Chase cards discussed in the previous section. In particular, these cards only cover nonrefundable prepaid passenger fares.

The Chase Freedom Flex guide to benefits , for instance, covers you in similar cases as the more premium Chase cards above:

• Nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses charged by a cruise line, airline, railroad or another common carrier
• Change fees to a travel supplier (if you interrupt your travel instead of canceling)
• Redeposit fees to a rewards program administrator
• Ground transportation expenses up to $250 for transport to necessary medical treatment (excluding transportation in vehicles operated by a medical facility or specifically designed to transport sick or injured individuals; only for trip interruption)
• Prepaid unused nonrefundable land, air or sea arrangements (if you must postpone a trip due to a covered loss and set a new departure date)

Chase may reimburse you up to $1,500 per person per trip. However, there is a reimbursement cap of $6,000 for all covered persons on the same trip.

Related: Here's why 1 TPG staffer buys an annual travel insurance policy, even though his credit cards offer travel protections

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

You can get up to $2,000 per insured person in trip cancellation and interruption protection when you use the Capital One Venture X to pay for nonrefundable common carrier tickets.

Your spouse or domestic partner and your dependent children are eligible for coverage when you pay for the entire cost of common carrier transportation (less redeemable certificates, vouchers or coupons) with your Venture X account.

The list of eligible trip cancellation or interruption events for coverage is short and simple with the Venture X. You may be covered if one of the following applies:

• You or an immediate family member dies or experiences accidental bodily injury, disease or physical illness that prevents you from traveling (as verified by a physician)
• Your common carrier defaults as a result of financial insolvency

Related: Does paying the taxes and fees on award flights trigger trip protections?

Even if one of the above losses applies, you won't be covered if any of the following caused or led to the loss:

• A preexisting condition
• Accidental bodily injuries from participation in interscholastic or professional sports events, racing or speed contests or uncertified scuba diving
• Cosmetic surgery (unless necessary due to a covered loss)
• Being under the influence of drugs (except as prescribed by a physician) or alcohol
• Traveling against the advice of a physician, while on a waiting list for specified medical treatment, to obtain medical treatment or in the third trimester (seventh month or after) of pregnancy
• Suicide, attempted suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injuries
• Declared or undeclared war (war does not include acts of terrorism)
• An insured person's emotional trauma, mental or physical illness, disease, pregnancy, childbirth or miscarriage, bacterial or viral infection or bodily malfunctions (except physical illness or disease which prevent travel and bacterial infection caused by accident or from accidental consumption of a substance contaminated by bacteria)

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

The Venture X's trip cancellation and interruption protection won't cover as much as the premium Chase cards discussed above. According to the Venture X guide to benefits , Capital One will only reimburse up to $2,000 per insured person for the following:

• Your nonrefundable common carrier ticket (but only once any unused credit voucher you get from the common carrier expires)
• Change or cancellation fees on common carrier tickets

Learn More: Capital One Venture X

Select American Express cards

Some Amex cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per trip (up to $20,000 per card per 12 consecutive months). Here's a list of some of these cards:

• The Platinum Card from American Express * (including most Amex Platinum varieties )
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express *
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card *
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card *
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card *
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card *

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

*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.

You can find benefit guides for these cards on Amex's website .

You, your family members and your traveling companions may be covered when you charge the full cost of round-trip common carrier transportation to an eligible Amex card. You'll also get coverage when you use an eligible Amex card in combination with Membership Rewards points or redeemable certificates, vouchers, coupons or discounts awarded from a loyalty program.

For coverage purposes, round-trip travel may consist of one-way tickets or a combination of round-trip and one-way tickets.

Related: Which is the best American Express credit card for you?

Based on the benefits guide for the above-mentioned Amex cards, covered losses include trip cancellations or trip interruptions that result from the following:

• Accidental bodily injury, death or sickness (including of a covered traveler's family member)
• Inclement weather that would prevent a reasonable and prudent person from traveling or continuing on a trip
• Change in military orders (including of a covered traveler's spouse)
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• Call to jury duty or subpoena by the courts that can't be postponed or waived
• A dwelling that becomes uninhabitable
• Quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons

Related: Should you purchase travel insurance for your vacation rental?

