How does travel accident insurance work?

Travel accident insurance is an ancillary coverage that comes complimentary with many credit cards. It functions like a life insurance policy in the case of accidental death and pays a benefit in case of severe accidental injury (dismemberment or the loss of sight or hearing). Coverage can range from $100,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the credit card for accidental death or severe injury when traveling on a common carrier such as a plane, train, or cruise ship. The definition of who is covered also differs by credit card. Some cards cover only the cardholder, spouse, and dependent children under a certain age. Other cards extend coverage to immediate family including in-laws, and step-children. Travel accident insurance is not a secondary excess coverage. This means that even if you have other insurance coverage it will still pay the full appropriate benefit. Some cards require that you pay for your entire common carrier ticket with your eligible card, others require that only a portion of your ticket be paid for with your card.

How do I know if my card has travel accident insurance?

The easiest way to find out if you have travel accident insurance is to call the number on the back of your card. You can also access your printed Guide to Benefits that came with your card or go to your online credit card account and access the information there. Additionally, you can request a copy of the Guide to Benefits be sent to you.

Does travel accident insurance cover rental cars?

Travel accident insurance does not cover accidents that happen with rental cars. However, chances are you have coverage for damage to the rental car either on your own auto insurance policy, car rental coverage that comes with your credit card, or coverage you purchased from the rental car company. Travel accident insurance also does not cover accidental death or severe injury from an accident involving a rental car. Coverage is limited to accidents involving common carriers such as planes, trains, and cruises.

Is travel accident insurance important?

Chances are you will never have to use travel accident insurance. However, having it can give you peace of mind that if something drastic should happen during your travels, the coverage is there. Travel accident insurance is just one benefit among many travel insurance benefits you should look for when selecting a travel rewards card. It often comes included with other important travel benefits such as car rental insurance, trip interruption, trip cancellation, trip delay reimbursement, emergency travel assistance, and roadside assistance, plus others. Selecting a card that has a full package of travel benefits you can use will bring the most value.

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Credit Cards

The 7+ Best Credit Cards for Travel Accident Insurance [2024]

Updated: July 13, 2024, 3:09am CDT

Edited by:

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What is Travel Accident Insurance?
The Best Credit Cards for Travel Accident Insurance
Additional Credit Cards with Travel Accident Insurance
How To File a Claim
Other Useful Travel Protections and Benefits
Final Thoughts

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You don’t embark on a journey thinking something bad will happen because chances are that the worst won’t happen. It’s good to know, however, that if something did happen and you were severely injured or even worse, there is coverage available — and it comes complimentary on your credit card.

Travel Accident Insurance is widely available but seldom used. In fact, news and media provider Reuters reports that there were zero accidental deaths on scheduled commercial U.S. air carriers in 2017, which is the most recent data available.

And while you don’t normally base your credit cards on this coverage, it’s helpful to know which cards come with this coverage. Travel protections and benefits can save you money when you travel and provide peace of mind knowing you have coverage should something drastic happen during your trip.

Travel Accident Insurance, specifically, is one of those peace-of-mind coverages that can be a welcome resource should you need it.

Here’s a look into travel accident insurance with the objective of defining the coverage and letting you know which popular cards carry the protection as part of a broader package of travel protections and benefits.

What is Travel Accident Insurance?

Travel Accident Insurance is a complimentary travel protection that is offered on certain travel rewards credit cards. The coverage pays out a specified benefit should you or your immediate family become severely injured, including dismemberment, loss of sight, hearing, or speech, or death due to a covered accident on a common carrier during your travels.

The coverage works similar to life insurance in the case of accidental death. Dismemberment and severe injury is handled differently in that a percentage of the total death benefit is paid out depending on the severity of the injury. The limits of the benefit payouts are depicted in a table published within the Guide to Benefits for each specific credit card.

Travel Accident Insurance is different than trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay insurance in that it only pays a benefit in the case of accidental death or specified severe injuries when traveling on a common carrier.

Also, unlike most travel insurance policies that come with your credit card, travel accident insurance is not secondary coverage. This means it will pay benefits in addition to other life, disability, or medical coverage you hold.

Primary and additional cardholders can generally designate a beneficiary for the accident life insurance portion of the coverage.

Bottom Line: Travel Accident Insurance comes complimentary on many travel rewards credit cards. It works similar to an accidental life insurance policy in the case of death and pays out a percentage of that benefit in the case of severe injury.

The Best Credit Cards for Travel Accident Insurance

The best credit cards for travel accident insurance coverage have travel protections and benefits beyond that of just travel accident insurance. The following travel rewards credit cards offer some of the best travel insurance packages available and all of the coverages come complimentary with the card.

