amex travel protection gold

Introduction to American Express Travel Protection

Types of travel protection offered, american express travel protection: a guide to your benefits.

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The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, American Express® Green Card, The Plum Card® from American Express. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Some American Express cards offer trip cancellation and interruption benefits .
• You'll find these perks on cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express.
• If you're eager to sign up for a travel credit card with perks, compare each card's offerings.

Overview of Travel Protection Benefits

While credit card insurance and travel protection coverage are usually considered secondary to rewards programs and other cardholder perks, these benefits can be equally important if you travel.

When you pay for a trip with a credit card that offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, for example, you can get reimbursed for some of your travel expenses in the event your vacation is halted for reasons beyond your control. Meanwhile, trip delay insurance lets you apply for some reimbursement when a delay of your trip results in surprise expenses, such as an unplanned hotel stay near the airport when your flight is on hold.

Importance of Travel Insurance

Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card have really stood out for years in terms of the protections they offer, and with some of the highest limits out there. Still, American Express is still coming around — it recently added trip cancellation and interruption insurance, along with trip delay coverage, to many of its top rewards credit cards. 

If you're in the market for an American Express card and you're hoping to take advantage of important travel benefits, consider the cards below and their expanded travel protections.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

New trip cancellation and interruption insurance from American Express credit cards will provide you with up to $10,000 in coverage (and up to $20,000 per account per year) you can use for reimbursement of prepaid travel expenses like airfare and hotels. This coverage can come in handy if your trip is canceled for a covered reason beyond your control, or you're stuck in your destination and require an extended stay and additional costs before you can return home.

Note that this coverage is good for round-trip travel booked with your credit card, meaning you have to pay for travel expenses with a common carrier with your American Express credit card in order to be eligible.

American Express cards that qualify for this coverage include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Other versions of the Amex Platinum card — including the Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and corporate flavors —  also offer this coverage, as do all versions of the Amex Centurion (black) card , which is invite-only.

Baggage Insurance Plan

Quite a few American Express credit cards also offer a baggage insurance plan, although this isn't a new or upgraded benefit from the card issuer. This coverage can come in handy if your luggage is lost or stolen during a covered trip. To be eligible for this coverage, you have to pay for travel with a common carrier (airfare, cruise fare, etc.) with your American Express credit card.

The amount of coverage you'll receive depends on the card you have. For example, baggage insurance from the The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $3,000 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $2,000 per person in coverage for some types of checked baggage.

With baggage insurance from the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card , on the other hand, you'll only qualify for up to $1,250 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $500 for covered checked baggage, although an extra benefit of $250 is offered for qualified "high risk items" like jewelry or sporting equipment. 

American Express cards that come with baggage insurance include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
• American Express® Gold Card (including various versions)
• American Express® Green Card (including various versions)
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
• The Plum Card® from American Express

American Express business cards with baggage insurance include:

• American Express® Business Gold Card
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
• Lowe's Business Rewards Card from American Express
• Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
• Amazon Business American Express Card

Various versions of the Amex Centurion card and several Amex corporate cards also offer baggage insurance.

Travel Accident Insurance

Some American Express cards also offer secondary auto rental coverage, which means this coverage kicks in after other policies you have are exhausted, as opposed to primary car rental coverage.

While this benefit applies to many Amex cards, note that coverage limits can vary. With the Amex Gold card, for example, coverage is limited to $50,000 per rental agreement for damage or theft, yet the Amex Platinum card offers up to $75,000 in coverage. The insurance doesn't cover personal liability, either.

Also note that this coverage comes with a certain amount of Accidental Death or Dismemberment Coverage that varies by card. With , for example, you'll receive up to $200,000 in coverage per person and up to $300,000 in coverage per car accident for accidental death and dismemberment. Make sure to read your credit card's terms and conditions so you know exactly how much coverage you have. 

American Express cards that come with secondary auto rental coverage include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy American Express® Card (no longer available to new applicants)
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Amex Everyday® Credit Card from American Express

And business cards from Amex that offer secondary car rental insurance include:

While American Express did offer travel accident insurance on some of its cards, this coverage was effectively dropped as of January 1, 2020. The same is true for the American Express Roadside Assistance Hotline, which is no longer available.

Trip Delay Insurance

In January of 2020, American Express also rolled out an upgraded trip delay insurance benefit for many of its top rewards credit cards. While this perk may seem like an unusual one, there are so many scenarios where trip delay coverage could help you save money and avoid surprise expenses when travel is delayed beyond your control. 

With trip delay coverage from Amex, you can be reimbursed for up to $500 per trip for hotel stays, meals, and other miscellaneous required expenses when your flight or other trip plans are delayed by more than six hours. If you're sitting at the airport and your flight is suddenly delayed until the next morning, for example, you could use this coverage to get reimbursed for a nearby airport hotel and your dinner, then for an Uber or Lyft ride back to the airport.

To qualify for American Express trip delay coverage, you need to pay for your round-trip travel expenses with a common carrier with your credit card.

Amex cards that come with trip delay coverage include:

• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Green Card

Again, the various versions of the Amex Platinum and Amex Centurion cards also offer trip delay insurance.

Most travel protections are automatically activated when you use your American Express card to book your travel. However, specific activation steps, if any, depend on the benefit.

Covered reasons for trip cancellation or interruption typically include illness, severe weather, and other unforeseen events, reimbursing you for non-refundable travel expenses.

Yes, baggage insurance plans come with coverage limits, which vary depending on the card and the type of loss (e.g., lost, damaged, or stolen baggage).

The Global Assist Hotline offers medical, legal, and other emergency coordination and assistance services, but financial costs for services rendered are typically the cardholder's responsibility.

