amex travel 2023

American Express Reveals 2023 Top Travel Trends

• American Express Travel’s 2023 Global Travel Trends Report 1 shows travelers, and particularly Gen Z and Millennials 2 , plan to spend more on travel in 2023 than 2022.
• Travelers are inspired by their favorite shows and movies, choosing their next dream destination based on what they’ll eat, and driven by a desire for greater wellness and support for local communities.

• MPEG-4 Video

These Are the Trending Destinations U.S. Travelers Are Booking for 2023

By Rachel Chang

American travelers are planning their 2023 getaways, and a handful of places—from small domestic towns to unexpected international cities —are already emerging as trending destinations for next year. 

In fact, there are 10 places that are quickly growing in popularity with American tourists for vacations in 2023, according to a just-released “Trending Destinations” report from American Express Travel. The report is based on recent travel bookings by American Express cardmembers. Each of the 10 locations have seen significant increases in booking popularity with U.S. travelers between 2019 and 2022. 

“Travel in 2023 looks strong," says Audrey Hendley, president of AmEx Travel. “As borders continue to re-open, people are not only thinking about big, international trips, they are booking them. Whether you are traveling solo, adventuring with friends or traveling with family, there is truly a trip for everyone.”

Here are the destinations that are trending with U.S. travelers for 2023, with some itinerary suggestions from AmEx travel specialists .

“Paris is a perennial favorite—there’s so much to see, do, and eat in the City of Lights,” Hendley says. “But no matter how many times you have been, every trip is different.” Lean into the Parisian food culture by dining at French hotspots, like Inavoué Restaurant , La Crêperie, Margús , and Racines . After you've had your fill, take a walking tour through the sprawling Jardin des Tuileres to soak in some greenery and people watching, or amble along the Canal Saint-Martin, which runs through one of the city's hippest neighborhoods. Next year will be a good time to fit in a visit to Paris before the city is thronged by tourists in 2024, when it is slated to host the Olympics.

Yaukuve Island, Fiji

A Fiji getaway is just as relaxing as it sounds, especially at this private Yaukuve Island sanctuary of Kokomo Island . Spend chill time at The Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary , kayak around Kokomo's House Reef, boat to the Uninhabited Island (where you can snorkel around the Great Astrolabe Reef ), and visit Kokomo farm to learn about the island's sustainable cultivation. Complement those activities with meals at Beach Shack , Walker D'Plank (which is only accessed by crossing a plank across a lake), and Beach Grill at Kokomo Island Fiji .

“ Istanbul is an incredible city, [with] an incredible mix of history and modernity,” Hendley says. “With its mix of contemporary art galleries, fine dining restaurants, deep cultural heritage and markets dating back to the Roman and Ottoman empires, there is truly something for everyone in Istanbul.” 

The Grand Bazaar , Hagia Sophia , and Blue Mosque are staples of the Turkish grandeur defining Istanbul, which straddles Europe and Asia. AmEx Travel experts suggest embellishing those visits by enjoying the wood-oven dishes at Yeni Lokanta , the creative cuisine at Neolokal in the SALT Galata cultural complex, and traditional royal dining at Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine , as well as by pampering yourself at the traditional 16th century Turkish bathhouse Hurrem Sultan Hammam .

Florida Keys

There's a certain kind of thrill to island-hoping in the Sunshine State's southernmost region. “Beach vacations are always popular, and the Florida Keys are especially great for families ," Hendley says. “From the natural beauty to food and culture, the Keys are a crowd pleaser.” Among the key activities primed for all ages are browsing Duval Street (don't miss Kermit's Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe ), exploring Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum , and ferrying over to Fort Jefferson and Dry Tortugas. Depending on your palette, try Mahina Marathon for Hawaiian flair, Blue Heaven for a Caribbean twist, and Little Pearl for local catches.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

Portugal has quickly become a European favorite for Americans, with its capital offering a perfect sampler of everything the country has to offer. The Michelin-starred restaurant Alma shows off traditional Portuguese cuisine and wines, while Cantinho do Avillez puts a more contemporary spin on its food culture. The riverfront features the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology , LX Factory shopping area, and Rocha do Conde de Óbidos viewpoint, while the yellow tram 28 takes you on a scenic ride passing through churches, castles, and plazas. And no visit to Lisbon is complete without a day trip to the fairytale world of Sintra with its castles, from the uniquely eclectic Pena Palace to the Renaissance masterpiece Quinta da Regaleira .

Adrenaline seekers are rewarded by the most stunning view of the city on the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s Bridge Climb (don’t worry, you’re securely tethered to the beams the entire way). Contrast that with a more grounding adventure at the Blue Mountains, where a day trip includes visits with koalas and kangaroos, views of Three Sisters in Katoomba and Lincoln's Rock, and thrilling forest adventure at Scenic World. Balance it all out with meals at The Botanist , MuMu , Nomad , and Opera Bar .

The beauty of Montenegro is in the variety of experiences, like walking the winding streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town of Kotor, riding a motorboat in Boka Bay, kayaking to Luštica Bay, or taking a day trip to Stari Mostar, home of the picture-perfect Ottoman bridge, Stari Most. The dining is just as diverse, from the warming stews at Bastion to the trendy One&Only Portonovi’s Tapasake and the beachfront Tivat Bay Nikki Beach Montenegro .

Denmark's capital merges historic storybook charm, like the 17th century Rosenborg Castle and Rundetaarn (Round Tower), with an innovative food scene, like at its organic bakeries Mirabelle in the trendy neighborhood of Nørrebro, as well as Seks Bakery and Eatery , which brings a Polish influence to a distinctly Danish experience. Meanwhile Ruby brings sophisticated cocktails to a traditional townhouse. And there’s no denying the magic of Tivoli Gardens , with its whimsical mix of stunning floral displays and theme park rides, especially at night when it's lit with tens of thousands of lights. 

“Travelers are looking for destinations where they can meaningfully engage with the local community,” Hendley says. “Denmark’s commitment to sustainability and readily available activities that allow visitors to engage with the local culture like their bike-friendly infrastructure, markets, and parks, make Copenhagen a great choice.”

Woodstock, Vermont

Hendley, who visited Woodstock last year with her family, says the Vermont town is “beautiful with great outdoor activities, full of charm, and with great places to eat and shop.” Among the highlights picked by the AmEx Travel team: sampling cheeses and tasting maple syrup at Sugarbush Farm and following the Ottauquechee River Trail along old railroad tracks that have been there for nearly 150 years. Community meets coziness at the local restaurants, like Cloudland Farm , Worthy Kitchen , and The Prince & The Pauper Restaurant.