Card Summary

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Card	Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee	Travel Accident Insurance Benefits
Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card	Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Annual fee of $95	Up to $500,000 for the Common Carrier Benefit, or $100,000 for the 24 Hour Benefit
Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card	Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $95	Up to $500,000 for the Common Carrier Benefit, or $100,000 for the 24 Hour Benefit
Chase Sapphire Reserve^®	Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $550	Up to $1,000,000, complimentary emergency evacuation insurance up to $100,000 and $2,500 in emergency medical/dental expenses
The World of Hyatt Credit Card	Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, up to 30,000 more points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, up to $15,000 spent. Annual fee of $95	Up to $500,000
United-Branded Credit Cards		Up to $500,000
Capital One Visa Signature and Mastercard Rewards Cards		Up to $250,000
Visa Infinite Credit Cards		Up to $500,000
Wells Fargo Visa Signature Cards		Up to $1,000,000

Chase Travel Accident Insurance

Chase actually has 2 types of travel accident insurance:

Common Carrier Travel Accident Benefit — this protection covers you while you are a passenger on any common carrier or at the airport/terminal/station immediately before or after your trip.
24-Hour Travel Accident Benefit — you will be covered as soon as you begin your trip, during your qualifying trip, and until you return for accidental death, dismemberment, and loss of speech, sight, or hearing.

Chase Cards that Provide Travel Accident Insurance

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card (Top Pick)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides up to $500,000 for the Common Carrier Benefit, or $100,000 for the 24 Hour Benefit. In addition to travel Accident insurance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers additional travel insurance.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome OfferEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)

Cons

$95 annual fee
No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Enjoy beneﬁts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card provides up to $500,000 for the Common Carrier Benefit, or $100,000 for the 24 Hour Benefit.

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome OfferEarn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
90,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 26.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
Cell phone protection
Purchase protection

Cons

No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
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
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.74% - 26.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

In addition to Travel Accident Insurance of up to $1,000,000, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers complimentary emergency evacuation insurance up to $100,000 and $2,500 in emergency medical/dental expenses.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome OfferEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

$550 annual fee
Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ 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
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Pay for your transportation ticket with your World of Hyatt card and receive up to $500,000 in travel accident insurance due to a covered loss.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Welcome OfferEarn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, up to 30,000 more points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, up to $15,000 spent.
Up to 60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
1x point per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

$95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

United-branded Credit Cards

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United℠ Explorer Card

U.P. Rating

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United℠ Explorer Card

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Welcome OfferEarn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$720

Annual Fee

$95

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons

Pros

2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
First checked bag free for you and up to 1 traveling companion

Cons

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee
Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
2x miles on United^® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS fee credit
25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United Club℠ Infinite Card

U.P. Rating

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Welcome OfferEarn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
90,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,080

Annual Fee

$525

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club Infinite card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

4x miles per $1 on United purchases
2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
Complimentary United Club membership (up to $650 value per year)

Cons

$525 annual fee
Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
4x miles on United^® purchases
2x miles on all other travel and dining
1x mile on all other purchases
United Club℠ membership - up to $650 value per year
Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United Quest℠ Card

U.P. Rating

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Quest℠ Card

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Welcome OfferEarn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
70,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$840

Annual Fee

$250

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The newest addition to United’s lineup of cards is the United Quest℠ Card. With it, you can bolster your United MileagePlus miles, thanks to the bonus categories, while enjoying the card’s many perks designed to help save you money on each United flight.

With an annual fee that falls between the United℠ Explorer Card and United Club℠ Infinite Card, the United Quest card makes for a fantastic card option for United frequent flyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

3x miles per $1 on United purchases
2x miles per $1 spent on travel, dining, and select streaming services
$125 annual United credit

Cons

Does not earn transferable rewards
Does not offer airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP
3x miles on United^® purchases
2x miles on all other travel, dining, and select streaming services
1x mile on all other purchases
Up to a $125 United^® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and priority boarding
Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United Gateway℠ Card

U.P. Rating

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Gateway℠ Card

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Welcome OfferEarn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
30,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$360

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Gateway℠ Card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without wanting to pay a credit card annual fee. Plus, the card offers other solid benefits like a 25% back on United inflight purchases, purchase protection, and rental car insurance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

2x miles per $1 on United purchases
2x miles per $1 at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit
1x mile per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

If you are a frequent United flyer, other cards offer more perks
It does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited-time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles
No annual fee
2x miles on United^® purchases
2x miles at gas stations
2x miles on local transit and commuting
1x mile on all other purchases
25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

United Club℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

United Club℠ Business Card

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

Welcome OfferEarn 50,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
50,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$600

Annual Fee

$450

APR

21.99%–28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Business Card is a premium card option for dedicated United loyalists seeking a card that offers complimentary United Club access, helps them earn and retain status, and doesn’t skip on the benefits.

From free checked bags to upgrades on award tickets and the ability to earn Premier qualifying points, there is plenty to the United Club Business card that United flyers are sure to love.

Pros & Cons

Pros

2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases
1.5x miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

$450 annual fee
Earning rate for United purchases is poor compared to other United cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 50,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
Earn 2x miles on United purchases
Earn 1.5x miles on all other purchases
Employee cards at no additional cost
United Club membership — up to a $650 value per year. Relax in comfort while waiting for your flight with complimentary beverages, snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more
Free first and second checked bags for you and a companion, save up to $320 per round-trip
25% back on United inflight purchases
No foreign transaction fees

Financial Snapshot

APR: 21.99%–28.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

These United-branded credit cards come with complimentary travel accident insurance of up to $500,000.

