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5 Best Credit Cards for Lost Luggage – Never Lose Out When Airlines Lose Your Bags
July 1, 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
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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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
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Strong Coverage with Travel Perks
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Luxurious Travel Benefits"} ]]
American Express Platinum Card® – Luxury Card with Lost Luggage Insurance
American Express Platinum Card®
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American Express® Gold Card – Solid Travel Protection on a Rewards Card
Amex Gold Card
[[ 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
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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!
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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.
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