For Amex's trip cancellation and interruption insurance, coverage does not apply to any accident, accidental bodily injury or loss caused by or resulting directly or indirectly from the following:

• Preexisting conditions
• Suicide, attempted suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injury by the traveler
• A declared or undeclared war
• Mental or emotional disorders (unless hospitalized)
• Participation in a sporting activity (with a salary or prize money) by the traveler
• Intoxication by the traveler at the time of an accident (as defined by the laws of the location where the accident occurs)
• The traveler is under the influence of any narcotic or other controlled substance at the time of an accident (unless taken as prescribed by a physician)
• Commission or attempted commission of any illegal or criminal act by the traveler
• The traveler parachutes from an aircraft or engages or participates in a motorized vehicular race or speed contest
• Dental treatment, except as a result of accidental bodily injury to sound, natural teeth
• Any nonemergency treatment, surgery or routine physical examination
• Hearing aids, eyeglasses or contact lenses
• The traveler is incarcerated
• Loss due to intentional acts by the traveler
• Financial insolvency of a travel agency, tour operator or travel supplier

Related: Will your travel insurance cover you in case of vendor bankruptcy?

If a covered loss causes you to cancel your trip, Amex may reimburse you for the nonrefundable amount you paid to a travel supplier with your eligible card.

However, suppose a covered loss causes you to interrupt your trip. In that case, Amex may reimburse you for the nonrefundable amount paid to a travel supplier with your eligible card for the following:

• The forfeited, nonrefundable, prepaid land, air and sea transportation arrangements that eligible travelers missed
• Additional transportation expenses incurred by eligible travelers, less any available refunds (not to exceed the cost of an economy-class ticket by the most direct route to rejoin the trip or return to the trip's origin)

Now, suppose a covered loss causes you to temporarily postpone transportation by a common carrier for a covered trip and set a new departure date. In that case, Amex will reimburse you for the following:

• Additional expenses incurred to purchase tickets for the new departure (not to exceed the difference between the original fare and the economy fare for the rescheduled trip by the most direct route)
• Unused, nonrefundable land, air and sea arrangements paid to a travel supplier

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Visa Infinite cards

Although some Visa Infinite cards offer their own trip cancellation and interruption insurance, all Visa Infinite credit cards issued by U.S. banks provide a basic level of protection.

Visa Infinite cards offer trip cancellation and interruption protection covering the cardholder (you) and your immediate family when you purchase common carrier travel with your card. This benefit can reimburse up to $2,000 per trip for nonrefundable common carrier fares if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

You can see a quick overview of the Visa Infinite protections on Visa's website . However, your card's guide to benefits will have the full details.

Related: How to choose the best Visa card for you

Who is covered?

Who is covered by credit card trip cancellation and interruption insurance varies greatly. For example, eligible premium Chase cards cover the cardholder and immediate family members when the cardholder pays for all or a portion of a trip with their card account or rewards associated with their account. For these cards, an immediate family member is someone with any of the following relationships to the cardholder:

Spouse, and parents thereof; sons and daughters, including adopted children and stepchildren; parents, including stepparents; brothers and sisters; grandparents and grandchildren; aunts or uncles; nieces or nephews; and Domestic Partner and parents thereof, including Domestic Partners or Spouses of any individual of this definition.

Immediate family members also include legal guardians or wards for premium Chase cards. And the guide to benefits for the Chase Sapphire Preferred notes that immediate family members do not need to travel with the cardholder for benefits to apply.

On the other hand, eligible American Express cards cover the cardholder, their family members and traveling companions. The guide to benefits for eligible Amex cards defines a traveling companion as "an individual who has made advanced arrangements with you or your Family Members to travel together for all or part of a Covered Trip" and family members as:

A spouse, Domestic Partner, or unmarried dependent child up to age 19 (or under age twenty-six (26) if a full time student at an accredited college or university).

So although Amex will cover traveling companions, you'll need to charge their common carrier fares to your eligible Amex card. On the other hand, Chase doesn't cover traveling companions but does provide a broad interpretation of family and doesn't require round-trip common carrier travel.

Related: Does credit card travel insurance cover authorized users?

How do I file a trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance claim?

• Contact your issuer: Call your credit card's benefits administrator or start a claim online. Even if you believe your insurance will cover you after reading your card's guide to benefits, it is usually a good idea to call the number on the back of your card. Doing so will let you ensure you're covered, learn about deadlines for making your claim and determine what documents you'll need to collect.
• Submit on time: Most claims must be made within 20-60 days of the cancellation to be eligible for reimbursement, depending on your specific card issuer's guidelines.
• Present evidence: After you present your claim, a benefits administrator will give you further instructions to file your claim. It'll help to submit physical documentation with your claim (such as receipts, doctor's notes and weather advisories), plus anything else that can help validate your claim.

