Before I consider applying for any travel credit card, I usually look for the answers to my 6 main questions about the card:
- Does it charge foreign transaction fees?
- Does it have a trip cancelation/interruption insurance coverage?
- Does it have an auto rental collision damage waiver?
- Does it have a baggage delay insurance coverage?
- Does it have a lost luggage insurance coverage?
- Does it have a trip delay insurance coverage?
Of course there are other benefits that I usually look for in addition to the above list, but those in the list are the main ones and if a card does not have any of those, then I never consider getting that card to use for travel unless I plan to get it for non-travel purchases.
Is there a credit card that offers those 6 benefits without charging an annual fee?
Unfortunately, there is none.
If a card offers all those 6 benefits, that card most likely has an annual fee:
This is very true, but If I have to pay an annual fee to get those 6 benefits, I will try to find out if the card offers additional benefits that will pay that annual fee indirectly. What do I mean by that? Well, if the cost of the card benefits exceed the cost of the annual fee and if I will be using those benefits, then it is worth it to pay the annual fee to have a reliable travel card.