Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
5 Best Credit Cards for Lost Luggage – Never Lose Out When Airlines Lose Your Bags
February 6, 2025
Which credit cards have your back when your bags go missing? We highlight five top cards that offer lost luggage reimbursement and baggage delay coverage – so you can travel with peace of mind (and avoid out-of-pocket costs if the airline loses your bags).
Airline baggage delays and losses are more common than you might think. In a single month of late 2024, U.S. carriers mishandled over 140,000 checked bags. Luckily, if you paid for your flight with the right credit card, you could be reimbursed for essentials or even the value of your missing suitcase. Credit card baggage insurance typically kicks in if your luggage is delayed 6+ hours, covering necessities like clothes and toiletries (often about $100 per day).
And if your bags are lost outright, many cards provide up to $3,000 per traveler in coverage after the airline’s liability is exhausted. (Airlines themselves cap compensation – about $1,800 internationally and $3,800 on domestic flights – so a credit card’s policy can fill the gap.) Importantly, you must use the card to book your travel for these benefits to apply. Now, let’s dive into the best credit cards that offer lost luggage insurance and delayed baggage coverage for U.S. travelers.
Best Credit Cards for Lost or Delayed Luggage Coverage
Each card below offers strong protections if your bags are lost or delayed, along with great travel rewards. These are the five most helpful credit cards to consider for baggage insurance in 2025:
Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Premium Travel Protection Overall
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top-tier travel card known for its extensive perks and protections. With a $795 annual fee, it provides luxury benefits like airport lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit. Crucially, it’s one of the few cards that covers both baggage delay and baggage loss.
If your checked bags are delayed over 6 hours, the Reserve reimburses you up to $100 per day (for 5 days) for essential purchases. And if your luggage is lost or damaged by the carrier, you can get up to $3,000 per person in compensation. These travel insurance benefits extend to your immediate family when their tickets are charged to your card. Overall, the Sapphire Reserve offers peace of mind that your luggage woes won’t ruin your trip (or your wallet).
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Travel Credit"} ]]
Not sure which of your cards offers lost luggage coverage? Use Kudos – it’s a free smart wallet that instantly shows you the hidden perks (like travel insurance and purchase protections) on your credit cards. That way, you can pick the best card for each trip and ensure you’re covered if anything goes awry.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Best Value for Baggage Coverage
For a much lower fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred (annual fee $95) delivers surprisingly robust travel coverage. In fact, its baggage insurance benefits are identical to the Sapphire Reserve’s, which is remarkable for a mid-tier card. If your bags are delayed over 6 hours, you’re covered for $100 per day (up to 5 days) of necessities. For lost or stolen luggage, the card reimburses up to $3,000 per traveler per trip – matching many premium cards.
The Sapphire Preferred also packs a great rewards program (earning flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points) and travel perks like trip cancellation insurance. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking both strong baggage protection and rewards, without a high annual fee. Just remember to charge your flight to the card to activate the coverage.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Strong Coverage with Travel Perks
The Capital One Venture X is a newer premium card (annual fee $395, Rates & Fees) that offers a “Goldilocks” blend of luxury perks and cost. It comes with airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and a hefty welcome bonus – all at a lower fee than some competitors. The Venture X includes lost luggage reimbursement up to $3,000 per trip if your bags are lost or damaged by the carrier. While it doesn’t have a dedicated baggage-delay insurance, it does provide trip delay coverage: if your travel is delayed over 6 hours, you can get up to $500 per ticket to cover expenses like hotels and meals.
In practice, that can help if a missed connection or flight issue leaves you separated from your bags. This card’s Visa Infinite benefits also cover other travel mishaps (trip cancellation, rental car damage waiver, etc.). The Venture X is a great choice for frequent travelers who want broad travel protections (including solid baggage loss coverage) along with high-end rewards and perks.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Luxurious Travel Benefits"} ]]
The Platinum Card® from American Express – Luxury Card with Lost Luggage Insurance
American Express’s flagship Platinum Card (annual fee $695, Rates & Fees) is famed for its luxury benefits – from extensive lounge access to hotel elite status and hundreds of dollars in statement credits. It also offers reliable travel insurance benefits, especially for lost baggage. When you purchase your trip with the Amex Platinum, you get baggage loss insurance up to $3,000 per trip, with a limit of $2,000 for checked bags (and up to $1,000 for high-risk items like jewelry or electronics).