A benefits administrator can usually walk you through specific steps to make your claim. Luckily, many card issuers also allow you to make claims online, so you may not even need to hop on the phone to send any physical documents.

Related: Comparing travel protections with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum

Bottom line

The trip cancellation and interruption insurance provided by select cards can come in handy when something unexpected forces you to cancel or interrupt a trip.

However, there are many exclusions. So it pays to read the guide to benefits on your favorite cards. By doing so, you can determine the best card for booking flights and consider whether it's better to rely on the travel insurance provided by your card or purchase travel insurance .

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.

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox and Emily Thompson.

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Credit Card Travel Insurance vs Travel Insurance: A Comparative Guide

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• Travel insurance and some credit cards can protect you from financial loss while traveling.
• Travel insurance offers more comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses.
• Credit card travel protection has more gaps but comes at no additional cost for cardholders.

Anything can happen while traveling. Flight delays, lost luggage, or even unexpected injury or illness can interrupt your vacation. When these things occur, travel insurance or the travel protections included with your premium credit card may be able to help, providing medical coverage, offsetting your financial losses, or even reimbursing you fully.

But do you need both travel insurance and credit card travel protections? Here are details on both and tips for deciding what the best travel protection is for you.

Introduction to credit card travel insurance and stand-alone travel insurance

Many credit cards offer travel protections that can help you in certain unexpected travel situations. But they aren't exactly the same as a separate travel insurance policy.

Here's how the two differ at a high level:

• Travel insurance:  Travel insurance is coverage that you purchase for a single trip or multiple trips in a year. It typically covers the costs associated with trip cancellation, trip delays, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events that may occur while traveling.
• Credit card travel protections:  These are benefits automatically included with certain consumer credit cards. They often provide coverage for delays, lost baggage, rental car collisions, and other events during travel. Credit cards sometimes advertise these protections as a type of travel insurance, though they're not a separate insurance policy.

Generally speaking, designated travel insurance is more exhaustive than the protections offered by a credit card. Still, it's worth it to compare both options, particularly if you're taking an expensive trip. 

"It is always wise to check your credit card protection against a travel insurance plan," says Carol Mueller, a vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . "Credit card protection may not include the full, bundled, comprehensive coverage a travel insurance plan would."

What is credit card travel insurance ?

Many premium credit cards offer travel protections to cardholders, but the exact coverages depend on the credit card. Typically, only trips booked with that card qualify for coverage.

"Credit card travel insurance has one big advantage that interests travelers: it's usually free or included in the card's annual fee," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Travel Insurance , a travel insurance provider. "Credit cards' travel benefits can be useful for smaller things, like travel delays or lost bags, but only travel insurance provides reliable protection in real emergencies, like expensive medical emergencies such as hospital visits and evacuations."

In some cases, however, a credit card may cover catastrophic accidents. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, offers up to $1,000,000 worth of coverage for an accident that causes loss of life, speech, hearing, or use of a hand, among other life-altering injuries.

Note: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is just one of many popular credit cards that offer travel protections. Others include the The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card , and the United Club℠ Infinite Card . Most cards with travel benefits charge an annual fee.

Additionally, credit card coverage limits tend to be much lower. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers up to $20,000 per trip in cancellation coverage, while a basic travel insurance plan from Travel Guard offers five times as much coverage.

Pros and cons of credit card travel protection

What is stand-alone travel insurance .

Travel insurance protects you from financial losses related to travel. "There are three main areas of coverage: protecting yourself, protecting your personal items, and protecting your investment," says Christina Tunnah, general manager of Americas and global marketing at World Nomads Travel Insurance , a travel insurance and safety services provider.

Important:  While travel insurance policies may be more comprehensive than credit card protections, it has limitations. They typically won't cover non-essential medical expenses, high-risk sports or activities, or pre-existing conditions — at least without paying for add-on coverage.

Travel insurance works  much like any other insurance policy. When a covered event occurs, like your trip is canceled or you're hurt while traveling, you file a claim with your insurer. If accepted, the company reimburses you for the costs up to your coverage limits.

"Most people have no idea that their health insurance does not cover them abroad," says Shane Mahoney, founder of Lugos Travel , a travel advisory. "So, a broken arm from a slip and fall or a heart attack can be financially devastating."

Travel insurance customers typically have 90 days to file their claim. But once the event occurs, there's no waiting period, meaning travelers should file as soon as possible.

A major factor when filing a successful claim is proof of financial loss. You can use something as simple as a medical clinic receipt or a doctor's medical statement. Once the claim has been reviewed and approved, your insurer will reimburse you via check. Some modern travel insurance companies offer immediate payment via a debit card mailed to travelers before their trip.

