Digital Transformation

Broken Phone? These Credit Cards Could Cover The Cost

Aside from rewards or cash back, credit cards include plenty of helpful perks that can help you save money. They can get you to your plane faster, insure your new purchases against damage and theft or help you if you run into any car trouble while traveling. And the right credit card can even save you big on your next cell phone.

A lesser-known perk included on certain rewards credit cards, cell phone protection can save you money and avoid a headache if your phone is stolen or damaged. Whether you have the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, these credit cards could help avoid the hassle of paying for a replacement phone.

What is cell phone protection?

Cell phone protection is a credit card perk that can reimburse you for the cost of replacing or repairing your cell phone if it's damaged or stolen. Each credit card issuer has different coverage amounts and requirements, but generally, you'll need to pay your credit card bill with the card for a certain number of months to qualify.

Best credit cards with cell phone protection

Quick Look

Intro Offer

$200 cash rewards Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual fee $0

APR 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR

Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant's credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. 670 – 850

Good – Excellent

Rewards rate

2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Our Take

The Wells Fargo Active Cash is one of the best credit cards available. It earns a flat 2% cash rewards rate for purchases, has no annual fee and comes with an introductory APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Additionally, it includes cell phone protection against damage or theft so long as you pay your monthly phone bill with the eligible card. When filing a claim, you'll need to send proof that you paid the previous month of cell phone service with the card.

There's a $25 deductible per claim for repair or replacement, and you can make a maximum of two claims per 12-month period. Maximum coverage annually is $1,200, so you're limited to up to $600 per claim.

You can learn more about the card in our Wells Fargo Active Cash review.

Additional Details Intro Balance Transfer APR 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers Intro Purchase APR 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening Regular APR 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR Balance Transfer Fee up to 5%; min: $5 Rewards Rate

2%

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Our Take Additional Details Rewards Rate

The Wells Fargo Active Cash is one of the best credit cards available. It earns a flat 2% cash rewards rate for purchases, has no annual fee and comes with an introductory APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Additionally, it includes cell phone protection against damage or theft so long as you pay your monthly phone bill with the eligible card. When filing a claim, you'll need to send proof that you paid the previous month of cell phone service with the card.

There's a $25 deductible per claim for repair or replacement, and you can make a maximum of two claims per 12-month period. Maximum coverage annually is $1,200, so you're limited to up to $600 per claim.

You can learn more about the card in our Wells Fargo Active Cash review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers Intro Purchase APR 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening Regular APR 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR Balance Transfer Fee up to 5%; min: $5

2%

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Quick Look

Intro Offer

$200 Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee $0

APR 20.24% – 28.99% Variable

Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant's credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. 670 – 850

Good – Excellent

Rewards rate

1% – 5% 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!; 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service; Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Our Take

Few credit cards reward you as highly for a large spectrum of purchase types as the Chase Freedom Flex℠*. In addition to cash-back categories that change quarterly, you can earn rewards for travel booked through Chase's travel portal, and earn rewards on static categories including restaurant and drug store purchases.

The Freedom Flex provides cell phone coverage against covered theft or damage of up to $800 per claim with a maximum of $1,000 annually. It has a $50 deductible per claim you'll need to meet, and you can file two claims per year. You'll need to pay your cell phone bill with the card -- you're eligible for coverage on the first day of the calendar month following your first bill payment.

You can learn more card details in our Chase Freedom Flex review.

Additional Details Intro Balance Transfer APR 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months Regular APR 20.24% – 28.99% Variable Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Rewards Rate

5%

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!

5%

5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more

3%

3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service

1%

Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Our Take Additional Details Rewards Rate

Few credit cards reward you as highly for a large spectrum of purchase types as the Chase Freedom Flex℠*. In addition to cash-back categories that change quarterly, you can earn rewards for travel booked through Chase's travel portal, and earn rewards on static categories including restaurant and drug store purchases.

The Freedom Flex provides cell phone coverage against covered theft or damage of up to $800 per claim with a maximum of $1,000 annually. It has a $50 deductible per claim you'll need to meet, and you can file two claims per year. You'll need to pay your cell phone bill with the card -- you're eligible for coverage on the first day of the calendar month following your first bill payment.

You can learn more card details in our Chase Freedom Flex review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months Regular APR 20.24% – 28.99% Variable Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

5%

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!