Eligibility for specific travel protections varies by card. Premium cards often offer more comprehensive protections compared to basic cards.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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Amex Gold benefits guide

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Key takeaways

• The American Express® Gold Card comes with a host of generous dining, entertainment and travel benefits.
• Thanks to extended warranty coverage and purchase protection, the Amex Gold Card can be a good choice for major purchases — especially if you can pay off those purchases promptly.
• Make sure to use your dining and Uber Cash credits each month, as these benefits don't roll over.
• To best use the Amex Gold's benefits, spend time familiarizing yourself with how the American Express Membership Rewards program works and how to maximize your points' value.

The American Express® Gold Card benefits are generous, even when you consider the card’s $250 annual fee. Not only does this flexible rewards card let consumers earn points in the American Express Membership Rewards program, but it comes with a lucrative welcome offer and a range of perks — including up to $120 in Uber Cash credits annually (up to $10 per month automatically) and up to $120 in dining credits annually (up to $10 per month as statement credits). Other Amex Gold Card benefits include various purchase protections and travel insurances.

The Amex Gold Card also gives consumers the chance to earn 4X points on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1X points) and 4X points at restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.). Cardholders can also earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel and 1X points on other purchases.

Before you can decide if the Amex Gold Card is worth it , it helps to know the Amex Gold Card benefits you’ll be eligible for. Keep reading to learn about this popular rewards card , the benefits you can qualify for and how to maximize the card overall.

Amex Gold dining and entertainment benefits

Several American Express Gold Card benefits can help you save money on dining and entertainment, and one can even help you get tickets to sought-after cultural and sporting events. The following benefits come standard with your Amex Gold Card:

Up to $120 in dining credits

As a cardholder, you’ll receive up to $120 in dining credits per year, which are given out on a monthly basis as statement credits in increments of $10. These credits do not roll over from month to month, so you’ll lose value each month you don’t use them. The dining credits are only good for purchases with Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and participating Shake Shack locations. Enrollment is required.

Up to $120 in Uber Cash

Cardholders also receive up to $120 in Uber Cash each year, which can be used for Uber Eats food deliveries or Uber rides in the U.S. These credits are also given out on a monthly basis in increments of $10, and they don’t roll over from one month to the next.

American Express Experiences and Preferred Access

This Amex Gold card perk can help you get premium tickets to select cultural and sporting events (based on availability). While available events can vary and some are invite-only, it’s not uncommon to find entertainment options like Broadway tickets or professional sports tickets through the Amex entertainment portal.

Amex Gold travel benefits

While Amex Gold travel benefits aren’t as generous as those you’d get with The Platinum Card® from American Express , this card does come with a few travel insurance perks (and a hotel credit) worth considering.

Car rental loss and damage insurance

Qualify for secondary auto rental coverage when you pay for an eligible rental car with your Amex Gold Card. Exclusions and restrictions apply, and this benefit does not include any coverage for liability.

$100 Hotel Collection credit

Cardholders also receive up to $100 in experience credits with The Hotel Collection, which can be used for eligible dining, spa and resort activities at qualifying properties. This credit applies when you book at least two consecutive nights at a participating property through American Express Travel. You can also receive a room upgrade on arrival (based on availability).

Baggage insurance plan

Qualify for baggage insurance when you pay for a common carrier fare with your credit card. This coverage is good for up to $1,250 per covered person for carry-on baggage. You also get up to $500 per covered person in protection for checked baggage when traveling on a common carrier vehicle (like a plane, train or bus). Other exclusions and restrictions apply.

Trip delay insurance

Amex Gold benefits also include trip delay insurance that is good for up to $300 per covered trip, although a maximum of two claims are allowed every consecutive 12-month period. This protection can be useful when a trip delay results in incidental expenses like meals or hotel stays. Coverage is secondary, and it can only be utilized when a trip is delayed by more than 12 hours. Other exclusions and restrictions apply.

Amex Gold card protections and insurance benefits

The Amex Gold Card also has a few protective benefits that can save cardholders money, hassle and stress. Keep in mind you have to pay for items with your card to be eligible for these benefits.

Extended warranties

Qualify for extended warranty coverage on eligible items that come with a manufacturer’s warranty of five years or less. This benefit gives you one extra year of warranty protection.

Purchase protection

You also get American Express purchase protection with the Amex Gold Card, which helps protect against damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date. This coverage is good for up to $10,000 per covered purchase and up to $50,000 per eligible card per calendar year. You can also get up to $500 in coverage per eligible event when a natural disaster strikes.

How to maximize the perks and benefits offered by the Amex Gold

While the Amex Gold Card charges a $250 annual fee, the rewards and benefits can be well worth it. After all, American Express Membership Rewards points are valued at an average of2.0 cents each with a high-value transfer travel partner, according to Bankrate’s points and miles valuations .

There are additional ways to maximize the Amex Gold Card benefits you receive, including the following:

Amex Offers

Adding Amex Offers to your credit card is a great way to get more value over time. These offers let you earn additional cash back or Membership Rewards points when you make an eligible purchase with a participating retailer or travel brand. Amex Offers are free to use, and the benefit they offer is given on top of the rewards you earn for paying with your credit card.

You may even be able to stack your Amex Offers with the annual dining and food delivery credits your card offers. For example, you may find you have an Amex Offer for Grubhub or The Cheesecake Factory, which would also be eligible for the $10 per month in dining credits on your card.

Sign up for the Amex trifecta

You can also maximize your Amex Gold Card by using it as part of the Amex trifecta . This trio of rewards credit cards includes the Amex Platinum Card and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express , both of which have complementary earning structures and perks. With these three cards combined, you can make the most of all your spending and maximize your rewards.

Utilize your dining and food delivery credits

Another way to maximize your American Express Gold Card involves making sure you use the monthly dining credits and Uber Cash. Keep in mind that if you don’t live near any of the dining establishments that qualify for the dining credit, you can use it to order various groceries and household items via GrubHub.

