Many people see credit cards only as a way to pay or build credit. But did you know your card might also give you free travel insurance or longer warranties? These hidden benefits can save you money and trouble, making your card more useful.
In this article, we will talk about some of the best secret perks credit cards can give and show you how to get the most out of each one. From protection for new devices to special travel offers, these perks could change how you use your card.
Which of these perks do you find the most surprising? Keep reading and share your thoughts if one stands out to you!
Return Protection
Return protection is a perk that helps when a store won’t accept a return, yet you want to return the item. Though there are often claim period limits and certain items may not be eligible. If you’re within the return protection period, your credit card provider may refund the purchase price.
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This is valuable for buyers who shop at stores with strict return policies. Cards with this perk often have a limited claim period, so submit returns promptly.
The return protection benefit can ease your concerns about making purchases at stores with less flexible policies. It’s a safeguard that gives you the confidence to try out products.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
Many credit cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance to protect your travel plans. If you have to cancel or cut short a trip due to a covered reason, like illness or severe weather, this insurance can cover prepaid costs.
This benefit can include refunds for flights, hotels, and other non-refundable expenses. Understanding your card’s specific coverage details is essential before relying on this insurance.
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Coverage limits and eligible reasons vary by card, so check with your card issuer to confirm the specific details. Knowing you have this insurance can provide peace of mind when planning expensive trips.
Baggage Delay Insurance
Baggage delay insurance helps reduce the hassle of waiting for your luggage. It gives you money back if your checked bags take longer than a set time, usually 6 to 12 hours depending on your card.
Many cards pay you back for important things you buy while waiting for your bags. To get this benefit, save receipts for the items you purchase because of the delay. Each card has rules and limits, so check what your card covers.
This benefit can make a tough travel problem easier by helping you stay okay until your bags come.
Purchase Protection
Purchase protection is a benefit that covers items bought with your card against damage or theft. If something you recently bought breaks or gets stolen, your credit card company may reimburse you.
This protection can save you the hassle of dealing with the store or manufacturer directly. Many cards offer this coverage for a limited period, often up to 90 days after purchase. Check your card’s policy for purchase protection details.
Coverage limits and conditions vary, so read your card agreement. Some cards may offer high coverage caps, while others limit claims, as well as varying time frames other than 90 days.
Knowing your card’s policy can help you make smarter purchases and gain confidence in your buying decisions.
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Extended Warranty
An extended warranty gives you extra safety when you buy electronics, appliances, or other expensive items. Credit cards with this feature add more time to the maker’s warranty, usually up to one more year.
This means you have longer protection if something breaks after the original warranty ends. This extra time can help you avoid paying for expensive store warranties. Check your card’s details to see which items are covered, as some may not qualify or the extension might be shorter than one year.
This benefit usually works automatically when you use your card, so you get added protection without extra effort.
Price Protection
Price protection allows you to receive a refund if an item you purchased with your card drops in price soon after you bought it. Some credit cards will cover the difference if you find the same item at a lower price within a specified time frame.
Though take note that this feature has become less common and may not be available with all major card issuers. This feature is helpful for items that frequently go on sale. To claim a refund, check the card’s policy for price protection details.
Each card has specific rules about eligible items, claim limits, and refund caps. By understanding these, you can potentially save more on major purchases, especially during seasonal sales or promotions.
Travel Accident Insurance
Travel accident insurance gives money help if you get hurt in an accident while traveling. This protection works if you get injured or something more serious during a trip paid with your credit card. It often covers flights, trains, or other public transport bought with your card.
Look at your card’s rules to see the exact details, like how much they pay and what is not covered. Travel accident insurance is a benefit you might never use, but it can make you feel safer. For people who travel a lot, this help brings extra peace of mind on each trip.
Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
The auto rental collision damage waiver can be an alternative to purchasing rental car insurance. When you rent a car and pay with your card, this benefit may cover damages in case of an accident or theft. This can save you the daily insurance fees that rental companies charge.
But this coverage is typically secondary to your own auto insurance unless specified otherwise. Not all credit cards offer the same level of coverage, so review your card’s specifics.
Some cards only cover certain car types or have location restrictions. Understanding this benefit can help you decide on insurance options before you pick up a rental car.
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Rental Car Discounts
Aside from collision damage waivers, there are also rental car discounts. Some cards partner with rental agencies to offer exclusive discounts or extra perks like free upgrades. This benefit can make car rentals more budget-friendly, particularly for longer trips.
Before booking, check if your card offers discounts with specific rental companies. These partnerships can help you secure lower rates without needing extra memberships.
For frequent travelers or those renting for vacations, this perk can make travel smoother and more affordable.
Identity Theft Assistance
Identity theft help is a useful service that some credit cards provide. It offers support if someone steals your personal information. The help can be simple advice or full problem-solving service.