Chase Coverage Details and Conditions

Who Is Covered on Chase-Issued Credit Cards?

The primary cardholder, additional cardholder, and immediate family members are covered for Chase Travel Accident Insurance.

Immediate family is defined as you (the cardholder), your spouse or domestic partner, you or your domestic partner’s children, including adopted children or step-children. Additionally, legal guardians or wards, siblings or siblings-in-law, parents or parents-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, and nieces/nephews are covered.

Conditions for Coverage on Chase Cards

Pay for the common carrier fare in full or in part with your eligible Chase card
One of the following:
- The accident occurs while riding as a passenger, boarding, exiting, or being struck by a common carrier on a covered trip
- The accident occurs at the airport, terminal, or station at the beginning or end of the common carrier-covered trip

Bottom Line: Many Chase credit cards come with travel accident insurance, and since the definition of covered persons is so broad, benefits are provided for even extended family members.

Additional Credit Cards with Travel Accident Insurance

There are several other travel rewards cards that offer Travel Accident Insurance to varying degrees.

Capital One-Issued Rewards Cards — All of Capital One’s Visa Signature and Mastercard Rewards cards come with Travel Accident Insurance coverage. Charge your entire travel fare to your card and receive up to $250,000 in benefits. You can read about our recommended Capital One Cards here.

Visa Infinite Credit Cards — Cardholders and dependents are covered when the common carrier ticket is purchased with the eligible card. Coverage is provided up to $500,000 for accidental death or dismemberment.

Wells Fargo Visa Signature Cards — Pays up to $1,000,000 when your common carrier ticket is paid for in full with your card.

Note that since so many credit cards offer Travel Accident Insurance, this list is highlighting just some of the most popular cards and not supplying an exhaustive list. You’ll want to access your specific card’s Guide to Benefits or call the number on the back of your card to determine if you have coverage and the limits of that coverage.

How To File a Claim

Filing a claim for accidental death or severe injury is straightforward regardless of the issuing credit card institution. The first step is to contact the benefits administrator as soon as possible after the accident, generally no later than 30 days, by calling the number on the back of your card.

You could be asked to submit any of the following for documentation:

Completed and signed claim form
Proof of payment method for common carrier ticket
Explanation of loss
Death certificate, if applicable
Medical records, if applicable

Bottom Line: Regardless of the credit card issuer, you’ll want to submit your claim on a timely basis and confirm that all the required documentation has been received by the benefits administrator to avoid any chance your claim being delayed or denied due to lack of information.

Other Useful Travel Protections and Benefits

Travel Accident Insurance is just one travel protection offered complimentary on travel rewards credit cards. Look for these additional travel benefits when selecting a travel rewards card.

Car rental collision damage waiver insurance — one of the most valuable travel benefits you can have is primary rental car insurance. Learn which cards are best for car rental insurance.
Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage — When your trip is canceled or delayed, it’s bound to result in unplanned expenses. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage will reimburse you for covered events that cause you to cancel your trip or cause disruption while your trip is in progress.
Trip delay reimbursement — If your flight is delayed a specified number of hours, usually 12 hours or more, a benefit is paid to reimburse you for expenses such as lodging, transportation, meals, and necessary personal items
Lost, damaged, or delayed luggage insurance — Chances are you’ll get paid by the airline if your baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed. This coverage will pay for eligible incidents where your out-of-pocket costs are more than the common carrier will cover.
Travel and emergency assistance services — Help is just a phone call away, day or night, if something goes wrong during your travels. Get help finding an English speaking medical provider, legal services, or assistance replacing a lost passport.
Emergency evacuation insurance — A few premium travel rewards cards such as the Amex Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve provide emergency evacuation transportation services.
Emergency medical coverage — The Amex Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and Chase Sapphire Reserve all offer limited reimbursement coverage for medical emergency expenses.
Roadside dispatch – Premium travel rewards cards such as the Amex Platinum Card come with free roadside assistance. Other cards charge a flat discounted fee per service call. Roadside dispatch is a handy coverage to have on your card, in either case, if you should break down on the side of the road.

Bottom Line: Finding a card that has a package of complimentary travel protections and benefits you can use brings extra value that can save you money or provide peace of mind during your travels.

Final Thoughts

No one likes to think about having a severe accident happening during their travels. Chances are, you’ll never have to worry about using the travel accident insurance that comes with your card. However, just knowing it exists is enough.

It is not a key travel insurance coverage that causes you to weigh one travel rewards card over another. Selecting a card that offers a broader collection of travel protections and benefits you can use is a more prudent approach.

Always compare the coverage that comes on your card with a comprehensive travel insurance policy to determine if the complimentary coverage is adequate for your trip. If not, you can supplement the complimentary coverage easily and inexpensively.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our Medical & Legal Disclaimers.

The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.