Travel insurance providers go beyond your standard credit card or airline coverage. You can buy policies that cover sports equipment, medical, and other coverages. You can also buy Cancel for Any Reason insurance , which covers trip cancellations regardless of the reason. The best CFAR insurance can cover 100% of your costs, but many only cover a percentage. 

Buyers can also price out annual travel insurance plans , which cover all of your trips within a 12-month period. Meghan Walch, director of the InsureMyTrip website, estimates a 4% and 10% travel insurance cost based on your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. If you're buying an annual policy, this figure will change.

Note:  Factors including your trip duration, age, and total expenses influence the cost of individual plans. Add-ons like Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage or coverage for risky activities like skydiving can increase your cost exponentially. We recommend getting at least three quotes for comparison.

Pros and cons of stand-alone travel insurance

Credit card travel protection vs. stand-alone travel insurance.

Deciding between stand-alone travel insurance and credit card travel protection can be difficult. That said, it's worth mentioning that these choices aren't mutually exclusive. Even if you have a credit card that provides travel protection, you can still opt for additional coverage with a stand-alone travel insurance policy.

Cost considerations

The obvious difference between credit card insurance and a stand-alone policy is the cost. While credit card insurance is usually included in the cost of the card, traditional travel insurance is an additional expense, usually between 5% to 6% of the trip's worth, though rates can range from 4% to 12%.

However, travel insurance may pay for itself, covering emergency medical expenses and evacuation."Most people have no idea that their health insurance does not cover them abroad," says Shane Mahoney, founder of travel advisory company  Lugos Travel . "So, a broken arm from a slip and fall or a heart attack can be financially devastating."

On the other hand, credit card travel protections don't come at any additional costs. However, many of the best travel credit cards come with annual fees. Additionally, a credit card's travel protection only applies to trips you book with that credit card. If you don't pay off the credit card immediately, you'll pay interest on your trip. 

If you don't already have a credit card with travel insurance included, you'll also have to determine if the coverage is worth applying for a new credit card.

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Comparing coverage and benefits

In most instances, traditional travel insurance policies will have more comprehensive coverage than credit card travel insurance. They'll cover more reasons for trip cancellation, and some may cover cancellations for no reason. They'll also cover medical emergencies, while credit card travel protections don't.

"Some travel insurance policies also provide epidemic coverage endorsements, which provide coverage to customers who become ill with COVID-19 or a future epidemic, are individually ordered to quarantine, or are denied boarding due to a suspected illness," says Durazo.

Separate travel insurance policies also tend to offer more robust cancellation coverage. Credit card protections often cap reimbursement at just $10,000 a trip, while travel insurance usually goes up to $100,000. Most credit cards will only cover trips purchased with the card or reward points.

Situations best suited for each

Both travel insurance and credit card protections can prove helpful if your trip is canceled or you experience some other loss while traveling, but the right choice will depend on the specifics of your exact trip and budget. "Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs and concerns," Walch says. 

For example, travelers with more health concerns may opt for stand-alone travel insurance. Longer, more expensive, and international trips may also warrant greater coverage that credit card travel insurance can't provide. Additionally, it may be a good idea to insure trips to high-risk areas, either politically unstable regions or areas with inclement weather.

On the other hand, Walch says, "For a short trip to a family member's house in the US, the travel insurance offered through the credit card may suffice."

Credit card travel insurance comparison frequently asked questions

Does credit card travel insurance provide sufficient coverage for international trips  .

Credit card travel insurance may offer basic coverage for international trips, but it often lacks comprehensive medical coverage.

Can I use both credit card travel insurance and a stand-alone policy for the same trip?

Yes, you can use both for the same trip. Stand-alone policies can supplement areas where credit card insurance is limited, such as medical coverage.

Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under credit card travel insurance?

Most credit card travel insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Many stand-alone policies don't cover pre-existing conditions , but you may find some coverage with certain stipulations.

How do I activate travel insurance on my credit card?

Credit card travel insurance is usually automatically activated when you pay for a trip using that card. However, it's important to read the card's policy for specific activation requirements.

Is it more cost-effective to rely on credit card travel insurance?

While credit card travel insurance can be more cost-effective since it's a benefit of the card, it may not provide as comprehensive coverage as a stand-alone policy. In the long run, you may end up losing money if you solely rely on credit card travel insurance.

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Best credit cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

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Stepping into an airport lounge from the chaotic main terminal can feel like stepping onto dry land from a whitewater raft. It evokes a feeling of peace, tranquility and “phew – we made it.”

