Some credit cards offer additional services such as insurance, bonus programs or exclusive deals. For many people, the included insurance packages are a reason to decide for or against a credit card.
A credit card is a practical companion, especially for people who spend a lot of time abroad. Free cash withdrawals or various advantages for hotel and rental car bookings are just some of the additional services that American Express, Barclays & Co. offer. For extra security, many people also pay attention to the insurance packages that are included. These vary in size depending on the provider.
Credit cards with insurance: Amex Platinum with large scope
American Express offers a wide range of benefits to its Platinum card holders. These include, among other things, travel and streaming credit or access to numerous airport lounges. The associated insurance benefits of Amex Platinum are also extensive. In addition to various travel insurance policies, such as cancellation and interruption insurance or international health insurance, purchases are also insured – for example against burglary and damage. Amex customers also have a 90-day return policy. However, all of this also has its price: a monthly fee of 60 euros is due – 720 euros per year. That’s not exactly cheap.
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Trip interruption insurance
- International health insurance
- Europe-wide vehicle registration document
- Luggage insurance
- Comprehensive insurance for rental cars
- 90 days insurance for purchases
Barclays Platinum Double: all-round protection for less than 100 euros per year
The more economical version is the Barclay Platinum Double. The duo of Visa and Mastercard is already available for 99 euros per year. Compared to the Amex Platinum, the package lacks some insurance benefits, such as baggage insurance. Otherwise, travelers are well protected here too. Included are, among other things, trip interruption and cancellation insurance as well as fully comprehensive protection for the rental car. Also practical: In addition to the family, up to six fellow travelers are also insured – regardless of whether they are relatives or friends. When it comes to shopping, Barclays offers an extended warranty for household appliances or 90 days of product protection.
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Trip interruption insurance
- International health insurance
- Comprehensive insurance for rental cars
- Insurance coverage for the family plus up to six fellow travelers
- Extended warranty for household appliances
- Product protection up to 90 days after purchase
Credit card with flexible insurance options: DKB Visa
The DKB Visa is a little cheaper than the Barclays credit card. Here you only have to pay 2.49 euros a month, which is just under 30 euros a year. Included is an emergency package that provides an emergency card and cash if the card is lost abroad. Insurance in the classic sense must be taken out separately. You can choose between three different packages – Shopping, Internet and Travel. If you don’t travel much but want to protect yourself while shopping, you can choose the appropriate insurance option. The individual packages cost between 2.70 euros and 6.90 euros per month. One catch: If you don’t have an account with the DKB, you have to open one when applying for a visa.
- Fully comprehensive insurance for rental cars (in the “Travel” package)
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (in the “Travel” package)
- International health insurance (in the “Travel” package)
- Warranty extension for electrical appliances (in the “Shopping” package)
- Price guarantee up to 30 days after purchase (in the “Shopping” package)
- Support in the event of payment method and identity data theft (in the “Internet” package)
Credit card with insurance: which one suits whom?
Which credit card option is right is very individual. The Amex Platinum offers a wide range of services, but also costs 720 euros per year. The Barclays Platinum is available for significantly less money, but you also have to forego one or two extras. The DKB card offers a solid basic package for little money. However, you will also need to open a checking account. It is therefore important to be clear in advance about your individual wishes and the corresponding budget.
Source: Stern