Mexico City

In a sprawling city with a population of nearly 22 million, it’s all about finding the highlights that truly make Mexico City unique. Among the AmEx consultants’ suggestions are taking in a Ballet Folklórico de la Ciudad Mexico show at Palacio de Bellas Artes, shopping the Bazar del Sabado (Saturday Bazar) and Coyoacán Market, browsing the art galleries of the Juarez neighborhood, and enjoying a stroll through the 1,700-plus acre Bosque de Chapultepec. Complement the experiences with quick bites at Taquería Orinoco , the garden dining at Pujol , and neighborhood standout Máximo Bistrot —and maybe even a tour of an organic farm with Arca Tierra .

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American Express Travel’s 2023 Trending Destinations

American Express Travel has published the 2023 Trending Destinations list [1] , featuring the ten most popular destinations for travel next year, identified by global American Express Cardmember travel reservations. For each of these destinations, American Express Travel Consultants also created three-day itineraries, providing inspiration on some of the top places to stay, eat, shop and explore the local culture, including how eligible Cardmembers can spend the “bonus vacation day” they receive with guaranteed 4:00 p.m. check-out when they book a Fine Hotels + Resorts® property through American Express Travel.

“When Cardmembers book trips through American Express Travel, they’re trusting us with their most valuable resource, their time,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “Our global footprint, over 100 years of travel expertise and deep understanding of our Cardmembers give us a unique ability to inspire travellers with this year’s list of Trending Destinations, make the planning process easy, and confidently advise them on what to do when they get there.”

The latest Amex Trendex [2] survey among US travellers found that 50% of adults say they spend at least five hours planning a vacation. To help travellers save time and make the most of their trips, American Express Travel Consultants crafted three-day weekend itineraries for each of the Trending Destinations to provide inspiration on some the best places to stay, eat and activities to explore the local culture.   

81% of Amex Trendex [3] survey respondents agree they want to maximize every hour of their trips, making the expert guidance in the Trending Destinations itineraries a valuable resource. Whether venturing solo, exploring with a group of friends, or spending time with family, the itineraries include something for everyone, from finding the best churros in Mexico City and engaging with koalas in Sydney to treatments at a luxury spa in Paris and exploring a maple forest in Vermont.

Additionally, 88% of survey respondents agree they wish their trips were longer. Platinum Cardmembers have a guaranteed 4:00 p.m. late check-out benefit when they book a Fine Hotels + Resorts property through American Express Travel. Late check-out, one of the many premium benefits unlocked when booking with American Express Travel, gives travellers a “bonus day” to extend their vacations. The Trending Destinations itineraries highlight ways to spend that time, so Cardmembers get the most out of their trips, including a master cheese class in Paris, sailing to the Prince’s Islands in Istanbul, and a shopping excursion of authentic Portuguese goods in Lisbon.

In addition to top destinations, American Express Travel has identified key trends driving travel in 2023:

• New adventures are in demand: 70% of respondents agree they want to travel to wish list destinations in 2023
• Vacationing with holistic health in mind: 89% of respondents agree they want to go on a trip to escape routine, and 74% plan to travel more in 2023 for their wellbeing
• Seeking out personalized experiences : 88% of respondents agree they like to seek out local experiences and learn about culture when they travel, and 73% are willing to spend more for the travel itinerary that they want
• From New Year’s resolution to summer travel: 43% of respondents agree they want to travel more as their New Year’s resolution, and 50% of respondents have already started to think about where they want to go on their upcoming summer 2023 vacations

Spending more for the ultimate getaway: 74% of respondents agree they are more likely to spend more on travel in 2023, and 40% say they are willing to pay more for late check-out when making their travel accommodations

[1] Product details on this site pertain to US Card products, for details on Card products in Canada, visit https://www.americanexpress.com/ca/en/charge-cards/the-platinum-card/ . Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits on this site pertain to both US & Canadian Cardmembers. For Canadian Fine Hotels + Resorts Terms & Conditions, visit https://hotel-booking.americanexpress.com/en-ca/fhr/welcome?inav=ca_menu_travel_book_fhr .

[2] This Amex Trendex online poll was conducted between September 30th – October 3rd, 2022 among a sample of 2000 Adults with an HHI> 70k+ who travel by plane at least once a year. The interviews were conducted online. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage point

[3] This Amex Trendex online poll was conducted between September 30th – October 3rd, 2022 among a sample of 2000 Adults with an HHI> 70k+ who travel by plane at least once a year. The interviews were conducted online. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage point

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American Express Travel: Your Guide to Booking Flights, Hotels, Car Rentals, & Cruises

Jarrod West

Senior Content Contributor

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What Is AmexTravel.com?

Fees for using the portal, searching for flights, insider fares, the hotel collection, american express fine hotels and resorts, standard hotel booking, searching for packages, compare flights+hotel to booking separately, searching for cruises, special offers, cruise privileges program, amextravel.com insiders, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

American Express is best known as a credit card issuer, but the company also offers other products and services, including travel booking and planning using AmexTravel.com.

While AmexTravel.com is available for anyone (not just cardmembers), holding an Amex card can definitely help you get extra value when using the program.

Here’s a look at what AmexTravel.com is, what services it provides, what the cost to use, the best ways to use it, and when it’s worth using!

At its most basic, AmexTravel.com is an online travel booking portal (or “online travel agency”) just like Expedia , Kayak , and Orbitz .

You can use it to book a whole trip or just a flight, hotel (or flight + hotel packages), rental cars, or even cruises. If you’d like extra assistance from a customer service agent, you can book by phone as well.

Flights booked through the portal can be subject to small fees. However, sometimes the benefits can make these fees worth it, and they’re waived for holders of the Platinum Card ® from American Express .

There are also a few “sub-categories” that fall under the AmexTravel.com umbrella, including the Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels and Resorts .

Why Should You Use AmexTravel.com?

The main reason to book with AmexTravel.com is the incredible customer service . If you run into any problems during your trip (like delays, cancellations, over-bookings, etc.), you can connect with a live travel agent by phone 24/7 who will work with you to find a solution.

Additionally, if you hold an Amex credit card that earns Membership Rewards points, you can often earn 2x points or more by using it to pay for travel services booked through AmexTravel.com.

Hot Tip:  If you use your Amex Platinum card , you can earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with AmexTravel.com. 

Anytime you book a flight through AmexTravel.com (either on its own or as part of a package), you’ll pay a fee of $6.99 for domestic flights and $10.99 for international flights .

These fees are waived if you have the Amex Platinum card and are logged into your account.

If you choose to book a flight by phone rather than online, there’s an added $39 phone service fee .

If you make changes to your flight, there’s a $39 reissue fee in addition to whatever fee the airline charges. This only applies to advance changes, not changes due to problems like canceled flights .