Also, take the time to add your Amex Gold Card as the preferred method of payment to your Uber account. That way, your card will already be loaded and ready the next time you order a rideshare or an UberEats food delivery.

Use your card for big purchases

In addition to using your American Express Gold Card to maximize rewards in bonus categories, you should also strive to use it for larger purchases that require some protection or would be costly to replace.

For example, you could use the card to pay for home appliances, updated electronics, a computer for work and more, then benefit from consumer protections like extended warranties and purchase protection against damage or theft.

Learn the ins and outs of the American Express Membership Rewards program

Finally, you’ll want to understand the best ways to maximize points earned with this card. Generally speaking, this means learning all you can about the American Express Membership Rewards program and how it works.

You should know that an array of redemption opportunities are available to you, including the chance to use your points for statement credits , gift cards or merchandise. However, you can also use your points to book travel through the American Express Travel portal, or you can transfer them to Amex hotel and airline partners , if you prefer.

You’ll ultimately get more value out of your points if you go with the latter option and transfer your points to partners like Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

You can begin your research by reading over our guide on the best ways to spend American Express points .

The bottom line

The American Express Gold Card benefits are definitely worth your attention, especially since they are complementary and offered in addition to the rewards you can earn. Still, you should take the time to compare all the best rewards credit cards available, including other American Express credit cards , before you sign up.

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When you should (or shouldn’t) use the Amex Gold Card

It's no secret that we're huge fans of the American Express® Gold Card at TPG.

It's in a Goldilocks sweet spot between premium and beginner cards, with strong earnings on dining and grocery purchases and up to $240 in annual statement credits that can help offset its $250 annual fee (see rates and fees ). Enrollment is required.

But to get the most out of this card, you should use it to maximize your earnings on certain purchases but leave it in your wallet for others. In this guide, we'll highlight strategies that can help you earn thousands of bonus points each year by knowing when you should — and shouldn't — use the Amex Gold Card.

Overview of the Amex Gold

The Amex Gold is the perfect "in-between" card , especially since it offers some serious benefits and earning potential but a reasonable $250 annual fee.

With this card, you'll earn an impressive 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and restaurants, as well as 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or through Amex Travel.

And beyond this earning potential, this card comes with some serious benefits. You'll get up to $240 in annual credits for dining and Uber , travel perks like baggage insurance*, and up to $100 in hotel credits. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

New Amex Gold cardmembers can earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. According to TPG valuations , that's worth up to $1,200.

When should you use the Amex Gold?

The Amex Gold isn't the only card to offer a bonus category on dining, but it might just be one of the most valuable. Cardmembers earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent, which equates to an 8% return on spending, according to the latest TPG valuation. For that reason, it tops our list of best cards for dining out .

As part of the restaurant category, cardmembers can earn 4 points per dollar on takeout and delivery purchases in the U.S., both directly at restaurants and with services such as DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats.

When it comes to the up to $120 annual dining statement credit, cardmembers can earn up to $10 per month when paying with the Amex Gold Card at participating dining partners.

Finally, with up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, you can not only use that on U.S. Uber rides but also on Uber Eats, so be sure to link your Amex Gold Card to your Uber account. Enrollment required.

For groceries

Food is the name of the game with the Amex Gold Card. That's because, besides restaurants, the card also earns 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (it earns 1 point per dollar thereafter). Therefore, you should definitely use the card for your next supermarket run, as it tops our list of the best cards for groceries .

It is possible to end up with a slightly higher return on purchases at U.S. supermarkets by using The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express — it earns 3 points per dollar at U.S. grocery stores on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, and every billing cycle you make 30 or more transactions with the card, you earn a 50% bonus, so your potential comes to 4.5 points per dollar.

That said, the bonus categories on the Amex Gold Card don't require you to jump through any hoops, such as a minimum number of transactions per month to earn the highest earning rates, and the annual cap for U.S. grocery stores is much higher than that with the Amex EveryDay Preferred.

The information for the Amex EveryDay Preferred card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For flights

While not as strong as some of our other favorite travel cards , the Amex Gold Card is a great card to use for flights if you don't have a more premium travel card in your wallet. Its 3-point-per-dollar earning rate on flights booked directly through the airline or on Amex Travel is substantial.

Just keep in mind that if you were to use The Platinum Card® from American Express instead, you could earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights booked through Amex Travel or directly with airlines, on up to $500,000 of such purchases per calendar year (1 point per dollar thereafter).

When shouldn't you use the Amex Gold?

For everyday spending.

The Amex Gold earns a mere 1 point per dollar on spending outside its specific bonus categories. There are other cards issued by Amex as well as other banks, that can offer better earning rates.

For instance, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express might be a better option if you have a business. It has no annual fee (see rates and fees ) but earns 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year (then 1 point per dollar after that).

Alternatively, a card such as the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) earns 1% back when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay your statement. This means you can effectively earn 2% back.

In this instance, if you also have the Citi Prestige® Card , you can combine your points into fully transferable ThankYou points. Based on TPG's valuation of Citi ThankYou points at 1.8 cents each, this means you can earn an effective 3.6% return when you buy and pay with your Citi Double Cash Card.

The information for the Citi Prestige card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For non-flight travel, such as hotels or rental cars

While the Amex Gold earns 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or through Amex Travel, you don't earn such a bonus on other travel expenses, and it doesn't offer the same travel protections as some other cards out there. Therefore, using an alternative card for your non-flight bookings makes more sense.

One of the most popular travel rewards cards on the market is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , with a $95 annual fee. It is currently offering 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. On the travel front, these are the current earning rates:

• 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
• 2 points per dollar on other travel

In addition, you'll also receive the following non-travel bonuses:

• 3 points per dollar on dining
• 3 points per dollar on select streaming services
• 3 points per dollar on online groceries (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)

Bottom line

The Amex Gold Card is among the most rewarding travel cards on the market. But to truly maximize the Amex Gold Card's earnings, you'll have to be selective about where you're using it.

