Chase Ultimate Rewards credit card members can redeem points through the travel portal for flights, hotels, rental cars, tours and cruises; alternatively they can transfer them directly to airline and hotel partners.
Chase cardholders can utilize the travel portal for numerous benefits, including annual $50 hotel credits and airport lounge access. But to maximize value, it is crucial that they shop around.
Travel protections
Chase credit cards offer travelers several travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and car rental insurance coverage. This coverage often is included as part of their annual fees but may be subject to specific terms and conditions that apply.
Chase’s trip cancellation coverage reimburses eligible prepaid, nonrefundable expenses related to trips cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseeable events, and includes immediate family members even if they’re not traveling with the cardholder themselves. Certain restrictions apply such as preexisting medical conditions or travel against medical advice from your physician.
Chase cardholders also benefit from having access to a 24-hour travel emergency assistance line that offers assistance with everything from rebooking flights and getting legal referrals, to covering restaurant and transportation fees incurred as a result of travel delays. In the past, cardholders had to notify Chase about their travel plans; due to improvements in technology and increased security measures this requirement has now been removed.
Baggage delay insurance
Many credit cards provide some form of baggage delay coverage, with Chase Sapphire Reserve standing out as having superior inclusions and maximums in terms of both inclusions and maximums. Unfortunately, like other travel insurance provided by credit card companies, its policies only apply when trips paid entirely with that card or through its rewards program; additionally its travel accident, trip cancellation and lost luggage coverage extends to immediate family members traveling alongside its primary cardholder.
Typically, this coverage reimburses essential items purchased while your bag has been delayed or misdirected by the airline for up to five days for up to $100 per day – such as clothing, toiletries and chargers – as well as incidental expenses incurred during its delay. Claims filing deadlines depend on your card; typically within 20 days from when your bag was delayed you’ll be able to begin filing claims; thereafter receipts and documentation must be submitted within 90 days.
Trip delay insurance
Travel delays can arise for various reasons. From long airport security lines to rail strikes, your trip could be put off for hours or even days. With a credit card that offers trip delay insurance, however, reimbursement of expenses such as lodging and food may be available if your flight is delayed for over 12 hours or requires overnight stay.
Chase cards like Ink Business Preferred and Sapphire Reserve provide this additional coverage, covering you, your spouse or domestic partner and children under 26 who travel on your itinerary. This coverage works in addition to any existing travel protection plans you may already have in place.
Coverage depends on which card you own and how much of your prepaid travel has been purchased with that card, such as airfare or hotel reservations. For more details about coverage on any specific card please review its terms and conditions.
Car rental insurance
Car rental insurance is a feature offered by many Chase credit cards that reimburses you for vehicle damage (including theft) that occurs while renting from most countries. To qualify, simply pay with your card and decline any collision damage waiver offered by car rental company as well as booking through travel portal or using points; those taking advantage of this benefit can save up to $2000 annually!
Chase cards often provide primary coverage, meaning you don’t have to use up all of your personal auto insurance before taking advantage of this benefit. But make sure to read carefully as this coverage often excludes antique or exotic vehicles or those seating nine people or more.
Chase cards also provide other travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and emergency roadside assistance – check your card’s guide to benefits to see more about these features. Some cards also provide primary coverage for cruises or other forms of travel.