5%

5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more

3%

3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service

1%

Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Quick Look

Intro Offer

100,000 points Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Annual fee $95

APR 20.99% – 25.99% Variable

Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant's credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. 670 – 850

Good – Excellent

Rewards rate

1x – 3x Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year; Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn

Our Take

The Ink Business Preferred is a good option for traveling business owners. It has strong redemption options coupled with a rewards program that covers some popular business expenses including shipping and internet and cable services.

Included among its travel protections is cell phone coverage against theft and damage. You can make up to three claims annually with up to $600 in coverage per claim and max coverage of $1,800 per year. However, there is a $100 deductible per claim, which is higher than the other two consumer options featured here. According to the benefit terms, any cell phone on the bill you pay with your card is eligible for coverage.

You can learn more card details in our Ink Business Preferred review.

Additional Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 20.99% – 25.99% Variable Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Rewards Rate

3x

Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year

1x

Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn

Our Take Additional Details Rewards Rate

The Ink Business Preferred is a good option for traveling business owners. It has strong redemption options coupled with a rewards program that covers some popular business expenses including shipping and internet and cable services.

Included among its travel protections is cell phone coverage against theft and damage. You can make up to three claims annually with up to $600 in coverage per claim and max coverage of $1,800 per year. However, there is a $100 deductible per claim, which is higher than the other two consumer options featured here. According to the benefit terms, any cell phone on the bill you pay with your card is eligible for coverage.

You can learn more card details in our Ink Business Preferred review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 20.99% – 25.99% Variable Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

3x

Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year

1x

Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn

For premium benefits 8/10 CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards Apply Now

On American Express's secure website

Quick Look

Intro Offer

Earn 80,000 points Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Annual fee $695

APR See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant's credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. 670 – 850

Good – Excellent

Rewards rate

5x – 5x Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.; Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Our Take

The Platinum Card from American Express features one of the largest collections of annual credits of any card. It also carries one of the highest annual fees. As such, you'll want to make sure the card matches your travel and spending habits to justify the cost. If you can't use all it has to offer, it might not be the card for you.

Included in its wide array of perks is cell phone protection**. Pay your cell phone bill with the card to get coverage against damage and theft -- you'll get two claims per year, each up to $800 with a $50 deductible. It's also one of the only coverage plans that will reimburse you for the cost of repairing a cracked screen.

You can learn more card details in our The Platinum Card from American Express review.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.Com to learn more.

Additional Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR See Pay Over Time APR Balance Transfer Fee N/A Rewards Rate

5x

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.

5x

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.Com to learn more

Our Take Additional Details Rewards Rate

The Platinum Card from American Express features one of the largest collections of annual credits of any card. It also carries one of the highest annual fees. As such, you'll want to make sure the card matches your travel and spending habits to justify the cost. If you can't use all it has to offer, it might not be the card for you.

Included in its wide array of perks is cell phone protection**. Pay your cell phone bill with the card to get coverage against damage and theft -- you'll get two claims per year, each up to $800 with a $50 deductible. It's also one of the only coverage plans that will reimburse you for the cost of repairing a cracked screen.

You can learn more card details in our The Platinum Card from American Express review.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.Com to learn more.

Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR See Pay Over Time APR Balance Transfer Fee N/A

5x

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.

5x

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.Com to learn more

Quick Look

Intro Offer

75,000 miles Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Annual fee $395

APR 21.74% – 28.74% (Variable)

Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant's credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product. 800 – 850

Excellent

Rewards rate

2x – 10x Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.; Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases

Our Take

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card* is another high-annual fee travel card, but it can be a rewarding pick for people who travel frequently. It too comes with a number of useful perks -- including an annual up to $300 travel statement credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel -- and cell phone protection against damage or theft.

Pay your phone bill with the card to be eligible for coverage. You get a maximum of two claims per year up to $800 per claim with a maximum coverage amount of $1,600 annually and a $50 deductible per claim.

You can learn more card details in our Venture X card review.

Additional Details Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.74% – 28.74% (Variable) Balance Transfer Fee $0 at this Transfer APR Rewards Rate

10x

Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.

2x

Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases

Our Take Additional Details Rewards Rate

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card* is another high-annual fee travel card, but it can be a rewarding pick for people who travel frequently. It too comes with a number of useful perks -- including an annual up to $300 travel statement credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel -- and cell phone protection against damage or theft.