As a result, airport lounge access is one of the most enviable perks you can get with a travel rewards credit card. But which cards still offer it in 2024, and from that list, which are still worth getting?

The best cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

Best overall: capital one venture x rewards credit card, best for extensive lounge access: the platinum card® from american express, best for affordable lounge access: u.s. bank altitude® connect visa signature® card, best for delta: delta skymiles® reserve american express card, best for united: united club℠ infinite card, best for american airlines: citi® / aadvantage® executive world elite mastercard®.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to a wide lounge network comprising Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. Plus, its $395 annual fee is easy to recoup on account of the $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary. 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Intro bonus.

Rewards Rates

• 10X 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X 2x miles on everyday purchases
• Annual $300 travel credit and 10,000 Miles upon card anniversary make up for the annual fee
• Airport lounge access
• Capital One Miles require effort to maximize
• Limited cash redemption options

Other benefits

• Travel protections including car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
• Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

Why we like this card: We like how the Capital One Venture X comes with a hefty 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network, and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

The $395 annual fee may seem steep, but it’s actually a relative bargain among premium travel cards offering unlimited lounge access. Plus, you’ll earn $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary–a combined $400 in travel value–which instantly covers your fee for the year.

The cherry on top is up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, so you can scoot through security and get to the lounge a little faster. And the Capital One Lounge network is small, but mighty, with game-changing features such as extensive to-go options. All things considered, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the airport lounge card to beat. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express claims to have the widest lounge access of any card on the market, with access to well over 1,500 lounge locations in over 140 countries. Combine that with a list of travel-centric benefits longer than a CVS receipt, and it’s an easy pick for this list. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See Rates and Fees

Reward Rates

• 5X 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)
• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• Packed with valuable potential credits for digital entertainment, Equinox gym, Walmart+ membership, and more.
• Airport lounge access with a larger network than any other card
• Membership Rewards are valuable due to their flexibility.
• The multiple potential credits can be cumbersome to track.
• Sky-high annual fee
• Some of the perks can be hard to use if they don’t align with your lifestyle.
• Travel benefits including hotel and car rental chain statuses, car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection

Why we like this card: Like a fully-loaded Mercedes S-Class, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an eye-watering price tag but an expansive list of benefits to justify it. 

Naturally, one of those benefits is airport lounge access. You’ll have access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, which includes the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. That’s 1,500+ lounges in total, meaning an Amex Platinum is the closest we have to an airport lounge master key. 

You’ll also get up to $189 back per year on a CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®, up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your card, 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), 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® (minimum 2-night stay required) and a welcome bonus of at least 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of card membership, so there are plenty of ways to extract value from your “Plat” outside of an airport lounge. 

To view rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page  

Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta review Best travel credit cards What is Global Entry and why should I want it? What is TSA Precheck and why should I want it?

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card card includes four free visits to over 1,500 Priority Pass locations worldwide, a $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit and a $500 welcome bonus–all for a modest annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

• 5x 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4x 4X points on travel, at gas stations and EV charging stations
• 2x 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services
• 1x 1X on all other purchases
• High earnings on travel
• No annual fee the first year
• 4 Priority Pass lounge visits per year
• Points not transferable to travel partners
• Additional perks: Cell phone protection, Trip cancellation/interruption, TSA/Global Entry fee rebate
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like this card: As an affordable travel rewards card, U.S. Bank’s Altitude Connect card is a worthy rival to the reigning Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card . Unlike the “CSP,” the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card includes complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with four airport lounge passes, a $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and up to 4X on travel purchases. 

The card also waives its $95 annual fee for the first year and offers a hefty welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 120 days worth $500 towards travel and more. In short, it’s positively packed with value for travelers, and if you’re not sure whether you’ll even visit a lounge more than four times this year, it’s a logical choice.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers Delta fans a truly elevated experience, with 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year, four guest passes, free checked bags, an Annual Companion Certificate, upgrade priority and more. It doesn’t include automatic Medallion status, but offers plenty of ways to to get there faster (e.g. MQD Headstart).

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Intro bonus.

• 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
• 1x Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class flight each year upon renewal of your card
• Access to Centurion Lounge network
• High annual fee
• Access to Delta Sky Club limited to 15 passes a year after February 2025
• Base earnings rate is low compared to other cards
• 15% discount on Delta award flights
• Travel protections including accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

Why we like this card: Though it charges a heart-stopping $650 annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card does include a 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership to help cover your first two years with the card. You’ll also 3X Miles on Delta purchases, up to 15% off award travel on Delta when booked on Delta.com, a free first checked bag, up to $240 Resy Credit, up to $200 Delta Stays statement credit and more to make the card’s high fee more palatable. 