Below, we’ll take a look at how to use AmexTravel.com to book flights, hotels, vacation packages, rental cars, and cruises.

Booking Flights With AmexTravel.com

Searching for flights with AmexTravel.com is similar to other online travel agencies. You can search by city or by specific airport, select your departure and return dates, and click whether you want to search for lower fares within 3 days of your chosen dates.

On the results page, American Express lists the most relevant Delta result at the top highlighted as a “featured airline.” The featured airline is followed by the lowest available fares.

When you scroll down, you can use the controls on the left sidebar to filter the results by the number of stops, departure/arrival times, airline, or even specific flight number.

By default, flights are displayed in price order starting with the lowest, except for a featured Delta flight at the top (when available). At the top of the search window above the results, all available airlines are shown, as well as the lowest available price with each airline.

Depending on your search, you may see a blue tab labeled “Insider Fares Available” above some of the airlines listed at the top of the search window.

These are discounted fares, and they only apply if you pay for the entire flight with Membership Rewards rather than cash. Note that cash prices are rounded to the nearest dollar.

If you’re logged in and have enough Membership Rewards points to cover the entire flight, you will be able to see these discounted fares.

For example, in the below search, you’ll see an example of an Insider Fare available for purchase. The Insider Fare offered a slight discount rather than just matching the cash price in points with each point worth 1 cent (more on that below).

The difference can be fairly minimal. In the JFK-ATL example above, the discount was from 25,259 Membership Rewards points to 24,120 — changing the value from 1 cent per point to about 1.05 cents per point .

Amextravel.com charges a fee to book, but they bundle this into the displayed price. The fee is $6.99 per domestic ticket or $10.99 per international ticket. These fees are waived as a benefit of the Amex Platinum card , just make sure you’re logged into your Amex account when booking.

Hot Tip: AmexTravel.com now offers Trip Cancel Guard coverage that you can add when purchasing flights via AmexTravel.com whether paying with an American Express card, with Membership Rewards points using the Pay With Points option, or a combination of both. It provides for reimbursement of up to 75% of the cost of the non-refundable prepaid flight expense, penalty and change fees caused by the cancellation, or the amount of any expired vouchers/flight credits received for the canceled flight. Coverage is applicable when your flight is canceled for any reason and is valid until 2 full calendar days prior to your trip’s originally scheduled departure date.

When searching several different flights across different online travel agents, we found similar results to the below example each time.

To compare prices, we searched multiple online travel agents and portals using the same search parameters: departing John F. Kennedy-New York (JFK), arriving at London-Heathrow International (LHR), round-trip, 1 traveler, economy, and nonstop on specific dates.

We selected the lowest-priced nonstop flight available through AmexTravel.com: a Finnair flight operated by Oneworld partner , American Airlines.

When searching on AmexTravel.com, the flight was $595.86. This breaks down to $133 in base fare and $462.86 of government, airline, and American Express-imposed fees.

We received the same search results when we replicated this search on Finnair’s U.S. website, Kayak, and Orbitz.

In a second search, we looked for a domestic round-trip from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to Los Angeles International (LAX) on the same dates. This flight was priced at $199.40. Keep in mind, you would usually see this rate plus the $6.99 Amex booking fee, but again, this is waived for Amex Platinum cardholders.

When cross-referencing this itinerary on Delta’s website, we found the same price listed for a regular economy fare of $199.40. However, there was a basic economy option that was a bit cheaper, which was not available through AmexTravel.com.

Other online travel portals, including Orbitz and Kayak , listed the same price.

This means, if you’re already set on the specific itinerary you want to fly, booking through AmexTravel.com can often cost the same as booking directly with the airline, or through a third party . This assumes you receive waived booking fees for being an Amex Platinum cardholder.

However, what if you’re just looking for the cheapest flight on a particular day? If you do a general search for a route on set dates, will AmexTravel.com find the same rates as other portals? In our experience, the answer is no.

In our example search, here are the lowest available regular economy non-stop flights we could find between New York (any airport) and London (any airport) when searching the same set of dates on a few different websites (sorted by price ascending):

*Including a $10.99 AmexTravel.com booking fee.

The reason for these results is likely due to the fact that the Amex portal doesn’t include some low-cost carriers like Norwegian, so travel portals that do will often win on price.

Even excluding the low-cost carriers, though, other portals like Expedia and Orbitz were able to offer lower fares by about $15.

That said, AmexTravel.com was able to find about the same fares you would find when booking directly with an airline.

Hot Tip: If you hold The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express you can get a 35% rebate on select flights when you pay with points through AmexTravel.com.

AmexTravel.com Hotel Programs

There are actually 3 programs offered for booking hotels:

• Fine Hotels and Resorts
• AmexTravel.com booking (standard)

What Is The Hotel Collection?

The Hotel Collection is a program through AmexTravel.com only available to holders of certain cards:

• The American Express ® Gold Card and the American Express ® Business Gold Card

The Amex Platinum card and the Business Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Centurion card

Perks of The Hotel Collection

When you book a hotel through The Hotel Collection, you get certain perks including:

• Room upgrade at check-in (if available)
• Up to a $100 hotel credit for on-site amenities like the restaurant, bar, room service, or spa
• Ability to use Pay With Points on prepaid reservations
• 3x Membership Rewards points for Amex Gold cardholders on prepaid bookings
• 5x Membership Rewards points for Amex Platinum cardholders on prepaid reservations
• Up to $200 credit each year towards prepaid hotel reservations with either The Hotel Collection (2-night stay) or Fine Hotels and Resorts with select credit cards

Usually, American Express guarantees that any hotel booked through AmexTravel.com will have the lowest publicly-available rates (prepaid rates only), but this rule does not apply to bookings through The Hotel Collection per the terms & conditions . Be certain to check multiple booking options to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Rooms have to be booked through AmexTravel.com. That means that if you book directly through the hotel or another service, you won’t get the perks, even if the hotel is a part of The Hotel Collection and you pay for the stay with your American Express card.

Further, you must stay a minimum of 2 nights , and you cannot book consecutive stays within 24 hours of each other.

The good news is that these benefits are available for up to 3 rooms per stay . So if you book 3 rooms for family members, you’ll get a total hotel service credit of up to $300.

Hotel Points and Elite Benefits

Typically, you won’t earn points through a hotel loyalty program if you book through a third party, and this includes the AmexTravel.com portal.

Further, you won’t get any elite benefits that you might otherwise be entitled to if you have status with that hotel chain.

Bottom Line:  The Hotel Collection is potentially useful if you’re planning to pay with your eligible Membership Rewards-earning card. This comes at the expense of hotel-specific elite benefits, including points and elite credits in any hotel loyalty program.