Between the dining and Uber statement credits, the card's annual fee effectively drops to just $10. Add in the use of its bonus categories and you'll be maximizing earnings like a pro in no time.

For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Gold .

Apply here: American Express® Gold Card with a 60,000-point welcome bonus.

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click here .

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .

For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus Amex Card, click here

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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The Guide to AmEx Purchase Protection on Travel Cards

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Table of Contents

How does AmEx purchase protection work?

Which cards have amex purchase protection, how to file an amex purchase protection claim, amex purchase protection review.

From porch pirates to Murphy's law, a lot can go awry between the time you buy an item and make use of that purchase. Thankfully, many credit cards offer so-called "purchase protection" that covers theft, damage and loss within a set time after purchase. For example, if you have an American Express card, the chances are that card provides AmEx purchase protection.

However, not all purchases and losses are covered by AmEx purchase protection. Let's look at how Amex purchase protection works, which AmEx cards feature it and the limitations and exclusions of this coverage.

AmEx purchase protection covers lost, stolen or damaged items within the first 90 days after purchase.

This coverage is complimentary on most AmEx cards — including some debit, prepaid and reloadable AmEx cards. All you need to do to get this coverage is to use your eligible AmEx card to make a covered purchase of a tangible item.

If that item is lost, stolen or damaged within the first 90 days, file a Notice of Claim within 30 days to start the claims process. Here, you'll need to provide a copy of the purchase receipt and proof of loss.

That proof of loss depends on the circumstances.

If a loss is due to theft, you may need to provide a copy of the police report.

In the case of a damage claim, you may need to send in the broken item.

Dozens of AmEx cards offer purchase protection benefits.

Personal cards with purchase protections from AmEx include:

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

American Express® Gold Card .

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express .

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card .

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express .

Hilton Honors American Express Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card .

Terms apply.

Meanwhile, here's the list of small business cards from AmEx with this benefit:

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express .

American Express® Business Gold Card .

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express .

Business Green Rewards Card from American Express .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card .

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card .

However, the purchase protection coverage amounts and limitations vary between AmEx cards. Plus, AmEx can change the coverage at any time. So, checking the terms for your AmEx card when you need coverage is essential. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Limitations and exclusions on AmEx cards

As with any insurance or coverage product, AmEx purchase protection comes with limitations and exclusions. Let's take a look at the current coverage on The Platinum Card® from American Express as an example. Terms apply.

At the time of writing, The Platinum Card® from American Express holders are covered for up to 90 days from the date of a covered purchase of an eligible item. Big spenders should note that the purchase protection on The Platinum Card® from American Express only covers up to $10,000 per covered purchase. Each eligible AmEx card is covered for up to $50,000 in claims per year. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

Unfortunately, if you're affected by a natural disaster , AmEx purchase protection only covers a maximum of $500 in claims per event.

AmEx purchase protection excludes a long list of types of purchases, including:

Animals or living plants.

Antiques, artwork and previously used items.

Cash and cash-like items — including gift certificates, stamps and coins.

Intangible items — such as software.

Land, buildings, or permanent fixtures.

Medical or dental devices.

Motorized vehicles.

Plus, not all damage and losses are covered. For example, AmEx won't approve a claim for damage to an item "purchased for play." So, you can't claim purchase protection if your baseball bat or hockey stick breaks. AmEx purchase protection also doesn't cover losses when the item isn't "reasonably safeguarded" — such as leaving it in an unlocked car or publicly unattended. Terms apply.

AmEx makes it easy to file a purchase protection claim on its website. To start the process, log into your AmEx account and go to the claims center page .

Click "file a claim" and select the card for which you're filing a claim, enter your date of purchase and click "continue."

Select "purchase protection" on the next page and continue the process.

Yes, cardmembers of the American Express® Gold Card are covered by AmEx's purchase protection coverage. However, this card is so packed with benefits that this coverage doesn't make the card's highlights on the AmEx website. Instead, check the benefits guide to see the card's purchase protection coverage.

In short, covered purchases are covered for up to 90 days from the date of purchase for up to $10,000 per covered purchase and up to $50,000 per eligible card per calendar year. Terms apply.

In addition to stolen and damaged items, AmEx purchase protection also covers items lost within the coverage period. Just make sure to file a notice of claim within 30 days of the loss. Also, note that some losses are excluded — such as if you left the item in an unlocked car.

Eligible AmEx cardmembers can still file a purchase protection claim for a covered loss even if you've redeemed Membership Rewards points for all or part of that purchase — including Pay With Points redemptions.

Yes, cardmembers of the

American Express® Gold Card

are covered by AmEx's purchase protection coverage. However, this card is so packed with benefits that this coverage doesn't make the card's highlights on the AmEx website. Instead, check the benefits guide to see the card's purchase protection coverage.

AmEx purchase protection is complimentary coverage provided on most AmEx cards that covers theft, loss and damage to eligible items within the first 90 days of purchase. Terms apply.

Like insurance, purchase protection is one of those things that you hope you never have to use. Check the details of your card's coverage to see if your incident is covered. Remember you need to provide a copy of the purchase receipt and file a Notice of Claim within 30 days of the loss or damage. Terms apply.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet . Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

All information about The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

All information about Business Green Rewards Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. Business Green Rewards Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Why the Amex Gold is the perfect ‘in-between’ card

Editor's Note

If you're looking for a new card, you may find yourself struggling to justify a hefty annual fee on a premium card but dissatisfied with the lower number of perks on most mid-tier cards . It can feel impossible to find a perfect "in-between" card.

And you're not imagining it. There just aren't many cards that fit into the area between the two tiers. However, one card offers the perfect "in-between" balance — the American Express® Gold Card .