In terms of lounge access, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card includes 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year. That’s objectively pretty stingy considering there are cheaper cards on the market offering unlimited access to a larger network for both you and multiple guests. Still, if you’re a solo Delta traveler, 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year may be all you need.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card may charge $525 per year, but it covers a United Club membership–which alone retails for $650–and includes a litany of other travel-friendly benefits like Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

• 4x 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
• 1x 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• United Club lounge membership
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Path to earn elite airline status by card spend
• Mostly useful if you want lounge access
• Additional perks: Primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement

Why we like this card: If you and your travel companion frequently fly United, check multiple bags each and relish the thought of decompressing in the United Club lounge, the United Club℠ Infinite Card might deserve a place in your wallet. 

That’s because the card’s marquis feature is a $650 United Club membership, granting unlimited access for you and your travel companions. You’ll also get Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 25% back on food/beverage/Wi-Fi purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

Once the welcome bonus dries up it can be hard to continue justifying the United Club℠ Infinite Card‘s $525 annual fee–especially since you can only take advantage of the card’s best benefits while traveling with United. The lack of Polaris Lounge access is a bummer, too. But if you’re a hardcore brand loyalist who doesn’t travel light, the United Club℠ Infinite Card could still be a worthy travel companion. 

With complimentary Admirals Club membership (valued up to $850), up to nine free checked bags per trip and an “enhanced airport experience,” the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® rolls out the figurative red carpet for AA frequent flyers.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• 10x Earn 10X AAdvantage miles on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels and on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars.
• 4x 4x AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases (5X after you spend $15,000 on airfare)
• 1x 1x AAdvantage miles on all other purchases
• Earns AAdvantage miles, which are not easily accessible outside of co-branded AAdvantage credit cards.
• Every dollar spent earns one Loyalty Point toward elite status.
• Includes Admirals Club lounge membership, valued at up to $850.
• High spending requirement for earning the 70,000-mile welcome bonus
• No category bonuses outside of American Airlines spending.
• Travel perks: AAdvantage club membership, checked bag benefit, trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Credits: Up to $120 annual credit to Avis or Budget rental cars, Up to $10 monthly credits to Lyft and Grubhub

Why we like this card: If you’re ready to pledge fealty to American Airlines via a $595 rewards card, you’ll be receiving plenty of perks and value in return from the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. For starters, you’ll get a complimentary Admirals Club membership and free first checked bags for you and up to eight travel companions–saving up to $720 per round trip. 

You’ll also get 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, 25% savings on inflight purchases of food and beverages on flights and 10X AAdvantage® miles on hotels booked through aa.com/hotels. But perhaps most intriguingly, the card unlocks an “enhanced airport experience” with priority check-in, screening and boarding when flying with AA. 

Just keep in mind that Admirals Club membership only includes access to 50ish Admirals Clubs and 60ish partner lounge locations total, so you may want to confirm that there’s one in your home airport before committing. 

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for airport lounge access.

The Platinum Card® from American Express has the most expansive lounge access, with unlimited visits to locations within the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. 

However, we think the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers better value, with access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group locations for a $395 annual fee ($300 less than the Platinum).  If you are looking for a lower price tag, check out our article about the best cards for cheap airport lounge access .

Are lounge access cards worth it? 

A rewards card with airport lounge access could be worth it if you fly several times a year, value having a secluded place to work, and relax and plan to take advantage of the card’s other benefits. 

Some say that the most underrated perk of airport lounges is having access to a dedicated airline representative inside. That way, you can skip the long customer service line outside if something goes wrong with your travel plans. 

How do I know if my credit card has lounge access? 

Check your card benefits, which can usually be found online following a quick search. While you’re there, check to see if any of the included lounge networks require you to register your membership in advance–that way, you can save time and hassle at the airport.

Methodology

Fortune Recommends surveyed all the cards still offering airport lounge access in 2024 and handpicked the very best. In evaluating cards that offer airport lounge access, we compared the annual fees to the amount of lounge access provided. From the card granting access to the most locations worldwide to another charging a mere $95 annual fee ($0 for the first year), we found the best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2024.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

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

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

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Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access

It's a luxury card for those who fly frequently with Delta and can maximize the card's rich benefits. Those seeking a lower annual fee and more flexibility have other options.