What Is the Fine Hotels and Resorts Program?

AmexTravel.com runs a second hotel program called Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR). It can be a little bit confusing since it sounds like it would overlap with the Hotel Collection, but that’s not the case.

The Fine Hotels and Resorts program is exclusive to Amex Platinum cardholders (personal or business) , as well as those with the invitation-only Centurion Card .

FHR includes different hotels and resorts than The Hotel Collection, with minimal overlap. The FHR collection tends to be more geared toward leisure travelers who wish to book stays at higher-end properties.

Perks of Fine Hotels and Resorts

Booking hotels through the Fine Hotels and Resorts collection entitles you to a handful of potentially valuable perks, including:

• Early noon check-in (when available)
• Room upgrade on arrival (when available)
• Daily breakfast for 2 people
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• A unique amenity valued at $100 or more; examples include a property credit, dining credit, spa credit, or similar amenity

Unlike The Hotel Collection, rooms booked through Fine Hotels and Resorts are not all prepaid. In fact, most are standard rates that you’ll pay for at the end of your stay when you check out. In comparing several properties, including the Park Hyatt in Chicago, we found rates identical to the non-prepaid rates when booking directly through the hotel.

However, keep in mind that the hotel may directly offer prepaid and early-purchase options which may be much cheaper, though you won’t benefit from the Fine Hotels and Resorts perks.

There are fewer terms with Fine Hotels and Resorts than with The Hotel Collection. You must book through AmexTravel.com/FHR to receive the benefits .

As with The Hotel Collection, if you book directly with the hotel or through a different travel agency or portal, you won’t be able to claim FHR benefits even if it’s a participating hotel. Other terms vary by property.

Good news here! Unlike stays booked through The Hotel Collection, stays through American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts count as “qualifying rates” for hotel loyalty programs. That means if you’re staying at a hotel that’s part of a loyalty program, you’ll be able to earn points and receive the relevant benefits if you hold elite status.

Hot Tip: Want to know about the differences between these programs? Dig into our dedicated guide on the differences between the Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts .

Searching Hotels

Searching for hotels at AmexTravel.com works more or less the same as with flights. You enter your city, dates, number of rooms, and guests. You can check a box to have properties from The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels and Resorts displayed at the top.

Of course, if you’re interested in booking through either of those programs, you could also just book on their dedicated pages.

By default, search results are ranked by “recommended,” which seems to be decided by an algorithm factoring in price, location, and reviews.

Terms vary by the specific hotel and rate you book, so make sure to read the fine print.

The site can be a bit confusing when trying to compare prices since American Express doesn’t include all taxes and fees in the price displayed (while some hotel websites do).

For example, we searched for a 4-night stay at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. American Express quoted an average of $337/night, which should make the total stay around $1,348. When you go to book, though, the total with fees is $1,625.

While it initially looks more expensive to book directly with Hyatt (where the cost is quoted at $404/night), that price includes all taxes and fees , so you’ll actually pay $1,611, or $14 less.

Our search for the Marriott Regent Park yielded similar results. It’s listed at $233/night in the search function, which implies the total to be $932.

In reality, once you click through, the total is $1,120. Booking directly with Marriott, rates are listed at $261/night, but that includes taxes and fees — for a total prepaid rate of $1,080.

For the 2 hotels in question, here’s how total prices compared through different portals (sorted by price ascending):

In both tickets, AmexTravel.com was within a few dollars of the other online travel agencies, which were all more expensive than booking directly through the hotel’s website.

Similar to The Hotel Collection, rates booked through AmexTravel.com aren’t eligible for elite benefits or hotel loyalty points.

Bottom Line:  Like most other online travel portals and agencies, prices can vary between AmexTravel.com and the hotel’s direct booking channel. You won’t get elite benefits or hotel points, so it might be worth booking directly if those are valuable to you. 

Flights+Hotel Packages

Like with many online travel portals and even airline websites, you can book packages that include flights and hotels through AmexTravel.com. Usually, the point of booking these packages is to get a discount, special perks, or promotions.

The search window for Flights+Hotels is simple: input airports (or cities), dates, number of travelers, and rooms. Results are listed in a recommended order by default just like when searching for a standard hotel.

Terms vary by the specific package you book, so make sure to read the fine print !

As with standalone flight reservations, AmexTravel.com charges a fee to book Flights+Hotel packages: $6.99 per domestic ticket or $10.99 per international ticket .

Again, these fees are waived for holders of the Amex Platinum card  or the Centurion card.

In the results field, a total starting price  per person is listed, including all taxes and fees with the cheapest flight option. American Express also lists how much you’re saving with the package, although this is missing for some hotels.

Once you select the hotel, you can customize your flight. The total price changes based on which flight you select.

In a sample search, we chose the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, and picked the cheapest nonstop flight: British Airways flight, which was Newark Liberty International (EWR) to LHR and London-Gatwick (LGW) to JFK. The package came to $1,446 per person, or $2,892 total.

Annoyingly, AmexTravel.com doesn’t show a breakdown of hotel and airfare costs and fees; instead, it just displays a total per person.

For comparison, you can search the flight and hotels separately. We tried searching for the flight first on the same day.

We found Finnair flights operated by American Airlines for $660 per person — an option that wasn’t offered as part of the package (although with the booking fee, the flights should have been $671). When we filtered the search to British Airways only, it showed a ton of options for $671.

Searching hotels next, we again chose the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill’s lowest prepaid rate. It was listed as $337 per night for 1 room (plus taxes and fees), for a total of $2,031. For the 2 flights and the hotel, that comes to a total of $3,351, or $1,675.50 per person.

In this case, booking the trip as a package saves almost $460, even though the search results page didn’t highlight any savings specifically.

The main downside to booking a package is that you have less flexibility. Say you want to change hotels for part of the trip or maybe stay with a friend for the last few days. This isn’t an option because you must book a single hotel for the entire time between your flights. It can also make solutions harder to find if there are any problems — although the AmexTravel.com customer support should make up for that.

Bottom Line:  If you’re using AmexTravel.com and your plans allow for the lack of flexibility, you might be able to save a lot of money with a package. Just make sure to compare the listed price to booking everything separately. Note that you can’t book a package retroactively: you have to book the flights and hotel at the same time. 

Rental Cars

AmexTravel.com also offers a rental car booking service. You can make reservations from rental stations at airports and elsewhere.

To search for rental cars, simply enter an airport or city . You can also click a button to search near a specific address.

Results are shown in a handy grid format, with each column showing a different rental company, and each row displaying the pricing for a different category of car (economy, compact, midsize, and so on).