With a lower annual fee (see rates and fees ) than premium credit cards but benefits and bonus categories that outshine most mid-tier cards, the Amex Gold may be the "just right" card you're looking for.

Related: Premium vs. mid-tier credit cards

Premium credit cards: Too much?

The "premium" label is fitting for cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express that come with significant perks but also high annual fees.

Annual fee: $395 for the Venture X (see rates and fees ), $550 for the Sapphire Reserve and $695 for the Amex Platinum (see rates and fees )

Welcome bonus: $1,000 or more in value, according to TPG valuations . However, generally not much higher than mid-tier welcome offers.

Earning: Over 3% returns on travel or other common bonus categories.

Pros of premium credit cards: These cards have long lists of perks and benefits like elite status , airport lounge access , travel credits and insurance as well as increased bonus-earning categories . If you can maximize the value of these benefits, you'll find that the perks far outweigh the cost of an annual fee for a premium card.

Cons of premium credit cards: Premium cards have high annual fees and somewhat limited bonus-earning categories. Since they don't have substantially higher welcome offers than other cards, you need to ensure you'll maximize a premium card's perks and benefits to justify paying its annual fee. This means that in addition to the higher out-of-pocket cost, carrying one of these cards incurs the higher mental burden of keeping track of and redeeming all its perks.

Verdict: A premium credit card is a worthwhile investment for anyone who travels enough to maximize the card's benefits. However, you may find that the annual fee and work required to maximize the card's benefits are too high for your current lifestyle.

Related: Are premium credit cards worth the annual fee?

Mid-tier credit cards: Not enough?

"Mid-tier" is a label we give cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card that fall between beginner and premium cards. They carry a reasonable annual fee and have decent welcome bonuses and earning structures. They have some perks but far fewer than what you'll get with premium cards.

Annual fee: $95 for both the Sapphire Preferred and the Venture Rewards (see rates and fees for the Venture Rewards)

Welcome bonus: $1,000 or more in value, according to TPG valuations.

Earning: 2%-4% returns on common bonus categories such as travel, dining, groceries and gas.

Pros of mid-tier credit cards: These cards generally offer a solid welcome bonus and have a relatively low annual fee. They also have broader bonus-earning categories like groceries , dining and streaming , giving you more opportunities to earn on your everyday spending.

Cons of mid-tier credit cards: You won't receive special treatment from elite status or strut into airport lounges with these cards.

Verdict: Mid-tier cards are great for anyone who wants to earn on everyday expenses, keep their annual fee costs low and still have some perks like travel insurance. However, anyone looking for luxury travel perks may find these cards lacking.

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold: Which one is right for you?

Amex Gold: Just right?

The shiny gold or rose gold look is just the first of many reasons to love this card. With a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees ) and a list of perks that fall squarely between "mid-tier" and "premium," the American Express Gold Card is a TPG favorite for a reason.

Annual fee: $250 (see rates and fees )

Welcome bonus: Currently, new applicants can receive 60,000 Membership Rewards points (worth $1,200 based on TPG valuations) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You could also be targeted for an offer from 90,000 points with the same spending requirement through the CardMatch tool or via a referral link (offer subject to change at any time).

Earning: This card is a foodie's dream come true, earning 4 points per dollar at restaurants and 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar). It also earns 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines and through Amex Travel and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Pros of the Amex Gold card: On top of its impressive earnings on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases, this card comes with up to $240 in annual statement credits . You'll get up to $10 monthly dining credit when you use your Gold card to pay for eligible dining purchases, as well as a $10 monthly Uber Cash credit when you use your card to pay for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. If you're able to maximize these credits, your net annual fee cost will be just $10. Enrollment is required.

Cons of the Amex Gold card: The perfect in-between card for some is still too much or not enough for others. If you want to keep your annual fee costs low and won't maximize the credits on this card , you may be better off with a mid-tier card with a lower annual fee. At the same time, those who travel frequently and look for perks like elite status and airport lounge access in a card will be disappointed with the Amex Gold.

Verdict: The Amex Gold is a great fit for anyone who wants more benefits and earnings than most mid-tier cards but doesn't want to keep track of all the extras that come with a premium card. Foodies and frequent flyers alike will be pleased with the earnings structure and monthly credits this card offers, but of course, no card is perfect for everyone.

For more on whether this card is a good fit for you, check out our full review of the Amex Gold .

Related: 4 reasons we can't live without the Amex Gold

Bottom line

If you want better benefits and earnings than most mid-tier cards offer but are fine with skipping elite status and high annual fees, the Amex Gold is the perfect "in-between" card. Valuable credits and an impressive return on dining, supermarket and flight purchases, along with an annual fee that won't break the bank, make this a card even Goldilocks would be happy with.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card with 60,000 bonus points welcome offer

For rates and fees of the Platinum Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here .

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

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• Amex Gold Card

Amex Gold Card: Maximizing Your Car Rental Insurance & Benefits

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

308 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98 U.S. States Visited: 45

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3189 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article 1178 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

Amex gold card snapshot, what is car rental loss and damage insurance, amex gold card — car rental loss and damage insurance, requirements to activate coverage, filing a claim, everything else you need to know, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

One of the most valuable travel benefits you can get from a credit card is car rental insurance. Car rental insurance can save you money and provide peace of mind while renting a vehicle.

You’ll save money by not having to purchase the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage and you’ll be assured of having coverage for damage, theft, and loss of use when using your card to pay for the rental.

The American Express ® Gold Card is a solid rewards-earning card that comes with complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance.

See how Amex Gold card car rental coverage works, additional options for securing premium coverage, some of the exclusions you’ll need to be aware of, and how to file a claim.