• High rewards rate
• Free checked bag
• Early boarding
• Companion benefit
• Has annual fee
• Requires good/excellent credit

20.99%-29.99% Variable APR

Rewards rate

Bonus offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Ongoing APR

APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable APR

Cash Advance APR: 29.99%, Variable

Penalty APR: 29.99%, Variable

Balance transfer fee

Foreign transaction fee

• 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.
• Terms Apply.

Compare to Other Cards

Detailed review: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

For those who enjoy visiting Delta Sky Club lounges and flying first class, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card might pay for itself — even with its steep annual fee. That’s thanks to two valuable benefits it features: complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs, and an annual companion certificate that can be redeemed for a round-trip first-class ticket.

This makes the question of “should you get this card?” fairly clear-cut. If you’re sure you can make good use of this card's benefits, then you can easily justify the cost of carrying it. And if you can’t use those benefits? Then it isn’t an ideal choice for you.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card : Basics

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

Card type: Airline .

Annual fee: $650 .

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Earn 3X miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

Earn 1X mile on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

NerdWallet values Delta miles at 1.2 cents each. This is a baseline value, drawn from real-world data on hundreds of economy routes, not a maximized value. In other words, you should aim for award redemptions that offer 1.2 cents or more in value from your Delta miles.

Earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) for every $10 in purchases in a calendar year.

Receive a $2,500 MQD head start each calendar year.

Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and American Express' Centurion Lounge and four one-time guest passes to Delta Sky Clubs each year.

Annual companion certificate upon renewal (good for one round-trip domestic, Caribbean or Central American flight in first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin for someone traveling with you, less some taxes and fees).

Concierge service.

Fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck .

First checked bag is free for you and up to eight other passengers traveling on the same reservation.

Priority boarding.

20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases.

$20 monthly Resy statement credit (up to $240 per year).

$10 monthly rideshare statement credit (up to $120 per year) on select U.S. rideshare purchases.

$200 annual Delta Stays credit.

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, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more the previous year. To earn unlimited visits in 2025, you’ll need to spend this amount between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24.

APR: The ongoing APR is 20.99%-29.99% Variable APR

Foreign transaction fees: None.

Benefits and perks

Delta sky club access.

Normally, you’d have to pay $695 for one year of individual access to the Delta Sky Club lounges — but with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , membership is included. If you’re frequently looking for a reprieve from long layovers, this perk could largely make up for the card’s steep annual fee. And if you're planning to have an authorized user on your account, it could be doubly valuable: Additional cardholders will have the same level of access to the Delta Sky Club as the primary cardholder, American Express confirms. Plus, every year you'll get four one-time guest passes to Delta's lounges. Your card will also get you into American Express Centurion Lounges when you're flying Delta. Terms apply.

These lounges generally offer complimentary refreshments, booze, Wi-Fi, showers and comfortable seats. And they’re not as easy to access as they once were; in late 2018, the airline stopped selling single-day passes to its lounges. Terms apply.

Companion certificate

One of the most valuable features on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is its annual companion certificate. Unlike most companion certificates, it’s not limited to coach tickets; you can also use it for Delta Comfort+ or first-class tickets. That makes it potentially lucrative — that is, if you regularly buy Delta tickets in these fare classes.

To be sure, the certificate comes with some limitations. It can generally be used only to purchase domestic round-trip fares, plus round-trip fares to the Caribbean or Central America. Terms apply. Also, to redeem it, you and your companion must be flying in the same fare class; you can’t dispatch your traveling partner to first class while you fly coach.

» MORE: Airline credit cards that offer companion tickets

Fast-track towards elite status

If elite status with Delta is what you're after, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card can expedite the process. Cardholders will receive $2,500 in Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) at the start of each year while earning one MQD for every $10 in eligible purchases throughout the year.

Elite status with Delta is tied to the number of MQDs you accrue each calendar year. All Delta Medallion members, cardholder or not, will earn MQDs at a rate of $1 MQD per $1 spent on airfare with Delta and partner airlines (excluding basic economy tickets, which don't earn MQDs). There are four elite tiers, each with their own MQD requirement:

Silver Medallion : $5,000 MQDs.

Gold Medallion : $10,000 MQDs.

Platinum Medallion : $15,000 MQDs.

Diamond Medallion : $28,000 MQDs.

That $2,500 MQD head start you'll receive at the beginning of each year with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card gets you halfway to Silver Medallion status. Depending on your elite tier, you can qualify for elite benefits like faster accrual of award miles, priority upgrades and boarding, free preferred seat selection, and faster mileage accrual on paid flights.