This means if the airline permanently loses your suitcase, you could be reimbursed for its contents up to those amounts. The Platinum does not include specific baggage delay coverage; however, it features trip delay insurance (up to $500 for delays over 6 hours) which can cover some incidental costs if you’re stuck waiting on a delayed trip. Overall, if you already value the Platinum Card’s premium travel perks, its lost luggage protection is a valuable safety net to have on your journeys.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]
American Express® Gold Card – Solid Travel Protection on a Rewards Card
The Amex Gold Card is well-known for its generous rewards on dining and groceries, but it also provides decent travel protections given its mid-range $325 annual fee (Rates & Fees). When you pay for your flight with the Gold Card, you receive lost luggage insurance covering up to $1,250 for carry-on bags and $500 for checked bags. This coverage applies to you, your spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children on the same trip.
Keep in mind the Gold Card’s baggage insurance is mainly for lost or stolen luggage – it does not offer baggage delay reimbursement. While its baggage coverage limits are lower than the other cards above, the Amex Gold can still save you money if your suitcase disappears. Plus, since the Gold is a stellar rewards card for everyday spending, it’s a favorite for travelers who want a bit of everything – great points earnings and some travel peace of mind.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "118", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do credit cards reimburse you for lost luggage?
Yes – many travel credit cards will reimburse you for lost or stolen luggage, up to a certain dollar limit. Typically, if your checked or carry-on bag is lost by the airline, a card with lost luggage insurance can cover the value of your belongings (often up to $3,000 per traveler) after you file a claim. Keep in mind you usually need to have paid for your flight with that credit card to be eligible for this benefit.
Do credit cards cover delayed baggage?
Yes, some credit cards also include baggage delay insurance. This benefit reimburses you for essential purchases (like toiletries and clothing) if your checked bags are significantly delayed arriving at your destination. For example, several cards (like the Chase Sapphire cards) will cover you for about $100 per day after a 6+ hour delay, usually up to 3–5 days maximum. This can take the sting out of waiting days for an airline to deliver your luggage. Not all cards have this perk (many American Express cards don’t), so it’s worth checking your card’s guide to benefits.
Can I get reimbursed by both the airline and my credit card for lost luggage?
Yes. In fact, credit card lost luggage coverage is typically secondary, meaning it kicks in after the airline’s liability. You should first file a claim with the airline (airlines often reimburse some amount per pound of luggage or up to a liability limit). Then, you can file a claim with your credit card’s benefit administrator for additional costs or value not covered by the carrier. As long as the loss is eligible, the card will compensate you up to its policy limits. In short, you can combine both: the airline pays first, and your credit card can cover the remainder of your loss (up to the card’s maximum).
Are high-value items like electronics or jewelry covered by credit card baggage insurance?
No, not fully. Most credit cards exclude or cap coverage for expensive items such as electronics, jewelry, cash, tickets, or art. For instance, a card might limit coverage for jewelry and electronics to about $500 total per trip. Items like passports, hearing aids, or eyeglasses are often not covered at all. It’s best to carry those high-value or essential items in your hand luggage. Always review your card’s policy details – the Guide to Benefits will list specific exclusions and sub-limits for valuables.
Do I have to pay for my flight with the credit card to get luggage insurance?
Yes. Generally, you must charge your airfare (in full or at least a significant portion of it) to the credit card in question to be eligible for its baggage insurance coverage. Cards vary on the requirement: some require the entire ticket be paid with the card, while others are satisfied with a partial payment or use of the card’s reward points for the booking. For example, if you use airline miles for a ticket but pay the taxes with your Chase Sapphire card, Chase will still honor baggage coverage because you paid part of the fare with that card. The key is to use the card (or its points) for your travel purchase – otherwise, you won’t be covered.
Conclusion
.webp)
Losing your luggage doesn’t have to ruin your trip. The right credit card can turn a travel nightmare into a mere inconvenience by reimbursing you for clothes, toiletries, and even the bag’s contents if needed. The best credit cards for lost and delayed luggage listed above each provide a safety net when airlines slip up, so you can embark on your next adventure with confidence.
Before your next flight, consider adding one of these cards to your wallet or making sure you book with a card that offers these protections. And remember, Kudos is here to help you maximize your card benefits – from travel insurance to rewards. With a savvy card strategy (and a little help from Kudos), you can travel knowing you’re protected if the unexpected happens. Safe travels!
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
.webp)
