Credit cards with trip cancellation insurance help you recover prepaid travel costs when unexpected events force you to cancel your plans. If your card includes this benefit and you used it to book the trip, you could get reimbursed for flights, hotels, and other nonrefundable expenses.

There’s no extra fee. This coverage is usually built into travel credit cards — especially premium rewards cards — and activates automatically when you pay with the card.

What Is Trip Cancellation Insurance and How Does It Work With Credit Cards?

Trip cancellation insurance helps you get your money back when a trip gets canceled for specific, covered reasons. Many travel credit cards offer this protection automatically when you use the card to pay for your trip.

Let’s say you booked a $5,000 vacation and had to cancel last-minute due to a medical emergency. If your credit card includes trip cancellation coverage, you may be reimbursed for those nonrefundable costs — like flights, hotel stays, or tour packages — as long as the cancellation falls under your card’s policy.

You don’t need to pay extra for this benefit. It’s usually built into your card’s travel protection perks, which kick in when you use the card to pay for your travel upfront.

Credit Card	Trip Cancellation Coverage	Annual Fee	Why It’s Great
Chase Sapphire Preferred®	$10,000/person, $20,000/trip	$95	Low fee for high-value protection; includes award travel booked with points
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	$10,000/person, $20,000/trip	$550	Premium perks and same strong trip coverage; adds airport lounges and travel credit
AmEx Platinum Card®	$10,000/trip, $20,000/year	$695	Strong round-trip protection plus elite travel perks like global lounge access
AmEx Business Platinum	$10,000/trip, $20,000/year	$695	Built for business travel; same protections with extra tech and coworking perks
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve (AmEx)	$10,000/trip, $20,000/year	$650	Valuable for Delta flyers; includes lounge access and status-boosting benefits
Hilton Honors Aspire (AmEx)	$10,000/trip, $20,000/year	$550	Great for Hilton loyalists; includes status, free nights, and resort credits
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® (AmEx)	$10,000/trip, $20,000/year	$650	Offers both elite hotel perks and strong insurance coverage
United Club℠ Infinite Card	$10,000/person, $20,000/trip	$525	Ideal for United flyers; includes club access, baggage perks, and insurance
Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card (Legacy)	$10,000/person, $20,000/trip	$450	Premium protections and travel credits; no longer open to new applicants
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card	$5,000/person, $10,000/trip	$99	Budget-friendly with built-in trip protection and hotel rewards
World of Hyatt Credit Card	Up to $5,000 in prepaid trip expenses	$95	Best for Hyatt fans; modest coverage but solid value for domestic travelers

Best Credit Cards With Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance in 2024–2025

These cards offer some of the most reliable protections for travelers who want peace of mind when plans go sideways. Each one includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance as part of its core benefits — no separate enrollment or extra charge required.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out as a top choice for travelers seeking robust trip cancellation and interruption insurance without a hefty annual fee. Cardholders are eligible for reimbursement of up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if a trip is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons such as illness or severe weather. 

This coverage extends to immediate family members, even if they aren’t traveling with the cardholder. Additionally, the card offers primary rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, and trip delay reimbursement, making it a comprehensive travel companion.

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

For frequent travelers seeking premium benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers extensive travel protections. Similar to the Preferred card, it provides up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for trip cancellation and interruption. 

However, it enhances the travel experience with perks like a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass™ Select lounge access, and 3x points on travel and dining. The card also includes primary rental car insurance, emergency evacuation coverage, and trip delay reimbursement, offering peace of mind for various travel disruptions.​

3. The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is synonymous with luxury travel. Cardholders receive up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per 12-month period in trip cancellation and interruption insurance for round-trip purchases made entirely with the card. 

Covered reasons include illness, severe weather, and other unforeseen events. Beyond insurance, the card offers access to the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion® Lounges. It also has benefits like Fine Hotels & Resorts® program access, making it ideal for travelers seeking both protection and premium experiences.​

4. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Tailored for business travelers, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express mirrors the personal Platinum card’s travel protections, including up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 annually for trip cancellations and interruptions. 

It also offers 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, along with access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Additional perks like Dell Technologies credits and WeWork access cater to the needs of professionals on the move.​

5. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Designed for loyal Delta flyers, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card provides up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per year in trip cancellation and interruption insurance . 

Cardholders benefit from complimentary Delta Sky Club® access, priority boarding, and a first-class companion certificate annually. The card also accelerates Medallion® Status earning, making it a valuable asset for frequent Delta travelers

6. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers comprehensive travel protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance for round-trip purchases made entirely with the card. 

Cardholders enjoy Hilton Honors Diamond status, a weekend night reward, and up to $250 in Hilton resort credits annually. These benefits, combined with robust travel insurance, make it an excellent choice for Hilton enthusiasts.​

7. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Marriott loyalists will find value in the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. The card offers up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per year in trip cancellation and interruption insurance. 

The card grants automatic Platinum Elite status, a free night award annually, and up to $300 in statement credits for eligible purchases at Marriott properties. These perks, coupled with travel protections, enhance the overall travel experience.​

8. United Club℠ Infinite Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card caters to United Airlines frequent flyers, offering up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip in trip cancellation and interruption insurance. 

Cardholders receive United Club℠ membership, free first and second checked bags, and Premier Access® travel services. The card also includes comprehensive travel protections, making it a strong contender for United travelers.​

9. The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card

Though no longer available to new applicants, The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card remains a valuable asset for existing cardholders. It offers travel protections comparable to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance Chase Credit Cards. 

Additional benefits include a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass™ Select membership, and Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, enhancing luxury travel experiences.​

10. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card provides up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip in trip cancellation and interruption insurance Chase. Cardholders enjoy Platinum Elite status, an anniversary free night, and the fourth reward night free on stays of four or more nights. These benefits, along with travel protections, offer substantial value for IHG enthusiasts.​

11. World of Hyatt Credit Card

Hyatt loyalists will appreciate the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which offers up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip in trip cancellation and interruption insurance Chase.

The card provides automatic Discoverist status, a free night award annually, and the ability to earn additional free nights through spending. These features, combined with travel insurance, make it a solid choice for Hyatt guests.​

What Types of Travel Insurance Do Credit Cards Typically Include?

Many travel credit cards come with a package of insurance benefits. These may vary by issuer and card type, but typically include:

• Trip delay: Covers meals or a hotel if your flight is delayed several hours.
  
• Baggage delay: Reimburses for essentials if your luggage arrives late.
  
• Lost or stolen baggage: Covers the value of missing or damaged items.
  
• Rental car damage insurance: Protects against theft or damage to a rental car.
  
• Emergency medical evacuation: Helps pay for transport if you’re seriously injured.
  
• Travel accident insurance: Pays a benefit for accidental death or serious injury while traveling.
  

Credit cards often include this coverage at no extra cost as long as the trip is paid for in full using the card.

Smart Travel Starts With the Right Card

Trip cancellation insurance can be one of the most valuable and ofter overlooked perks on a travel credit card. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a big international trip, choosing a card with strong built-in coverage can save you serious money if plans fall through. Always check your card’s policy before you book. Also, make sure your entire trip is charged to the card to activate protection. A little preparation upfront can go a long way when the unexpected hits.