» MORE: The guide to Delta Diamond Medallion status

Automatic credits

New for 2024, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders will receive up to $560 in automatic annual credits that don't require activation, including:

$240 annual credit at Resy . These credits are issued on a monthly basis ($20 per month). Credits don't roll over, so you'll need to use your card each month to maximize the benefit.

$120 annual rideshare credit . Issued as $10 credits per calendar month, with no credit rollover. Applies to services like Uber and Lyft.

$200 annual Delta Stays credit . This credit can be used anytime throughout the year and applies to prepaid hotel and vacation rental bookings through the Delta Stays platform.

For urbanites who frequently use rideshare or restaurant-reservation services, these credits can also help offset the card's hefty $650 annual fee. The Delta Stays credit can also add value for anyone who doesn't mind reserving prepaid hotels.

If you opened a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card before Feb. 1, 2024, the increased annual fee will go into effect on your next renewal date on or after May 1, 2024. However, the new perks and benefits are available to cardholders who applied prior to Feb. 1, 2024.

How it compares with other Delta cards

In the pantheon of Delta credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card stands out as the most premium. Out of all Delta cards, it comes with the richest benefits — and the highest annual fee. If you're looking to earn miles with Delta but want to pay a lower annual fee, consider going with one of the other cards. For more analysis, read NerdWallet's comparison of Delta credit cards.

Here's how the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card stacks up with the rest on key benefits.

*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, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more the previous year. To earn unlimited visits in 2025, you’ll need to spend this amount between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24.

Drawbacks and considerations

High annual fee.

The annual fee isn't cheap: It's $650 . If that's a dealbreaker for you, there are other, more affordable options — and yes, they can also get you into airport lounges.

Consider the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card , which has a much lower annual fee and comes with up to $200 in travel statement credits, including one $100 credit toward a TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fee, and a $100 credit for airline incidentals, for purchases such seat upgrades, checked baggage fees and day passes to lounges. That won't help you get into the Delta Sky Club, which no longer sells single-day passes to the general public. But if you're just looking for a card that helps you cover the cost of getting into another airport lounge, this could be a good pick. The sign-up bonus is also generous.

Lounge access is limited to Delta and Centurion lounges

Delta Sky Club lounges offer excellent amenities — but they aren't available everywhere. While the Delta Sky Club program notes that it has a broad network of partner locations, you can't gain entry to these with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card . The card only gets you into Delta Sky Club locations. And as of November 2023, there are just over 50 of those. And while the card also gets you into American Express' own Centurion Lounges when you're flying Delta and use your card to book the flight, there are only 13 of these lounges in the U.S., as of November 2023.

If you want Delta Sky Club, Centurion lounge access and additional airport lounge options, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express . This card, which has a similarly hefty annual fee, offers access not just to Delta Sky Club, but also to a network of over 1,300 lounges in 130 countries, as of this writing. It also comes with a great welcome offer ( see rates and fees ).

Weak spending rewards

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers outstanding value in terms of side benefits, but its lackluster ongoing rewards make it a poor choice for everyday spending. It earns a piddling 1 mile per dollar for eligible purchases made outside of Delta. Many cards — even those with no annual fee — offer richer rewards.

For more options, check out NerdWallet's list of best credit card offers .

Coupon-book credits

The statement credits offered by the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card can help the right person put a dent in the annual fee. But for people who don't live in a big city, those credits might be hard to use. Additionally, the Resy and rideshare credits are issued in monthly increments. That can be frustrating for people who would prefer to use them all at once, since they're use-it-or-lose-it perks.

How to decide if it's right for you

This card isn’t a cost-effective choice for travelers who can’t consistently make good use of the companion certificate or statement credits. But for those who can — namely, Delta loyalists who travel in style — it’s a top-shelf pick.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

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Methodology

NerdWallet reviews credit cards with an eye toward both the quantitative and qualitative features of a card. Quantitative features are those that boil down to dollars and cents, such as fees, interest rates, rewards (including earning rates and redemption values) and the cash value of benefits and perks. Qualitative factors are those that affect how easy or difficult it is for a typical cardholder to get good value from the card. They include such things as the ease of application, simplicity of the rewards structure, the likelihood of using certain features, and whether a card is well-suited to everyday use or is best reserved for specific purchases. Our star ratings serve as a general gauge of how each card compares with others in its class, but star ratings are intended to be just one consideration when a consumer is choosing a credit card. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

About the author s

Claire Tsosie

Craig Joseph