You’re at the airport. Your flight has just been delayed by six hours, the food court is packed, and all you want is somewhere comfortable to sit.
Not to worry—your credit card includes airport lounge access. Suddenly, you’re sitting in a quiet space with free Wi-Fi, a hot meal, and a glass of wine, while other passengers battle for outlets.
That’s the kind of moment when a premium travel rewards credit card proves its worth.
Cards like the American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and Chase Sapphire Reserve aren’t just shiny pieces of metal—they’re powerful travel tools. The right card can save you money, reduce stress, and unlock experiences you might not even know you were missing.
But here’s the truth: while these cards are packed with benefits, they’re not a complete travel safety net. They can protect you from some headaches, but not all. That’s why understanding what they offer—and where they fall short—is key.
In this post, we’ll cover nine major reasons these cards are a traveler’s best friend, and then I’ll explain why they shouldn’t replace proper travel insurance.
What Is a Travel Rewards Credit Card?
A travel rewards credit card is a financial tool that gives you points, miles, or cashback when you spend—especially on travel-related purchases like flights, hotels, and dining. These rewards can then be redeemed for free or discounted travel, upgrades, or even cash.
The best ones, like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve, don’t just give you points—they give you perks and protections that can make your travel smoother, more affordable, and far more comfortable.
How Credit Card Travel Benefits Work
Before we jump into the list, here’s something important:
Most of your card’s travel benefits only apply when you use that card to pay for your trip. Book your flight with a different card—or worse, with cash or a debit card—and you may lose those protections entirely.
Some benefits are automatic (like lounge access), but many require you to file a claim or contact the benefit administrator to be reimbursed. Always read your card’s benefit guide so you know exactly how to activate coverage.
9 Reasons a Premium Travel Credit Card Is Worth It
1. Built-In Travel Protections
The most valuable—and most overlooked—perk of a good travel card is the insurance-style coverage it comes with.
This can include:
- Trip Delay Insurance – Reimburses expenses if your flight is delayed a set number of hours.
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption – Covers prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut your trip short for a covered reason.
- Lost/Damaged/Delayed Baggage – Reimburses you for lost or delayed luggage and essentials you need to buy while waiting.
- Rental Car Insurance – Covers damage/theft when you decline the rental agency’s insurance.
- Emergency Assistance Services – Connects you to medical and legal referrals when abroad.
These protections can easily be worth hundreds or even thousands if something goes wrong.
2. Rewards Points & Miles
Earning rewards is what makes these cards fun. Most premium cards give you:
- Bonus points on travel and dining
- 1 point per $1 on other purchases
- Redemption options through a travel portal or by transferring to airline/hotel partners
Example: If you earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you could redeem them for $750 in travel through the Chase portal—or potentially more if you transfer them to a partner airline for a business-class flight.
3. Airport Lounge Access
Airport lounges turn travel from a hassle into a pleasure:
- Comfortable seating away from the crowds
- Complimentary food and drinks (sometimes alcohol)
- Showers, nap rooms, and business centers in some locations
The Amex Platinum offers Centurion Lounge access, Priority Pass, and more. Chase Sapphire Reserve offers Priority Pass lounges and its own network of Sapphire Lounges.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Many banks charge 2–3% on every international purchase you make.
That means if you spend $3,000 abroad, you’re losing $60–$90 just in fees.
A premium travel card eliminates that, letting you shop abroad without hidden costs.
5. Rental Car Insurance
Some cards offer primary coverage, meaning it kicks in before your personal auto insurance. Others offer secondary coverage, which applies after your personal policy.
This can save you from paying extra for the rental agency’s overpriced insurance while still protecting you in case of damage or theft.
6. Trip Delay & Cancellation Insurance
Flight delays happen. Weather, mechanical issues, and even air traffic control strikes can ruin your schedule.
If your card offers trip delay insurance, you can get reimbursed for:
- Hotel nights
- Meals
- Transportation
This applies after just a few hours of delay on some cards, making it incredibly valuable.
7. 24/7 Concierge & Emergency Services
Cards like the Amex Platinum have concierge teams who can help with:
- Booking reservations
- Finding sold-out tickets
- Arranging last-minute travel
They also connect you to Premium Global Assist for help in emergencies abroad, from lost passports to emergency evacuations.
8. Purchase & Return Protection
Beyond travel, these cards often cover your purchases against theft or damage for a set period after purchase. They can also extend manufacturer warranties and even cover returns if the store won’t take an item back.
9. Hotel & Airline Perks
When you book through programs like Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, you may get:
- Complimentary breakfast
- Room upgrades
- Late checkout
- Resort credits
These perks can easily offset your card’s annual fee in one trip.
The Hidden Gaps in Credit Card Coverage
Now for the “but”…
Even the most generous travel cards don’t cover everything. Common gaps include:
- Medical coverage abroad – Most cards don’t actually pay for your hospital bills.
- Emergency evacuation – Coverage is often minimal.
- Pre-existing conditions – Usually excluded.
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) – Not available on credit card coverage.
- Coverage for others – Only applies to trips booked on the card.
Why You May Still Need Standalone Travel Insurance
Think of your credit card as your seatbelt. It’s essential, but it’s not the only protection you need.
A standalone travel insurance policy is like adding an airbag and side-impact protection—it covers more scenarios, with higher limits.
- Medical and evacuation coverage worth hundreds of thousands
- Pre-existing condition waivers if purchased early
- CFAR upgrades for maximum flexibility
- Coverage for the entire travel party, regardless of payment method
How to Choose the Right Travel Rewards Credit Card
When picking a travel card, consider:
- Annual fee vs. benefits – Does the math work for your travel style?
- Perks you’ll actually use – Lounge access is useless if you never fly.
- Reward program flexibility – Are points transferable to your favorite airlines/hotels?
My Pro Tip as a Travel Advisor
I help my clients stack their benefits—using the right card to book, then filling in the gaps with tailored travel insurance. That way, you get the most perks possible while minimizing your risks.
Premium travel rewards credit cards are game-changers for frequent travelers, but they’re not the whole safety net. Use them smartly, combine them with a solid travel insurance policy, and you’ll be protected from both the common and the unexpected.
Ready to plan your next trip?
Let’s talk about how to use your travel rewards card strategically and ensure you’re fully covered before you go. Contact me at June Jalle’s Journeys—your trip deserves both comfort and confidence.
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