Pay your phone bill with the card to be eligible for coverage. You get a maximum of two claims per year up to $800 per claim with a maximum coverage amount of $1,600 annually and a $50 deductible per claim.

You can learn more card details in our Venture X card review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 21.74% – 28.74% (Variable) Balance Transfer Fee $0 at this Transfer APR

10x

Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.

2x

Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases

How cell phone protection works

The most important thing to remember is to pay your cell phone bill with your card. Otherwise, you won't be able to take advantage of this benefit.

If your phone is stolen or damaged -- and the issue is covered by your card's cell phone protection -- you'll file a claim to report the issue and begin the process of receiving your rebate.

To file a claim, contact your card issuer by phone. For Chase, you can file a claim with Mastercard online at mycardbenefits.Com.

Each card issuer may require different documents to file a claim, but for the most part, you'll need to submit copies of your phone bill showing you paid with your card, a copy of the device summary page from your wireless bill, an itemized repair estimate or store receipt for the replacement phone and, if your phone was stolen, a copy of the police report.

Only damage caused involuntarily and theft is covered by most cell phone protection.

What isn't covered by cell phone protection

If your phone is cracked, scuffed or worn, but still operable, cell phone protection likely won't reimburse you for a repair or new phone. If your cell phone was purchased for resale or for professional or commercial use, it may not be eligible for coverage unless you have a business credit card.

If your cell phone was stolen but you didn't file a police report or have evidence it was taken, you likely won't be able to get reimbursement for a replacement. If your phone was confiscated by any government, public authority or customs official, it also won't be eligible for coverage either.

Most cell phone protections do not cover damage from acts of nature like floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. For Wells Fargo, you'll want to file a claim within 120 days of the phone breaking or being stolen. For Chase, you'll need to move a little faster -- you'll have 90 days to file a claim. Capital One gives you even less time: 60 days to file a claim.

The bottom line

Cell phone protection can offer you peace of mind -- and save you the cost of replacing or repairing your phone if it's damaged or stolen. In most cases, you'll just need to pay your cell phone bill with the card and meet your deductible to qualify. But each credit card has its own rules and  coverage requirements. Make sure you review your card's benefits guide to understand how your cell phone protection plan works.

*All information about the Chase Freedom Flex and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

**Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.Com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

Chase's 5% Bonus Categories, Q3 2023: Gas Stations, EV Charging, Select Live Entertainment

NerdWallet rating 

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.

Learn More

Eligible Chase cardholders will get rewarded this summer for hitting the road and finding entertainment away from home.

From July 1 to Sept. 30, 2023, Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending at the following merchants (activation required; 1% back on all other non-bonus-category spending):

Gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging.

Select live entertainment.

While gas stations and select live entertainment are repeats from the Q3 2022 bonus calendar, this is the first time Chase has offered 5% cash back at EV charging stations.

The select live entertainment category is particularly broad and includes everything from amusement parks and sporting events to ticketing agencies (such as Ticketmaster and StubHub), aquariums, carnivals, museums and zoos. However, exclusions include movie theaters, bowling alleys, casinos, dance halls and any tickets purchased through a hotel concierge or as part of a travel package.

Merchants excluded from the gas stations category include truck stops, boat marinas, oil and propane distributors and home heating companies.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Although the original Chase Freedom® card is no longer accepting applications, existing cardholders still earn 5% cash back based on the same bonus calendar and terms for the Chase Freedom Flex℠.

In addition to the rotating quarterly categories, Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders can earn an uncapped 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase; 3% back on dining and drugstores; and 1% back on all other purchases. New cardholders also qualify for the following introductory offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a World Elite Mastercard and offers special benefits, including cell phone protection, and perks such as offers with Lyft, Fandango and Shoprunner, among others.

Information related to the Chase Freedom® has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

Here Are The Best Chase Credit Cards For Earning Rewards And Getting Out Of Debt

Best Chase credit cards Best cash-back card Chase Freedom Flex℠

Rewards

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

$200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening

Annual fee

Intro APR

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

Balance transfer fee

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed

Member FDIC. See our methodology, terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Pros

No annual fee

Generous welcome bonus

Opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back in select categories upon activation

Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card

Cons

Bonus categories must be activated each quarter

3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? If you're looking to maximize cash back in a variety of rotating categories, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ may be the card for you. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The cash-back calendar changes every quarter. (Learn more about how Chase classifies bonus category purchases.)