Bookings of up to 4 days are charged a daily rate, while bookings 5-7 days are charged on a weekly basis. There are specific rates for weekends and weekdays, as well as monthly options, with specific details varying by the rental agency.

In several sample searches, prices were generally consistent with other online travel agencies — though sometimes lower by $1-$2/day. Prices were identical to booking with the rental company directly.

Bottom Line:  Renting a car through AmexTravel.com doesn’t get you any benefits above what you’d receive for paying with your credit card, such as the collision damage waiver for paying with your Amex Platinum card. However, the convenient search page makes it a great option for comparing multiple prices at once. 

AmexTravel.com also offers tools to book cruises . In addition to letting you search for cruises all over the world, AmexTravel.com periodically highlights special offers on cruises, usually in the form of credits to use onboard.

To search for cruises, you need to enter the region you want to travel in, the cruise line(s) you want to travel with (or search all available lines), the month you’re planning the trip for, and the approximate length of the cruise you want.

Results are shown in order, from the lowest-priced option to the highest . Note that this is based on the lowest available rate; hovering over any result will show all available cabin types and the corresponding prices.

Under each result, the information shown includes the port of departure/return, date of departure, and ports visited.

Hot Tip:  Wondering what to pack for your time at sea? Check out our ultimate cruise-based packing list  — it’s printable and complete with tons of tips and advice!

Cruise rates booked through AmexTravel.com were within $1-2 of rates found on other online travel agents and websites . We found identical prices on the various cruise company websites — though each online travel portal and cruise line offers different promotions, so it might be worth comparing them.

For example, during a sample search for a weeklong Caribbean cruise in December, we found that Royal Caribbean was offering a $50 onboard credit if you booked directly.

On the search results page, you might notice a tab labeled “Special Offers.” Those offers are generally onboard credits, but can also include discounts or other special features. If you aren’t committed to a specific cruise line, these are often worth exploring.

Those with the Amex Platinum card have special access to the Cruise Privileges Program . Like the Fine Hotels and Resorts program, this is only available on specific cruises, although it’s more limited than FHR.

It includes onboard credit (often higher than otherwise offered) and a special onboard amenity, like complimentary dinner for 2 or a bottle of premium champagne.

Bottom Line: It can be worth booking a cruise through AmexTravel.com, especially if there are special offers. Make sure to compare different booking sites , though, as some may have better or exclusive promotions.

AmexTravel.com offers a feature called Travel Insiders. When you use the program, American Express connects you with a travel expert who can help you plan an itinerary based around your desired destination. Fees vary based on location, length of the trip, and details of the itinerary.

AmexTravel.com can be a very useful tool when booking flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, or rental cars. In many cases, it may not offer the best rate options , but it’s worth comparing to other booking sites and airlines or hotels directly.

If you have an American Express card that offers access to the Hotel Collection or Fine Hotels and Resorts, the perks can be very worthwhile.

Additionally, the extra Membership Rewards points you earn by booking through AmexTravel.com can be valuable, as long as the price is right.

Aside from the Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels and Resorts, the real value of AmexTravel.com is in the customer service provided. Booking a trip on your own is easy — dealing with problems when they arise can be less so!

If you book through AmexTravel.com, you’ll have easy access to someone who can help you get on a new flight, find a new hotel, or manage whatever other issues come up day or night. So if you’re looking to have that extra support, then AmexTravel.com might be a great choice for you!

The information regarding the Centurion ® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Business Gold Card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is american express travel.

AmexTravel.com is an O nline  T ravel  A gency (OTA), just like Orbitz , Kayak , or Expedia . You can book flights, hotels, rental cars, or cruises through AmexTravel.com.

Do I need an American Express card to use Amex Travel services?

Whether or not you have an American Express card, you can book flights, hotels, rental cars, or cruises through AmexTravel.com. If you do have an Amex card, you might be eligible for certain perks or rewards.

Does American Express Travel cost anything?

If you book a flight through AmexTravel.com, there’s a small fee ($6.99 for domestic flights, $10.99 for international) that fee is waived for Amex Platinum, Amex Business Platinum, and Centurion cardmembers. Other services, like hotels and cruises, do not have fees.

Why should I book with American Express Travel?

AmexTravel.com has very helpful customer service resources. If you have any problems with your trip (like a canceled flight), you can call an agent who can help solve the issue.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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Small Business Trends

American express reveals top travel destinations for 2023.

According to the latest Amex Travel Trendex Survey by American Express, 10 cities have been named the top travel destinations for 2023. And for 89% of respondents, going on a trip in 2023 to escape routine is a serious consideration.

Only two locations in the United States made the American Express list. The other eight destinations are located in Europe, Latin America, and Oceania.

Top 10 Destinations

These are the top destinations along with what American Express Travel Consultants recommend if you happen to take the trip there.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark: Take a stroll through the charming streets of Nørrebro, stepping into the early 17th century at the Rosenborg Castle, and discovering the essence of Danish design.

2.   Florida Keys: Lively Duval Street with shops, restaurants, museums, and pubs as well as adventures on the water including a private boat cruise at sunset and snorkeling with Florida dolphins.

3. Istanbul, Turkey: A stop to the Grand Bazaar, The Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia are some of the must-see destinations not to mention having a bite of Baklava, the national dish of Turkey.

4. Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon is a sightseeing wonder of historical, cultural, and culinary highlights with picturesque landmarks.

5. Mexico City, Mexico: From modern to ancient cultural experiences Mexico City will wake up all your senses. This includes festivals, bazaars, and everyday life in the city.

6. Montenegro: From pristine beaches and lakes to centuries-old monasteries located on sheer cliffs Montenegro offers some of the most breathtaking views.

7. Paris, France: From fashion to food, art, architecture, and much too much to list Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world for a reason. It has everything and one trip would not do it justice.

8. Sydney, Australia: From the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach, Sydney offers fun and cultural attraction along with world-class eateries.

9. Woodstock, Vermont: If you are looking for a laidback vacation, Woodstock provides a leisurely escape with quaint adventures and culinary experiences.

10. Yakuve Island, Fiji: Beyond lounging on the iconic crystal clear beaches you can also go on a boat trip and snorkel around the reefs and take part in learning about local traditions.

Local Experiences Also Popular

A large majority said they want to travel to destinations on their wish list, with 70% agreeing that they already had an idea of where they want to go next year. Interestingly, 73% said they would be willing to spend more for their ideal travel itinerary.

It is not all about traveling around the globe though, as a huge 88% said they would also like to find local experiences to enjoy as well as learn about different cultures while traveling.

