Insurance: How does credit card flight delay insurance work?


Credit cards can offer flight delay insurance.
With this coverage, you may get a refund for some of your expenses arising from a delayed flight.

The flight delay insurance from credit cards protects:
As a general rule, insurance may apply to the principal holder, their spouse and their dependent child or children.
To be covered by your credit card’sflight delay insurance, you must have paid for your flight in full with your credit card(except for certain cards such as the National Bank World Elite Mastercard®, which requires partial payment, or the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, which requires 75% of the cost of the flight to be charged to the card).

The flight delay insurance offered by credit cards usually COVER the following situations:

Credit cards flight delay insurance WILL NOT:

The coverage offered by your credit card will vary depending on each card.
Generally, credit cards flight delay insurance will reimburse the card for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred within 48 hours of the delay or denied boarding for:
Compensation will vary depending on credit cards

Is your flight delayed? Our first tip is to check your credit card brochure to find out what you are entitled to. If you can, call the issuer at the number on the back of your card.
When you return home, open a claim procedure. Make sure you have all supporting documents on hand:

Not all credit cards are equal to flight delayinsurance.
As a general rule, credit cards offering flight delay insurance will stand out in three areas:
Here are 3 credit cards we recommend for flight delay insurance, based on different income levels:
The main advantage of the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is that it charges no conversion fees for foreign currency transactions. So you can charge your travel purchases like car rentals or airline tickets abroad without paying the 2.5% conversion fee charged by most credit cards!
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card requires an income of only $12,000. This card is part of the one offering the widest coverage by repaying “reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for hotel accommodation, restaurant meals, beverages, essential items and various items (such as magazines, paperbacks and various small items).”
| Specificities | Details |
| Amount | up to $1,000 per insuredperson |
| Length of delay | More than 4 hours |
| Booking conditions | The coverage will reimburse the following costs if at least 75% of the total cost of the delayed flight has been paid to your account and/or get with Scene+ points |
on Scotiabank's website
For a limited time, by signing up for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card, you can earn up to 100,000 Scene+ points, worth up to $3,000 in value over the first 14 months (including about $1,000 in travel rewards from the bonus points).
With the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card, you earn 2 points per dollar spent on all purchases. These points can be used against any travel purchase (plane tickets, hotels, all-inclusives, and even Airbnb), and you can also use them for other rewards in the Scene+ program, like cash back.
Plus, with this card, you pay no foreign transaction fees, and you get 10 free accesses to VIP airport lounges (Priority Pass).
And you benefit from excellent insurance for your trips and purchases, premium concierge service, and exclusive American Express Invitations offers.
* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 14 months includes the value of the welcome offer, potential savings, the potential value of points earned in the first year, and the value of savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:
$600 in travel rewards (60,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Platinum American Express cardholders who make purchases totalling $5,000 in the first 3 months
$200 in travel rewards (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) who make purchases totalling $10,000 in the first 6 months
$200 in travel rewards (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you post at least one (1) eligible purchase to your new account in the 14th month following the month the account was opened
$241 in savings on foreign transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per account in the first year (by saving the 2.5% foreign transaction fee generally charged by credit card issuers);
$1,023 potential first-year points earnings (102,297 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases, based on the average amount of purchases made per account over the past 24 months;
$784 representing the value of Priority Pass membership and airport lounge passes for the primary cardholder (annual membership fee for a 10-visit plan, $454 CAD or $329 USD) and for one additional cardholder (annual membership fee of $137 CAD or $99 USD, plus 4 passes valued at $48 CAD or $35 USD each). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.
Maximum potential value after 14 months = $3,048 (rounded to $3,000)
The actual value of offers, savings realized and rewards earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for offers. Conditions apply.
1 Offer description and terms and conditions: The offer of 100,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card accounts (the “Account”) opened between July 2, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account), subject to the conditions below.
To be eligible for the 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “60,000 bonus points offer”), you must charge eligible purchases totalling at least $5,000 within three months of the Account opening date. To be eligible for the 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “additional 20,000 bonus points”), you must charge $10,000 in eligible purchases to your new Account during the first six months following the Account opening date. To be eligible for the additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “additional 20,000 bonus points”), you must make at least one (1) eligible purchase on your new Account during the 14th month following the month in which the Account was opened. Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, card fees and other fees.
Annual bonus fulfillment: Bonus points will be deposited into the Scene+ account within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the Account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint Account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be deposited as follows: (i) the 60,000 bonus points and the 20,000 bonus points will be deposited into the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($5,000 or $10,000) within the applicable timeframe (the first three months or the first six months), and (ii) the additional 20,000 bonus points will be deposited into the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower who made the first transaction considered an eligible purchase in the 14th month following the month the Account was opened. If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 60,000 bonus points or the 20,000 bonus points, or makes the first transaction to earn the additional 20,000 bonus points, the bonus points will be deposited into the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s Account. Points can be transferred between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower, or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An Account is in good standing if it is not delinquent, there is no over-limit on the credit limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the Account. All other program terms continue to apply during the Offer period. The Offer may be changed, cancelled, or extended at any time without notice, and cannot be combined with any other offer.
Eligibility and exclusions: You are not eligible for the Offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or if you have been within the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are eligible for this Offer.
Rates and fees: The current annual fee is $399 for the primary card and $99 for each additional card (including those issued to co-account holders and additional cardholders).
The preferred annual interest rates currently applicable to the Account are as follows: 9.99% on purchases and 9.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). All rates, fees, features and benefits described in the application disclosure statement are subject to change.
Savings at Shell
Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 4 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with a Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:
Note: Highest value of 11 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.
Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)
Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer valid from October 5, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an “Eligible Card”) to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the “Eligible Provinces”) excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.
To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.
The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.
The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.
The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.
Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.
All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.
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The National Bank World Elite Mastercard® is one of the only credit cards to offer partial payment coverage. This is handy for those who use points!
Its special feature is to be valid, even if only part of the trip has been taken to account. Reimbursable expenses arereasonable additional expenses incurred for Your accommodation and travel. However, these costs must be incurred as a result of the delay.”.
| Specificities | Details |
| Amount | up to $500 per insured person |
| Length of delay | More than 4 hours |
| Booking conditions | The coverage will reimburse the following costs if at least part of the cost has been charged to the account: |
on National Bank's website
With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.
With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:
And since it’s a Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.
With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:
What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.
Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.
® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA LOUNGE is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® Apple Pay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Inc. is not a sponsor of or participant in National Bank Mobile Banking Solutions.
® Google Pay is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Inc. Permissions.
TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. The À la carte Travel agency is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc. and holds a Quebec permit (No. 753141).
TM À LA CARTE REWARDS is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® THE TOTAL, THE CONNECTED and NATIONAL BANK are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
* Mastercard® World Elite®
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best Mastercard credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best travel credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
Every year, Milesopedia reviews credit card offers from major financial institutions and establishes its Ranking based on over 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offer, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.
Table of examples of credit fees calculated over a 30-day period
| Annual interest rate | $500 | $3,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 22.49% | $9.24 | $55.45 |
| 20.99% | $8.63 | $51.76 |
| 13.2% | $5.53 | $33.16 |
| 9.2% | $3.78 | $22.68 |
*Variable interest rate in effect as of September 1, 2021.
2.5%
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card charges no conversion fees for foreign currency transactions. This means you can charge your travel purchases such as car rentals and flight tickets abroad without paying the 2.5% conversion fee charged by most credit cards!
In addition, you get six complimentary visits to VIP airport lounges. Enough to wait comfortably for your plane in the event of a flight delay.
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card requires an income of $60,000. This card is part of the one offering the widest coverage by repaying “reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for hotel accommodation, restaurant meals, beverages, essential items and various items (such as magazines, paperbacks and various small items).“
| Specificities | Details |
| Amount | up to $500 per insuredperson |
| Length of delay | More than 4 hours |
| Booking conditions | The coverage will reimburse the following costs if at least 75% of the total cost of the delayed flight has been paid to your account and/or get with Scene+ points |
on Scotiabank's website
With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite+* Card, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.
Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.
These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:
* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:
$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;
$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;
$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);
$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;
$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.
Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)
The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.
1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.
In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.
Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.
Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.
Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.
Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.
Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.
Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.
Savings at Shell
Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:
Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.
Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)
Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer valid from October 5, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an “Eligible Card”) to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the “Eligible Provinces”) excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.
To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.
The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.
The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.
The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.
Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.
All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.
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By choosing the right credit card you could improve your comfort during a flight delay: hotel room, restaurant, miscellaneous items… Don’t let a flight delay ruin your trip!
In any case, remember to consult the insurance booklet supplied with your credit card BEFORE booking your trip.
on National Bank's website
With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.
With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:
And since it’s a Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.
With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:
What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.
Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.
® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA LOUNGE is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® Apple Pay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Inc. is not a sponsor of or participant in National Bank Mobile Banking Solutions.
® Google Pay is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Inc. Permissions.
TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. The À la carte Travel agency is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc. and holds a Quebec permit (No. 753141).
TM À LA CARTE REWARDS is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® THE TOTAL, THE CONNECTED and NATIONAL BANK are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
* Mastercard® World Elite®
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best Mastercard credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best travel credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
Every year, Milesopedia reviews credit card offers from major financial institutions and establishes its Ranking based on over 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offer, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.
Table of examples of credit fees calculated over a 30-day period
| Annual interest rate | $500 | $3,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 22.49% | $9.24 | $55.45 |
| 20.99% | $8.63 | $51.76 |
| 13.2% | $5.53 | $33.16 |
| 9.2% | $3.78 | $22.68 |
*Variable interest rate in effect as of September 1, 2021.
2.5%
Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.