How to File a Purchase Protection Claim with Your Credit Card (2026)

Last reviewed: April 2026

Purchase protection reimburses you for eligible items stolen or accidentally damaged after purchase. Coverage windows are typically 90–120 days.

Coverage Limits by Card Type (2026)

• Premium cards (Platinum, Reserve, World Elite): $10,000 per incident / $50,000 annual / 90–120 day window / $0–$25 deductible
• Mid-tier cards (Gold, Preferred, Signature): $1,000–$5,000 per incident / $25,000 annual / $25–$50 deductible
• Basic cards: $500–$1,000 per incident / $10,000 annual / $50–$100 deductible

Step-by-Step Claims Process

1. Within 48 hours: File a police report for theft. Photograph damage. Preserve the item.
2. Contact benefits administrator within 90 days — get a claim number.
3. Gather documents: Original receipt, card statement, photos, police report for theft, repair estimates.
4. Submit complete package — all at once to avoid delays.

What's NOT Covered in 2026

• Normal wear and tear or mysterious disappearance
• Items purchased with Klarna, Afterpay, or other BNPL services — must be fully charged to the eligible credit card
• Digital goods, software, and subscriptions
• Vehicles, real estate, perishables, antiques, and live animals

Coverage explained: Credit card purchase protection limits and exclusions across 108 cards.

Common Questions

What's the per-claim limit on purchase protection?

Premium cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Visa Infinite, Mastercard World Elite) typically pay up to $10,000 per claim with a $50,000 annual cap. Mid-tier cards (Amex Gold, Sapphire Preferred) cap at $500–$10,000 per claim depending on issuer, with $25,000 annual. Basic Visa Signature / World Mastercard products are usually $500–$1,000 per claim.

Does purchase protection cover items I gave as gifts?

Yes on most US premium cards — Chase, Amex, and Capital One all cover gifts purchased on the card and damaged or stolen within the coverage window (typically 90–120 days from purchase). You'll still need the original receipt and card statement showing you charged the item, even though the recipient is the one filing the loss.

What's specifically excluded?

Common exclusions across all issuers: mysterious disappearance (lost without proof of theft), normal wear and tear, items left unattended in public, perishables, animals, vehicles, real estate, antiques, used items, and items shipped via mail without tracking. Items purchased with BNPL services (Klarna, Afterpay) are excluded — the full charge must be on the eligible credit card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Purchase Protection Guide • Amex Platinum Purchase Protection Guide