American Adventure and Comfort

On the American Express website, the company explained the popularity of the American destinations, saying: “Key West’s top attractions include lively Duval Street with a multitude of shops, restaurants, museums and pubs; and of course, adventures on the water including a private boat cruise at sunset and snorkeling with Florida dolphins.”

On Woodstock, Vermont, the firm added: “Quaint adventures include a sampling of Vermont cheeses and hand-tapped maple syrup at family-run Sugarbush farm, a stroll down the newly made Ottauquechee River Trail, a comforting meal at Worthy Kitchen where guests are treated like friends and indulging in the spa at Woodstock Inn & Resort.”

Popular Destinations Around the World

The top destinations around the world include some well-known travel hotspots such as Paris in France and Lisbon in Portugal. Other European destinations on the list include Copenhagen in Denmark and Montenegro, as well as the Europe and Asia-straddling city of Istanbul in Turkey.

Image: Depositphotos

I feel like more of these should be warm, tropical locations. And really surprised to see Woodstock, Vermont on there. Crazy.

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Delta Medallion status: What it is and how to earn it

I f you're a regular traveler, holding elite status with a major airline like Delta Air Lines can make your journeys more comfortable and rewarding.

However, deciding which airline loyalty program makes the most sense for you can be difficult, given the variations between the carriers regarding complimentary upgrades, bonus points or miles, and other valuable perks.

Also, is it even worth pursuing elite status at all?

This guide will dive into one of the major legacy programs and explain how its status tiers work, how to earn them through both travel and non-travel expenses, and ultimately if striving for elite status in it is even worth the effort.

Here is everything you need to know about elite status in the Delta SkyMiles program.

Earning Medallion status in 2024

Before getting into the details, it's important to highlight the recent major news related to Delta status.

Earlier this fall, Delta announced that it was making it significantly harder to earn Medallion status in 2024. Rather than use a combination of spending and flying, your qualification progress next year will be entirely based on how many Medallion Qualification Dollars you earn. Gone are Medallion Qualification Miles and Medallion Qualification Segments.

The public reaction was so immediately negative that Delta has softened some of the changes (for 2024, at least), though it will still be harder to earn Medallion status in 2024 than it was in 2023.

What is Delta Medallion status?

Delta gives the most loyal of its more than 100 million SkyMiles members elite status each year, rewarding them with various benefits to make their travel more comfortable and easier.

There are four published tiers of elite status:

• Silver Medallion
• Gold Medallion
• Platinum Medallion
• Diamond Medallion

Delta also has an invite-only status tier called Delta 360 , though the exact qualification criteria for it are not public. However, you can receive complimentary annual Delta 360 status by reaching 5 million lifetime miles flown.

Related: Your guide to Delta Air Lines lifetime elite status

In 2023, Medallion status is earned through a combination of two metrics:

• How far SkyMiles members fly on Delta or its partner airlines each calendar year (MQMs) or how many individual flights they take (MQSs)
• How much SkyMiles members spend each calendar year (MQDs)

Through Dec. 31, 2023, cardmembers of select Delta American Express cards (discussed below) are exempt from the MQD requirements when they reach certain spending thresholds on those cards.

However, starting Jan. 1, 2024, this perk will disappear, as will MQMs and MQSs. Medallion status will only be measured by MQDs.

You earn the status as soon as you reach the above requirements and hold it for that calendar year through January after the end of the following calendar year. So, if you reach the status requirements in June 2024, you will hold the status through Jan. 31, 2026.

Status levels reset every year in January, so you must keep earning the requirements every year to maintain your status.

How to qualify for Delta Medallion status

Until Dec 31. 2023, SkyMiles status is earned as follows:

• Silver Medallion : SkyMiles members who have earned 25,000 MQMs or 30 MQSs and 3,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion : SkyMiles members who have earned 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs and 8,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion : SkyMiles members who have earned 75,000 MQMs or 100 MQSs and 12,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion : SkyMiles members who have earned 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs and 20,000 MQDs

In order to waive the MQD requirements for Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion and Platinum Medallion status, travelers could spend $25,000 in the 2023 calendar year on the following Delta cards:

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

However, earning a waiver for the Diamond Medallion MQD requirements means spending a whopping $250,000 in a calendar year.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, the waiver will no longer be in effect. Instead, Delta will only use MQDs as criteria for qualification — and the thresholds are increasing significantly from the 2023 levels.

• Silver Medallion : SkyMiles members who have earned 5,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion : SkyMiles members who have earned 10,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion : SkyMiles members who have earned 15,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion : SkyMiles members who have earned 28,000 MQDs

Read more: Is Delta Air Lines status worth it? What this disappointed soon-to-be-Diamond Medallion thinks

Delta Medallion status levels and benefits

Here are some key benefits of each of Delta's status tiers.

SkyMiles Silver Medallion

This is the entry tier in Delta's program, and you'll receive benefits like:

• Complimentary first-class upgrades on domestic and short-haul international flights from 24 hours before departure
• Upgrades to Comfort+ within 24 hours of departure
• Priority boarding and check-in
• One complimentary checked bag
• 7 miles per dollar spent

SkyMiles Gold Medallion

Delta's mid-tier status includes some higher priority and enhanced perks, including:

• Complimentary first-class upgrades on domestic and short-haul international flights from three days before departure
• Upgrades to Comfort+ within three days of departure
• Waived same-day confirmed changes
• Two complimentary checked bags
• 8 miles per dollar spent

SkyMiles Platinum Medallion

In addition to the previously mentioned Silver Medallion and Gold Medallion perks, you'll get the following:

• Complimentary first-class upgrades on domestic flights and short-haul international flights from five days before departure
• Upgrades to Comfort+ at the time of booking
• Three complimentary checked bags
• Your pick of a Choice Benefit
• 9 miles per dollar spent

SkyMiles Diamond Medallion

You'll get everything detailed above, plus some even better perks (discussed in more detail below):

• Three additional Choice Benefit options
• Complimentary Clear membership
• Higher upgrade priority
• 11 miles per dollar spent

Can a credit card help earn Delta status?

Until Jan. 1, 2024, SkyMiles members can earn bonus MQMs on the following cards:

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card : Earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 you spend on the card (up to a total of 60,000 MQMs after spending $120,000) through Dec. 31, 2023.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card : Earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 you spend on the card (up to a total of 60,000 MQMs after spending $120,000) through Dec. 31, 2023.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card : Earn 10,000 MQMs when you spend $25,000 on the card in a calendar year, and earn another 10,000 MQMs when you spend $50,000 in a calendar year through Dec. 31, 2023.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card : Earn 10,000 MQMs when you spend $25,000 on the card in a calendar year, and earn another 10,000 MQMs when you spend $50,000 in a calendar year through Dec. 31, 2023.