Before we discuss the Amex Gold card’s car rental insurance benefits, let’s look at an overview of the card, its benefits, rates, and fees.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Why We Like the Card Overall

We like that the card functions well as an everyday spending card with 4x Membership Rewards points for each dollar spent at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets . The card also serves as a travel rewards card by earning 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline and at AmexTravel.com .

At redemption time, you’ll have several options including redeeming points for flights via AmexTravel.com or the Amex transfer partners for even greater potential value.

With a generous welcome offer and statement credits for select purchases, there’s plenty of value to be realized with the card.

Now, let’s look specifically at the card car rental insurance benefit, how it works, and additional coverage options.

When renting a vehicle, you need to select the level of insurance you want to have during the rental period. Some coverages are optional, while others are mandatory and vary by rental agency.

The car rental coverage that comes on your credit card, including the Amex Gold card, is meant to replace the collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage that you would normally need to purchase when renting a vehicle.

Car rental coverage that comes on a credit card is not meant to replace other coverages such as liability insurance. Fortunately, liability insurance is generally included in the rental agreement or is offered for a small fee.

There are 2 types of car rental coverages that are offered on credit cards: secondary or primary. Secondary coverage requires you to first file a claim with any other insurance that may be applicable before your card coverage kicks in. Primary coverage  takes over immediately without having to first file a claim with other insurance.

The Amex Gold card comes with secondary car rental insurance with the option to purchase primary coverage for a flat fee per rental period. Here’s how both types of coverages work.

Standard Car Rental Coverage — What’s Covered

Here are the coverages you can expect to receive with the complimentary secondary car rental coverage that comes on the Amex Gold card:

• Car rental coverage for up to 30 consecutive days
• Up to $50,000 for damage or theft of the rental vehicle
• Coverage will be the lesser of the cost to repair the vehicle or the wholesale book value or purchase price (minus depreciation/salvage)
• Reasonable and customary charges for the rental vehicle’s loss of use

Coverage does not include liability insurance, uninsured motorists, under-insured motorists coverage, or disability.

Premium Car Rental Protection Coverage — What’s Covered

American Express Premium Protection offers elevated primary car rental coverage for a modest additional fee. You’ll pay just $12 to $24.95 total for coverage that lasts the entire rental period, up to 42 consecutive days.

Let’s compare this premium protection to the primary car rental coverage that comes with the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card , a card known for having some of the best complimentary car rental insurance .

To add Premium Protection to your card, log in to your online card account and under the Rewards and Benefits tab, select Benefits. Under Benefits, select Premium Car Rental Protection to enroll your card. You will not be charged for the coverage until you use your card to rent a vehicle. Pricing will vary depending on your state of residence and the level of coverage you select.

Bottom Line: The Amex Gold card comes with complimentary secondary car rental insurance. For one low rate that covers the entire rental period (up to 42 consecutive days), you can have primary premium car rental coverage that compares with some of the best credit card car rental insurance available. 

To activate either the standard car rental coverage that comes with the Amex Gold card or Premium Protection, you must reserve and pay for the entire rental with your card . You can also use Membership Rewards points or a combination of your card and points and still have coverage.

You must then decline the CDW/LDW coverage that is offered by the rental agency . You can purchase liability coverage from the rental agency, however, as the coverage on the card does not cover liability.

Who’s Covered

Card members, spouse/domestic partners, and authorized drivers are covered under the car rental coverage offered by the Amex Gold card. The card member, spouse, or domestic partner must sign the rental agreement and any authorized drivers must be listed on the rental agreement in order to have coverage.

Hot Tip: There is no cost to add up to 5 authorized users to your Amex Gold card . Authorized users receive complimentary secondary car rental insurance when renting a vehicle and can also purchase Premium Protection. 

What’s Not Covered

Here is just a sampling of events that are not covered by the standard secondary car rental coverage that comes with the Amex Gold card:

• Expenses covered by the renter’s personal insurance
• Illegal use, intoxication, drug use
• Off-road use, intentional damage
• Property damage or liability
• Theft of an unlocked vehicle
• Using the vehicle in violation of the terms of the rental agreement
• Vehicles in Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and any other country subject to sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control
• War/acts of war

In addition, these types of vehicles are excluded from coverage:

• Cargo vans, custom vans, and vans that seat more than 8 people
• Cars 20 years old or more
• Limousines, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, RVs, golf carts, campers, trailers
• Trucks with a weight rating of over 10,000 pounds
• Vehicles used for commercial purposes

Please note that these exclusion descriptions are abbreviated and the list is not inclusive of all events and vehicle types for which coverage is not provided. Additional information can be found in the Amex Gold card’s Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance Plan Documents.

You’ll want to report any incident as soon as possible after it happens, but no longer than 30 days past the event. You’ll then have 60 days to provide the required supporting documentation.

You can submit a claim online at americanexpress.com/protectionbenefits to complete a claim form, call 800-338-1670 from the U.S., or call 303-273-6497 collect if outside of the U.S. You’ll be asked to provide proof of the loss with some or all of the following documents.

• Itemized repair bill
• Copy of the rental agreement
• Copy of the charge slip showing the car rental charge
• Copy of any other applicable car insurance or a notarized statement stating no insurance
• Copy of your driver’s license
• Copy of the police report, if applicable
• Other supporting documentation that may be requested

It can also be useful to have photos of the damage.

The Plan Documents for standard secondary car rental coverage that comes complimentary on the Amex Gold card state that no coverage is provided for vehicles rented from “companies that offer vehicle sharing or peer to peer arrangements which allow independent owners to rent personal vehicles.”

There is no deductible for the coverage that comes with the card.

When traveling outside of your country of residence, it’s always good to request a letter of coverage via the claims administrator to present to the rental agency to show proof of coverage when renting a vehicle.