In addition to rotating rewards, you can earn 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and at drug stores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Beyond rewards, you can take advantage of no annual fee and a competitive no-interest intro period for the first 15 months from account opening on new purchases and balance transfers (after, 20.24% - 28.99% variable APR). There's an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that it's either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

The Freedom card also provides select partner benefits, such as 5% cash back on Lyft purchases through March 2025 and complimentary three months of DashPass, plus 50% off for the next nine months when you activate by December 2024. This perk provides you with free delivery on DoorDash orders over $12 and lower service fees.

If you don't want to deal with rotating bonus categories and rewards activation, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, our pick for best no-annual-fee Chase card.

Best no-annual-fee card Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Rewards

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Annual fee

Intro APR

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

Balance transfer fee

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

3% of each transaction in U.S. Dollars

Credit needed

Pros

No annual fee

Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card

Generous welcome bonus

Cons

3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? Consumers who want a simple rewards program that doesn't require much optimization should consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout, and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases.

If you want to maximize rewards within the first few months of account opening, there's a generous welcome bonus: On up to $20,000 spent in the first year, cardholders earn an additional 1.5% on all categories.

While the Chase Freedom Unlimited card has a different cash-back program from the Freedom Flex card, it also has no annual fee and special financing. You can benefit from a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months from account opening on new purchases and balance transfers (after, 20.24% - 28.99% variable APR). There's an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, it's either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Best travel card Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rewards

$50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining, 3X points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Annual fee

Intro APR

Regular APR

21.24% - 28.24% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed

Pros

Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Transfer points to leading frequent travel programs at a 1:1 rate, including: IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy™ and World of Hyatt®

Travel protections include: auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement

No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons

$95 annual fee

No introductory 0% APR

Who's this for? Frequent travelers can benefit from a competitive rewards program and more value on travel redemptions with the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. Cardholders earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases for a reasonable $95 annual fee.

Plus, you can earn a welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The 60,000 bonus points are worth up to $750 if you redeem points for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

Points are worth 25% more when redeemed toward airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

The Sapphire Preferred also allows you to transfer your Chase points to Chase's airline and hotel partners, including United, British Airways, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and more. If you transfer to the right partner and want to book luxury travel, you can get huge value from your points.

Aside from rewards, cardholders can benefit from a variety of travel perks, such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement.

If you're looking for a luxury travel card with enhanced rewards and benefits, check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve® below.

Best luxury travel card Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Rewards

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Annual fee

Intro APR

Regular APR

Balance transfer fee

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed

Pros

$300 annual travel credit for travel purchases

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every four years

Priority Pass™ Select lounge access at 1,000+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide

Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Special benefits at The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection

Complimentary year of Lyft Pink membership

Cons

High annual fee, but it can be offset by taking advantage of all the card's perks

No introductory APR

Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,469

Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $3,346

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the beefed-up version of the Sapphire Preferred card, with more robust rewards and benefits programs that are suitable for people looking to travel in luxury. Cardholders earn 5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. They also earn 3X points on other travel and dining and 1X point on all other purchases.

You'll also receive a $300 annual statement credit to apply to qualifying travel expenses, such as airfare, hotels, tolls and more. This credit can help you upgrade to an extra-space seat or offset the cost of staying another night at a hotel.

Another benefit for frequent fliers is a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. And if you want to relax before a flight, the Sapphire Reserve's complimentary Priority Pass Select membership gives you access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide with free amenities, such as Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages.

Points are worth 50% more when redeemed toward airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. When it comes to lodging, you can book through the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to take advantage of upgrades upon arrival, complimentary breakfast for two, flexible check-in times, extra amenities and special discounts (upon availability).

Keep in mind the Sapphire Reserve has a steep $550 annual fee, which is in line with other premium credit cards and can be offset by the numerous statement credit offers. Though that doesn't mean it makes sense for everyone. If you want a lower annual fee, consider the Sapphire Preferred ($95 a year).

Best business card Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Rewards

Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in select categories each account anniversary year (travel; shipping purchases; internet,