As mentioned earlier, the above cardholders will be exempt from the MQD requirements for Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion and Platinum Medallion status when they spend $25,000 on the card in a calendar year — though you must spend $250,000 to enjoy the MQD waiver for Diamond Medallion status.

Both the MQD waiver and the bonus MQMs will no longer be available starting Jan. 1, 2024. Instead, to make it easier to earn elite status in 2024, Delta will give eligible frequent flyers who are also cobranded credit card holders a head start on the 2024 MQD metrics, with a boost of 2,500 MQDs toward status qualification at the start of the 2024 year.

The MQD head start is awarded per card, so you'll enjoy more than one 2,500 MQD boost if you have multiple primary eligible cards. Additionally, you'll be able to enjoy bonus MQDs based on everyday spending on these cards.

Specifically, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex will accrue 1 MQD for every $10 spent. Meanwhile, both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex and the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Amex will accrue 1 MQD for every $20 spent.

There is no limit to how many MQDs you can earn from credit card spending, so you could potentially earn elite status just from credit card spending. However, that's a ton of money to spend, especially when there are better options for your everyday purchases.

It's also a major step back from the current requirements. Depending on which card you use, that $25,000 in spend that previously granted an MQD waiver will only turn into either 1,250 or 2,500 MQDs in 2024 — not even enough to put you halfway to entry-level Silver Medallion status. Even if you're a big spender who used to hit the $250,000 MQD waiver, that spending will now translate into 12,500 or 25,000 MQDs.

Is Delta Medallion status worth it?

If you earned Delta elite status in 2023, it's valid through Jan. 31, 2025. If you qualify in 2024, your status will last until Jan. 31, 2026.

It's critical to think about how much you'll be traveling in the future to decide if Medallion status is worth it. If you push hard to reach Diamond Medallion, for example, the valuable perks outlined above apply only when traveling. With the higher MDQ requirements in 2024, you would need to spend a significant amount of money with the airline or on a cobranded credit card to earn this top-tier status, so you must also ensure you are traveling enough to enjoy it.

That said, many of you may wind up within striking distance of the next tier, so consider whether the benefits are worth pushing for. There's no sense in going out of your way for perks that don't matter to you. Pursuing elite status with an airline you can't feasibly fly regularly is a fool's errand. Consider Delta's service from your home airport(s) and how easy it is to reach your desired destination.

This hobby has many trade-offs, and one of the most common is deciding whether to use your preferred airline or hotel chain when it's not the most convenient or cheapest. Would you book a one-stop Delta flight if Southwest had a cheaper nonstop option? If the answer is no, it may not be worth going out of your way to earn Delta elite status (or any elite status, for that matter).

The final consideration involves travel rewards credit cards . Many airline cobranded cards offer perks that mirror what you'd enjoy as an elite member. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card includes a free checked bag, priority boarding and a 20% inflight discount. The card has an introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $99 (see rates and fees ).

Meanwhile, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card provides complimentary Sky Club access when flying Delta along with complimentary upgrades (behind all Medallion members) and an annual companion certificate (valid for round-trip domestic flights in economy, Comfort+ or first class). If you can pay a flat annual fee for one of these cards and gain access to perks that matter to you without going out of your way to earn elite status, that may be a good plan.

Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.

Bottom line

Earning airline elite status carries an array of perks that can make your entire travel experience more comfortable.

However, not all levels with all carriers are created equally, so analyzing which elite status program best aligns with your typical travel patterns and what you value most as a traveler is critical. Given the recent negative SkyMiles changes, it is harder than ever to earn elite status unless you are spending considerable amounts of money, either with the airline, on cobranded credit cards or a combination of the two.

If you're considering switching your loyalty in 2024, we hope this detailed look at Delta's elite status program has helped your decision.

For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Card, click here .

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Best term life insurance for 2024

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Mandy Sleight has been a licensed insurance agent since 2005. She has three years of experience writing for insurance websites such as Bankrate, MoneyGeek and The Simple Dollar. Mandy writes about auto, homeowners, renters, life insurance, disability and supplemental insurance products.

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Jessa Claeys is an insurance editor for Bankrate with over a decade of experience writing, editing and leading teams of content creators. She currently covers auto, home and life insurance with the goal of helping others secure a healthy financial future. Her work has been published by several insurance, personal finance and investment-focused publications, including Jerry, BiggerPockets, 401(k) Specialist, BP Wealth and more.

Kenneth Chavis IV is a senior wealth counselor at Versant Capital Management who provides investment management, complex wealth strategy, financial planning and tax advice to business owners, executives, medical doctors, and more.

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Best term life insurance companies

How to find the best term life insurance company for you, frequently asked questions.

Not everyone needs life insurance that covers you for your entire life. For anyone looking for more temporary coverage — like those with young children or a mortgage to pay off — there is term life insurance. Term life insurance provides coverage for a pre-set period of time, which is usually between 10 and 30 years. In exchange for your regularly paid premium, your beneficiaries receive a payout if you die while the policy is active. However, the payout tends to be lower compared to other types of life insurance policies. Bankrate’s guide to the best term life insurance can help you find an insurer that meets your policy needs and budget.

Compare life insurance providers quickly and easily

See which provider is right for you.

Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.

• Coverage for life
• Tax-deferred savings benefit if premiums are paid
• 3 variations of permanent insurance: whole life, universal life and variable life include investment component

Term life insurance is precisely what the name implies: an insurance policy that is good for a specific term of time.

• Fixed premium over term
• No savings benefits
• Outliving policy or policy cancellation results in no money back

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The best term life insurance companies depend on an individual’s needs and preferences. While your quoted premium will typically not vary as much as for life quotes as home or auto insurance, different companies do offer different coverage types and levels. We chose the following companies based on their third-party financial strength and J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores , as well as the policy options and available coverage capacities (the maximum dollar amount a policy can be). It may be helpful to start your research with the following providers:

Why we chose it: State Farm has the highest J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction on our list.

State Farm is our 2024 Bankrate Awards winner for Best Term Life Insurer for the third year in a row thanks to its superior AM Best score and near-nationwide availability. State Farm offers several term insurance products, but its return-of-premium policy option may be particularly helpful for certain term life insurance policyholders. This add-on coverage (also known as a life insurance rider ) lets policyholders choose between a 20- or 30-year payment term and receive a portion of their premiums back if they outlive the term. The return-of-premium policy can be renewed annually until age 95. While the return-of-premium option comes at an additional cost, it also builds cash value , which is rare in a term life insurance policy.

Why we chose it: Mutual of Omaha offers easy online quoting for its term life insurance policies and a wide array of riders for potential policy customization.