Additional Car Rental and Travel Insurance Benefits

Be sure to take advantage of these car rental company benefits for American Express cardholders, including the Amex Gold card:

• Hertz — Receive a 10% discount on Hertz rentals worldwide and a 1-car upgrade on rentals of 5 days or more. Use code 705500.
• Avis — Receive Avis benefits of up to 15% off your rental and a 1-car upgrade voucher.
• National Car Rental — Receive National benefits such as an automatic upgrade to Emerald Club Executive status, up to a 25% discount on your rental, and associated benefits.

Before renting a vehicle from any car rental company, be sure to ask about American Express-related discounts and perks.

The Amex Gold card also comes with these additional complimentary travel insurance benefits :

• Trip Delay Insurance — If a trip that is paid for with your card is delayed for more than 12 hours for a covered reason, you could receive up to $500 per person.
• Baggage Insurance Plan — If your luggage is lost or stolen, you could receive up to $1,250 per person for carry-on luggage and up to $500 for checked.
• Global Assist Hotline — Get help 24/7, when traveling more than 100 miles from home, for medical, legal, financial, or emergency assistance services, passport replacement, and more. The cardholder is responsible for actual services received from the service provider.

Many credit cards come with secondary car rental coverage, but American Express cards, including the Amex Gold card, have the option to purchase a Premium Protection package. The cost is minimal and covers the entire rental period, so it makes sense to take advantage of this option.

You’ll also have coverage for up to 42 consecutive days versus 31 days with most other credit cards.

To learn more about the best credit cards for car rental insurance , you’ll want to read our additional article on this topic.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the American Express ® Gold Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip delay insurance benefits of the American Express ® Gold Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express ® Gold Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Global Assist Hotline benefit of the American Express ® Gold Card, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the amex gold card come with car rental insurance.

Yes. The Amex Gold card comes with complimentary secondary car rental insurance. Secondary car rental insurance requires that you first submit a claim to any other applicable insurance before card coverage kicks in.

The card also has the option of purchasing primary Premium Car Rental Protection for just one low rate that covers the entire rental period, up to 42 consecutive days.

How long is the car rental insurance on the Amex Gold card good for?

The complimentary secondary car rental insurance that comes with the Amex Gold card offers coverage for up to 31 consecutive days. If you purchase the additional Premium Protection, coverage is good for up to 42 consecutive days.

Does the car rental coverage on the Amex Gold card cover liability?

No. there is no car rental liability coverage that comes with the Amex Gold card. The rental agency generally includes this coverage in the rental fee or charges a nominal fee for the coverage.

Which car rental coverage do I decline at the rental agency in order to have coverage with the Amex Gold card?

You would decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) or the loss damage waiver (LDW) insurance that is offered for an additional fee by the car rental agency in order to activate car rental coverage that comes with the Amex Gold card.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Credit Cards

Amex purchase protection benefits guide

Ashley Barnett

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 5:57 a.m. UTC May 6, 2024

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Tom Windeknecht, Getty Images

Your toddler just pushed your brand-new laptop off the table and broke the screen.. Great. But that costly repair might actually be covered, thanks to purchase protection — an unheralded benefit that might be built into your travel rewards credit card .

Several American Express credit cards offer purchase protection benefits, and there are important limits to understand. However, using the right card to pay for your next purchase could provide important protection if your newly purchased goods are lost, stolen or broken in the first few months after you bought them.

Here’s a closer look at Amex purchase protection, including how it works, what it covers and which cards feature this important benefit.

What is Amex purchase protection?

Purchase protection covers purchases made on your Amex card and applies to theft, accidental damage and sometimes loss of the item. It’s valid for 90 days from the purchase date. When you make a purchase with an eligible Amex card, the benefit applies automatically, but different cards cover different dollar amounts for your purchases.

How it works

The way Amex purchase protection works is simple: Buy an eligible good with an Amex card that offers this benefit. While that sounds simple, there are a few important rules to understand.

First, you must buy a tangible item. Purchases of guided tours wouldn’t count, for example. Second, coverage limits apply up to a certain dollar amount or up to the amount charged on your card — whichever is less.

Third, Amex purchase protection is active only if you use your Amex card or Amex Membership Rewards® points (or a combination of the two) to cover the entire purchase. If you use other payment methods, this benefit isn’t in effect.

Lastly, this benefit doesn’t cover every type of loss or damage. There’s a long list here, but common exceptions include acts of war, confiscation by the police as part of a criminal investigation and something as simple as you failing to protect the items. Left your new phone on a table at the coffee shop when you went home? That type of loss isn’t covered.

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American Express® Gold Card

Welcome bonus

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Regular APR

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Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• Up to $240 in combined credits for Uber Cash and on select dining.
• High rewards rate on restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and travel.
• Generous welcome bonus.
• $250 annual fee.
• Minimal travel perks.
• Complex rewards structure.

Card details

• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.

What does Amex purchase protection cover?

This coverage applies for up to 90 days after purchase. Depending on which Amex card you have, your maximum coverage amount will vary. High-end cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express , The Business Platinum Card® from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and the American Express® Gold Card provide coverage up to $10,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 per account each calendar year¹. Terms apply.

All information about The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint.

However, mid-tier and no-annual-fee Amex cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees ) and Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) only provide coverage up to $1,000 per incident and up to $50,000 per account annually².

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Again, these are maximums. You’ll be covered up to this limit or up to the actual amount you paid for the item using your eligible Amex card — whichever amount is lower.

What doesn’t it cover?

While you must buy a tangible, physical item for coverage, not all items are covered. Plants, animals, motorized vehicles, cash-equivalents and irreplaceable items (such as one-of-a-kind artwork) aren’t included.

You also aren’t covered for negligence, items damaged during riots or crimes, damage that occurred during an alteration, shipping or repair costs during the replacement process or normal wear and tear on your purchases.

You also won’t be covered for items that are consumable, such as foods or lightbulbs, as these have a short life. While motorized vehicles and motorized items aren’t covered, there is an exemption for motorized devices that are a permanent part of your home or business and can be moved or removed without damaging the building.

