Ostoturva

Ostoturva, or purchase protection, is a service offered by some Finnish banks and credit card issuers that provides short-term coverage for purchases made with the card. The purpose is to protect against certain adverse events related to items bought with the card, such as theft, loss, or accidental damage, and sometimes non-delivery, within a defined period after purchase.

Coverage and conditions vary by issuer, but typical terms include automatic eligibility when the purchase is charged to the card and a requirement that the claim be filed within the specified period. There is usually a maximum compensation limit per item and, in some cases, a yearly limit. Some items may be excluded, such as high-value goods, used items, cash, or services, and certain types of wear or routine malfunction may not be covered.

To make a claim, the cardholder generally submits documentation to the issuer or its insurer partner. Common requirements include proof of purchase (receipt or invoice), a copy of the card statement, and evidence of the incident (for example photographs). A police report may be required in cases of theft.

Relation to other protections: Ostoturva is supplementary to consumer rights and merchant warranties. It does not replace the legal protections provided by Finnish consumer law, such as the right to return goods or the merchant’s warranty, but it can offer additional support when those remedies are not applicable or insufficient, particularly for online purchases or items damaged after delivery.

Limitations and variability: The exact terms, coverage scope, and limits depend on the card and issuer. Potential buyers should review the specific ostoturva policy attached to their card to understand eligibility, exclusions, and claim procedures.