Purchase Protection with Credit Cards

Last reviewed: April 2026

Purchase protection reimburses you when an eligible item is stolen or accidentally damaged within a limited window after purchase. Limits range from a few hundred to $10,000 per claim depending on the card.

Coverage across 155 audited cards: 108 include purchase protection · top per-claim limit on US premium cards is $10,000 · typical coverage window is 90–120 days.

What purchase protection actually covers

108 of 155 cards Norte audits include purchase protection. The benefit reimburses repair or replacement costs (or refunds the purchase price) when an eligible item bought with the card is stolen or accidentally damaged within the coverage window — typically 90 to 120 days from purchase, though some European cards extend up to 180 or 365 days.

Per-claim limits vary widely: US premium cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) sit at the top with $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year. Mid-tier US cards generally cap at $1,000–$5,000 per claim. European premium cards typically range from €1,500 to €10,000 per claim.

Popular cards compared

• Chase Sapphire Reserve (US): $10,000 per claim · $50,000 per account/year · 120-day coverage window. Covers theft and accidental damage on eligible items.
• American Express Platinum (US): $10,000 per claim · $50,000 per card/year · 90-day window.
• Capital One Venture X (US): $10,000 per claim · $50,000 per year · 90-day window — matches premium-tier limits at a lower fee.
• ING Creditcard (Netherlands): €5,000 per event · €10,000 per year · 365-day window — strong European purchase protection.

Common exclusions

Items routinely excluded across most cards: vehicles, real estate, perishables, plants and live animals, used or pre-owned items, antiques and collectibles, jewelry above a sub-limit, software and digital goods, services, tickets, cash equivalents, and items lost without a documented theft.

"Mysterious disappearance" — losing something without being able to point to a specific incident — is also excluded. Items must be paid for entirely with the eligible card; partial payments or items bought through buy-now-pay-later services usually void the coverage.

How to file a claim

For theft: file a police report within 48 hours. For damage: photograph the item and preserve it. Contact the benefits administrator (often Allianz, Sedgwick, or AIG) within the deadline stated in your benefit guide — typically 30 to 90 days from the incident. Submit a complete documentation package the first time: original receipt, card statement, photos, police or incident report, and repair estimates.

Common questions

How much does purchase protection actually cover?

It varies dramatically by card. The most generous US cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) cover $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year. Mid-tier cards typically cap at $500–$5,000 per claim. Premium European cards generally range from €1,500 to €10,000 per claim.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Two deadlines apply: the coverage window (the item must be damaged or stolen within 90–120 days of purchase, though some European cards extend to 180–365 days), and the filing window (typically 30–90 days from the incident).

Are items bought with Buy Now Pay Later covered?

Usually not. Items must be paid for entirely with the eligible credit card to activate coverage. Splitting payment with Klarna, Afterpay, gift cards, or partial cash typically voids the protection.

What if my item just goes missing?

Mysterious disappearance is excluded on virtually every card. To claim theft, you generally need a police report filed within 48 hours documenting where, when, and how the item was taken.

Filing a claim? Read our step-by-step purchase protection claims guide. Related: Extended warranty · Travel insurance.