Lastly, your Amex purchase protection coverage doesn’t apply to any legal fees associated with your lost or damaged items.

How to file an Amex purchase protection claim

You can file a claim online or by phone. To file online, visit americanexpress.com/onlineclaim . To file by phone, call 800-228-6855 from inside the U.S. or call collect from outside the U.S. at 303-273-6498.

To submit your claim, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase, which may include the original receipt, as well as the credit card statement showing you paid for the item with an eligible Amex card. You may also be asked for copies of any insurance policies that may also cover the item, such as homeowners or renters insurance.

Claims must be started within 30 days of the loss or damage event. However, you have a full 60 days to submit proof of the loss, which might require a police report or insurance claim with your homeowner’s policy, for example.

Once your claim is approved, you’ll be paid within 30 days.

How does that apply to items you’re paying in installments with services like Pay Over Time or Plan It? You’ll be paid up to the maximum allowed on your card or the maximum you’ve paid so far on your payment plan — whichever amount is less.

Extending coverage with warranty protection

Purchase protection isn’t the only benefit offered on Amex cards, extended warranty coverage also can help protect your goods. In fact, it’s a great way to protect your items after the 90-day coverage deadline for purchase protection has passed.

Extended warranty can add an extra year to a U.S. manufacturer’s warranty of five years or less. This comes at no extra cost to you. All cards with this benefit provide a maximum coverage amount of $10,000 per incident (or the amount spent on your card for the item), and there’s an annual limit of $50,000 per account annually³.

The good news is that many of the same Amex cards offering purchase protection also include extended warranty coverage.

Tips for maximizing Amex purchase protection

To get the most out of your card’s purchase protection benefit, consider several factors. First, the coverage maximum needs to be higher than the value of the item you’re purchasing. Using a card with a maximum benefit of $1,000 won’t help if you’re purchasing all new furniture for your house. You need to be covered for the amount you’re spending.

Second, read the terms to ensure your purchase type is covered. While policies vary, many have the same exclusions for plants, consumable items and rare goods. However, it pays to verify that the card you want to pay with doesn’t exclude what you’re buying.

After considering all of this, if you have several credit card options, consider the one that will earn you the most rewards on your purchase. Look at where you’re making the purchase — a supermarket, Amazon or department store, for example — and choose the card among your options that provides the most rewards per dollar spent with those types of merchants.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Purchase protection is a benefit you don’t think about until you need it. But when making expensive purchases, it’s worth considering which card in your wallet will best protect them.

Multiple credit cards provide purchase protection. High-end cards, such as the Platinum Card from American Express have coverage limits up to $5,000 per item, but they also come with an annual fee. Therefore, it’s probably only worth it if you are also taking advantage of the card’s other benefits.

The Amex Everyday Credit Card doesn’t have an annual fee, but the purchase protection is only $1,000 per item. This won’t cover your largest purchases, but it’s a complimentary benefit and better than no coverage at all.

Purchase protection covers items you purchased recently and want to keep, yet they were lost, stolen or damaged within the first 90 days after purchase.

Return protection applies to items you don’t want to keep; you want to return them, but the merchant won’t accept the return for some reason. Here, you could be covered for the purchase price up to $300, though a processing fee is usually deducted (available on select cards) ⁴ .

American Express offers several types of shopping protections. These include purchase protection, return protection, extended warranty and cellphone protection ⁵ . Coverage limits, rules and exclusions vary by policy, but all of these can protect items you recently bought, so long as you paid with an eligible Amex card.

The terms say that you should receive payment within 30 days of an approved claim. However, the actual timeline from submission to approval can vary. Are documents missing? Was a crime involved? Is replacing the item complicated? These factors can slow down the process.

However, two to three months is a fair working estimate based on the commitments on Amex’s website.

For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card please visit this page .

¹Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

²When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with their Eligible Card, Purchase Protection can help protect their Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

³When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

⁴With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

⁵Eligibility 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.

*The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Ryan grew up in Ohio but has lived in half a dozen states and multiple continents before recently returning to the U.S. and settling in southern California. After someone at his hostel in China said, “I flew here for free using points,” Ryan was hooked. In December of 2023, he completed his goal of visiting every country in the world. Ryan has been around points and miles for several years and has published content at Miles to Memories, AwardWallet, The Points Guy and Forbes Advisor. He also holds Brazilian citizenship and speaks fluent Portuguese. His wife joins him on many of his trips, and they enjoy snowboarding, scuba diving, seeing animals in the wild and hunting for vegan tiramisu. When not traveling, Ryan is probably answering questions from his family about how he travels so much and whether this points and miles stuff is illegal.

Ashley Barnett has been writing and editing personal finance articles for the internet since 2008. Before editing for USA TODAY Blueprint, she was the Content Director for an international media company leading the content on their suite of personal finance sites. She lives in Phoenix, AZ where you can find her rereading Harry Potter for the 100th time.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Travel protection benefits

Terms and Conditions apply. Full details of the travel protection benefits can be found in the Terms and Conditions currently available in the links below. Please read the Terms and Conditions to understand the limits and exclusions that may apply.  For UK applicants the Travel Protection benefit is subject to enrolment. Learn more at  americanexpress.com/icc/help

American Express Services Europe Limited (AESEL) is the relevant Card Issuer in respect of Cardmembers who apply for the UK issued American Express ICC Card. Applicants must be 18 or over. Subject to status. American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9AX,United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by theFinancial Conduct Authority (reference number 661836). Details can be found by visiting the FCA website www.fca.org.uk/register.Where American Express Services Europe Limited cards are issued in the UK but obtained within the European Economic Area, local rules may apply to the way that it conducts its business which can be enforced by that country’s applicable regulatory authority.

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