If you want to get an idea of how much term life insurance might cost, Mutual of Omaha offers a term life insurance quote tool online. Enter your gender, date of birth, tobacco usage and coverage amount to get a rate. Mutual of Omaha offers a plethora of additional riders that can be added to its term life policies. It should be noted that not every rider can be used with every type of policy. To verify how much coverage you need and which riders can be added to your policy, you may want to consult with an agent. This company also offers a locator service to help you find a financial advisor near you.

Why we chose it: Pacific Life has term life insurance policy options with high coverage levels.

Anyone wanting to tailor their term life insurance with riders or purchase higher coverage limits might consider Pacific Life for term life insurance. The carrier offers two policy options, Promise Term and Elite Term, both of which are convertible to cash value life insurance. Its Promise Term policy offers a minimum amount of $50,000 in coverage, while the Elite Term starts at $750,000 and goes to $3 million or more. Available options include a waiver of premium for disability, as well as a terminal illness and child term rider.

Why we chose it: Northwestern Mutual offers a wide array of informational resources and policy management tools online.

Northwestern Mutual is the largest life insurer in the U.S. by direct premiums written, with just over 7 percent of the total market share. The company has been insuring consumers for more than 150 years. Its term policies allow you to select your coverage period based on either a set amount of years or until a specific age, depending on which option is most suitable for you. Northwestern Mutual plans are also convertible to whole life insurance , meaning you may be able to adjust your policy as your needs evolve. The company’s A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best is the highest level available. However, the company only offers one term life insurance rider, so if you want greater policy customization, it may not be the carrier for you.

Why we chose it: Guardian life insurance offers four different term lengths and a long list of potential riders.

Guardian's term life insurance policies are available in four term lengths. The carrier also has a long list of riders for potential policy customization, including a guaranteed renewability clause in the event that you are diagnosed with a serious illness. However, be aware that the company does not offer a network of local agents, so if you prefer to handle your insurance needs face-to-face, you may not be satisfied with the level of service.

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a quality term life insurance policy. Since your life insurance will ultimately be responsible for providing the coverage you want for your family, these considerations may be beneficial to keep in mind when determining which provider is right for you. In addition to policy types, you could consider the following.

Consider customer satisfaction scores and financial strength ratings

Customer satisfaction scores may provide insight for consumers looking to purchase insurance products. These scores reflect how satisfied existing customers may be with the customer service and claims process. You might use these scores to get an idea of how your customer experience could be and which carrier might best fit your expectations.

A life insurance company’s financial strength score reflects its past ability to pay out claims and could help you decide if a company is financially sound. Third-party agencies such as AM Best and S&P publish financial strength ratings for each major provider.

Consider your personal situation

Term life insurance remains active for only a set number of years. To decide whether term life insurance is right for you, it may be helpful to consider what you want coverage for. Do you simply want coverage while your children are young, or would you prefer lifelong coverage?

While term life insurance may be sufficient for temporary needs, like ensuring you could pay off debt and finance college for your kids if you were to pass away, it may not be the right choice if you want coverage for longer. If you need coverage for final expenses or to take care of a lifelong dependent, permanent life insurance may be a better choice. There are several options to choose from, including:

• Whole life insurance : Whole life offers level premiums and a guaranteed death benefit for life. It also builds cash value over time, which you may be able to access through withdrawals or loans. 
• Universal life insurance : Similar to whole life, universal life offers permanent coverage with more flexibility. You can increase or decrease premium payments or the death benefit if life circumstances change. 
• Final expense life insurance : If you only need a small amount of coverage or have serious health issues, final expense life insurance may be your best option. It works like whole life, but doesn’t require a medical exam. Some policies are guaranteed issue, meaning there is no medical exam or health questions on the application. 

Compare multiple quotes

Getting quotes for different types and levels of coverage may help you get an idea of how much you’ll pay for your life insurance. However, keep in mind that term life insurance quotes for the same person and policy type likely won’t vary as much from company to company as auto insurance or home insurance quotes do.

How does term life insurance work?

Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that offers coverage for a set period of time, or term. Term life is usually the most affordable type of life insurance because it only lasts for a specific number of years, usually 10 to 30 years. Unless you buy return-of-premium life insurance, you receive nothing back if you outlive the term. However, many term life insurance policies offer the option to convert to a permanent life insurance policy at the end of the term. Many carriers also provide the option to renew a term life policy annually if you still need coverage past the expiration date.

What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?

Term insurance is designed to provide a death benefit if the insured passes away within the policy term. As the name suggests, term life insurance remains active for a predetermined “term,” which is the window of time that the policyholder chooses — typically between 10 and 30 years. When the term expires, the policyholder stops paying the premiums and the death benefit will no longer be paid out. Whole life insurance , on the other hand, is a type of permanent policy that pays out when the insured dies as long as premiums are paid. It typically contains two parts: a death benefit and a cash value component. Because whole life insurance policies usually have larger payouts, premiums can be two to three times more expensive than a term policy.

What factors impact my life insurance premium?

Life insurance premiums are largely based on mortality risk. In general, the higher the likelihood someone has of passing away while the policy is active, the higher the premium will be. Each insurer has its own underwriting algorithm for calculating your rate. Although each underwriting process is different, your age, gender, weight, health conditions, smoking history and occupation are typically used to help calculate your premium. The amount of coverage that you want to purchase is another key factor in determining the cost of life insurance . For those looking for cheap life insurance , it may be wiser to start shopping at a younger age.

Does having a preexisting condition impact my ability to purchase term life insurance?

Yes, having a preexisting condition may impact your ability to purchase term life insurance. Different conditions may be considered more or less serious by different insurers. If a life insurance provider does approve you for a term life policy with a preexisting condition, your premium may be high to reflect the health risks. Insurance providers may be more likely to approve you if you have conditions that can be managed. For instance, if you have Type 2 diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you may be more likely to be approved for term life insurance. If you have a preexisting condition, speaking with a licensed insurance agent may help you navigate your life insurance options.

Is term life insurance cheaper than whole life insurance?

The cost of life insurance will vary based on your policy details and personal rating factors, but term life insurance coverage is typically cheaper than whole life insurance, a type of permanent coverage. This is because whole life insurance is designed to offer coverage for your entire life and guarantee a payout to your beneficiaries, as long as premiums are paid and terms of the policy are met. Term coverage, on the other hand, may not pay out a death benefit if you outlive the policy term and do not renew your coverage. That being said, the cost of life insurance coverage varies based on coverage amount and individual risk rating factors, so a term policy with a high coverage amount for an older individual may cost more than a permanent policy for a younger applicant with a low coverage amount.

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