If you’re used to optimizing cards for points and perks, here’s another lens worth trying: the built-in protections and coverages that can quietly save you thousands when plans go sideways. This 2026 comparison looks at both sides—rewards and real-world coverage—so you can choose the card (or combo) that actually fits your travel style.
Cards covered: Chase Sapphire Reserve®, The Platinum Card® from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred®, and Citi Premier® (now Strata Premier in some regions).
At a Glance: Rewards & Credits
All figures reflect US-issued versions as of January 2026. Offers vary by region and may change—always confirm with the issuer before applying.
| Card | Annual Fee (US) | Earning Style | Welcome Offer (Typical) | Lounge / Credits (Highlights) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $795 | 10× hotels & cars via Chase, 5× flights, 3× dining & other travel, 1× base | Offers as high as 100k+ points | $300 travel credit; Priority Pass Select (2 guests); TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $895 | 5× flights / hotels via Amex Travel, 1× on others | Offers as high as 100k+ Membership Rewards® | Centurion Lounge access (cardholder only); guest policies changing; Delta Sky Club access limited to cardholder; Uber / airline / hotel credits (enrollment required) |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards | $395 | 10× hotels & rentals via Capital One Travel, 5× flights via portal, 2× all else | 75k+ miles typical | Capital One Lounge + Priority Pass; $300 annual travel credit; guest policy limits start Feb 2026 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | $95 | 5× travel via Chase, 3× dining, 2× other travel, 1× base | 60k–75k points typical | No lounge access; limited partner credits |
| Citi Premier® / Strata Premier® | $95–$150 | 3× travel, dining, gas, groceries; 1× others | 60k–75k points typical | Few lifestyle credits; broad earn categories |
Welcome offers and credits fluctuate with targeted promotions and may require enrollment or portal booking.
Hidden Benefits: Updated 2026 Coverage Details
Beyond rewards, these cards include insurance and protection benefits that can reimburse real travel costs. Coverage amounts and conditions below are typical for US-issued versions as of January 2026—check your own Guide to Benefits for the exact terms. International issued versions and Welcome Offers may differ.
| Card | Trip Cancellation / Interruption | Trip Delay | Rental Car CDW | Baggage Delay / Lost | Purchase Protection / Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Up to $10,000 per traveler, $20,000 per trip (prepaid, nonrefundable) | After 6 hours+, up to $500 per ticket | Primary; up to $75k per rental; restricted vehicles, regions, rentals >30 days excluded. | Delay >6 hrs → essentials reimbursed; lost luggage covered up to limits | Up to $10k per claim / $50k per account; 120 days |
| The Platinum Card® (Amex, US) | Up to $10,000 per trip, $20,000 annual | After 6 hours+, up to $500 per trip | Secondary; up to $75k theft/damage per rental; premium ‘primary’ upgrade available for fee | Delay >6 hrs; essentials reimbursed up to $500 per trip | Up to $10k per claim, $50k per year; warranty up to 1 year over manufacturer |
| Capital One Venture X | Up to $2,000 per trip | After 6 hours+, up to $500 per ticket | Primary; up to $75k per rental; restricted vehicles, regions, rentals >30 days excluded. | Delay >6 hrs → essentials reimbursed; lost luggage covered | Up to $10k per claim / $50k per account; 120 days |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | Up to $5,000 per traveler, $10,000 per trip | After 12 hours+, up to $500 per ticket | Primary; same exclusions as Reserve | Delay >12 hrs; lost luggage covered | Up to $500 per item, 120 days |
| Citi / Strata Premier® | Up to $5,000 per covered traveler, per trip | After 6 hours+, up to $500 per trip | Secondary; up to $50k per rental, 31 days max, restricted vehicles | Delay >6 hrs; lost luggage up to $3,000 | Up to $1,000 per item, $50k per year; warranty up to 24 months |
Trip Delay coverage typically applies after 6–12 hours (depending on card), reimbursing up to $500 per ticket per trip. Coverage applies only to prepaid, nonrefundable expenses charged to the eligible card. Citi Strata Premier®: New US versions only; confirm for your card.
Common exclusions: rentals in Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, or Australia (Amex only); luxury/exotic cars; off-road use; damage to tires, windshields, or interiors. Always review your issuer’s exclusions and required conditions (e.g., full payment with the card). Varies by card; check your Guide to Benefits.
Best-Fit Scenarios (2026)
Weekend City Break (Flights + Hotel)
- Best for simplicity + lounge access: Amex Platinum
- Best for strong travel protections: Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Budget-friendly option: Sapphire Preferred or Citi Premier
Two-Week Road Trip Abroad (Rental Car)
- Best for primary rental coverage: Sapphire Reserve, Venture X
- Watch out for: excluded countries and rental terms >30 days
- Tip: Always decline the rental company’s CDW to activate card coverage
Frequent Flyers / Tight Connections
- Best for trip delay & baggage coverage: Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred
- Best for luxury travel credits: Amex Platinum
- Balanced pick with lower fee: Venture X
How to Check Your Coverage Quickly
You can manually read your issuer’s “Guide to Benefits” PDF—often 40+ pages per card—or you can see it all in one dashboard.
- Add your cards to Norte (no card numbers required)
- See your protections instantly: trip cancellation, delay, rental CDW, purchase protection, and more
- Understand exclusions and claim steps in plain language
- Compare across issuers and cards—before you book or buy extras
Check your coverage in about 2 minutes →
Going Beyond Credit Cards
Norte is card-agnostic. You can also add employee benefits, travel insurance, or other policies to make your wallet smarter. Many users discover overlapping protections—from work, cards, and standalone insurance—that let them drop redundant policies and keep only what truly adds value.
Build your complete coverage wallet →
Disclaimers: Coverage, rewards rates, and fees refer to US-issued cards as of January 2026 and may differ in UK, EU, or Asia versions. Always confirm with your card issuer’s latest terms and Guide to Benefits before relying on any protection. Statement credits generally require activation or enrollment and have specific spend windows. This content is for informational purposes and not financial advice.