When I book flights with points, I almost always still owe a small amount in taxes and fees. And on the rare occasion I pay cash for a flight, I’m intentional about which card I use to pay for it.

I put those charges on my Chase Sapphire Preferred — not because of the points, but because of the travel protections that come with the card.

Most people don’t realize that how you pay for a flight matters just as much as how you book it. The card you use can unlock insurance and protections that you don’t get when you pay with a debit card, cash, or the wrong credit card.

Here’s why this matters — especially for families traveling during school breaks when flights are expensive and plans change.

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What Is Credit Card Travel Insurance (In Plain English)?

Some credit cards include built-in travel insurance when you pay for your trip with that card. This can help cover certain unexpected costs if something goes wrong, like:

• Your trip getting canceled due to illness or weather
• A delay that forces you to pay for an extra hotel night
• Bags getting lost or delayed
• Needing to come home early due to an emergency

You don’t buy this insurance separately — it’s included as a benefit of the card. But the key rule is:

You only get coverage for expenses charged to that card.

That’s why I’m intentional about using Sapphire Preferred for:

• Taxes and fees on award flights
• Any cash-paid flights
• Some prepaid travel expenses

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What Protections Do You Actually Get?

Coverage varies by card, but travel protections commonly include:

Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption
May reimburse prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if a covered event (like illness or severe weather) forces you to cancel or cut your trip short.

Trip Delay Reimbursement
Can help cover hotels, meals, and basic expenses if your flight is delayed long enough.

Baggage Delay & Lost Luggage Coverage
Provides reimbursement if your bags are delayed or lost.

Primary Rental Car Coverage (on some cards)
Can cover rental car damage when you decline the rental company’s insurance.

This is not meant to replace full travel insurance for major trips — but for everyday family travel, these protections add real peace of mind.

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Why This Matters When You’re Booking with Points

When you book award flights, you’re still paying something out of pocket — usually taxes and fees. Charging those small amounts to a card with travel protections can still activate coverage for the trip.

That’s one reason I don’t just use “any card” for those charges.

It’s a small habit that adds a layer of protection without extra cost.

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Where to Check Your Coverage or File a Claim

Every Chase card comes with a Guide to Benefits that spells out exactly what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how to file a claim.

You can also manage claims and upload documentation here:
👉 https://www.chasecardbenefits.com

I always recommend saving your card’s Guide to Benefits so you know what protections you actually have before you need them.

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Chase Cards That Offer Travel Protections

Not every card includes these benefits. Some Chase cards with travel protections include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Chase Ink Preferred
• Chase Ink Business Reserve

Coverage and limits vary by card, so it’s important to check your specific Guide to Benefits.

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The Bigger Picture

Points and miles help us book trips we couldn’t otherwise afford.
But protections help us protect the trips we worked hard to plan.

Using the right card for taxes, fees, and paid flights is a small move — but it’s one that protects your time, money, and sanity when travel doesn’t go as planned.

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Beginner FAQ

Do I have to pay for the whole trip with the card to get coverage?
Usually, the portion you charge to the card is what’s eligible for coverage. Always check your card’s Guide to Benefits for exact rules.

Is this the same as buying travel insurance?
No. Credit card travel protections are included benefits, but they are more limited than a full travel insurance policy.

Does coverage apply to my family?
Often, yes — but it depends on the specific benefit and card. Immediate family is commonly included.

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Want My Current Best Card Offers?

If you’re building your points strategy or want to see which cards fit your travel style, I keep my updated best offers here:

👉 [My Best Credit Card Offers Page ]

I always recommend starting with one card that fits your spending and travel goals — not opening everything at once.