This benefit may include tips on getting back lost info, canceling cards that were used without permission, and other actions you should take. Some cards even pay you back for costs linked to fixing your identity.
Ask your card company what kind of identity theft help they offer. Knowing this support exists can help you act fast if your identity is taken.
Getting advice from experts can be very important when handling difficult identity theft problems.
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No Foreign Transaction Fees
No foreign transaction fees mean you can use your card abroad without paying extra charges. Many credit cards add fees for purchases made in foreign currencies, but some cards waive these fees. This perk can save you a significant amount when traveling internationally, but it’s more common with travel-oriented or premium credit cards.
Before traveling, confirm that your card offers this benefit, as not all cards waive these fees. With no foreign transaction fees, you can enjoy more flexibility with purchases abroad. This perk is especially beneficial for frequent travelers or those planning an international trip.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance gives support for car problems, but using it might cost extra. Some credit cards include this help, paying for things like towing, fixing flat tires, and jump-starting batteries. This feature can save you money compared to buying a separate roadside help plan.
Each card has different roadside assistance features, so check your card’s rules to see what is included. This service can be useful in emergencies, especially for people who drive a lot. It’s a handy benefit that brings comfort and safety while traveling.
Airport Lounge Access
Some credit cards offer access to airport lounges, which can transform your travel experience. These lounges provide a relaxing space with amenities like comfortable seating, snacks, and Wi-Fi. Lounges can also offer a quieter environment, helping you relax before your flight.
Your credit card may grant complimentary access to select lounges or discounted entry. Cards vary in terms of lounge partnerships and guest policies, so check the details beforehand. For frequent travelers, this perk can make airport time more pleasant and productive.
Complimentary Concierge Services
Concierge services often come with premium credit cards and can help with many different requests. They can help you book restaurant tables, get event tickets, or arrange trips.
A personal concierge can save you time by doing these tasks for you. To use this service, call the phone number for your credit card’s concierge. This benefit is great for busy people or anyone who needs help with travel plans.
It’s like having a personal helper ready whenever you want, at no extra cost.
Cell Phone Protection
Cell phone protection is a lesser-known benefit on some credit cards. Though it often comes with deductibles and limits on the maximum reimbursement amount. You usually qualify by paying your phone bill with the card offering this benefit.
If an incident occurs, the card issuer may reimburse you for repairs or replacement. Coverage details vary, so read your card’s terms to understand deductible amounts and limitations.
With this benefit, you can avoid paying out-of-pocket costs for phone repairs. This perk can provide peace of mind if you rely on your phone for daily tasks.
Free Shipping and Online Shopping Benefits
Some credit cards offer free shipping benefits, usually by working with online stores. This can mean no shipping charges, quicker delivery, or special deals. These benefits make shopping online easier and can save you money on delivery costs.
Check if your card has deals with popular online shops. Each card’s offers are different and have their own rules for the stores involved. This benefit is good for people who shop online often, as it can lower the total cost of buying things.
Special Access to Sports and Events
Special access to sports and events is another perk available on certain credit cards. These perks may include early ticket access, exclusive seats, or meet-and-greet opportunities. This benefit lets cardholders enjoy premium experiences for concerts, games, and other events.
Check with your card issuer to learn about upcoming events and access details. Many issuers promote these offers through email or mobile apps. For fans of live events, this perk can provide a more memorable experience and is an exciting way to benefit from your card.
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Health and Wellness Discounts
Some credit cards work with wellness brands to give deals on health services. These deals can include gym passes, spa visits, or online exercise plans. If you like wellness, these deals can help you stay healthy while saving money.
Look at your card’s offers page to find any wellness deals. Some cards share these deals often or have special sales. This benefit is good for people who care about health, making wellness services easier to use and cheaper.
Subscription Service Rebates
Subscription service rebates reimburse you for charges on popular streaming or digital services. Many cards offer rebates on platforms like Netflix, Spotify, or fitness apps. By covering part of your subscription, this benefit makes entertainment or wellness more affordable.
To qualify, pay your subscription bill with the card offering the rebate. Some cards have monthly limits on rebates, so review your card’s terms. This perk is ideal for households that frequently use digital subscriptions, giving you savings on services you enjoy regularly.
Pet-Related Discounts and Coverage
Pet benefits give you discounts on pet insurance, grooming, or vet visits. Some cards help with pet costs by working with pet service companies. This can be useful for pet owners who want to save money on pet care.
To see if your card has these discounts, check the benefits section. These deals can change often, so keep up to date on current offers. For pet owners, this benefit can help lower the cost of regular or emergency pet care.
Specialized Insurance for Lost Luggage
Specialized insurance for lost luggage offers compensation if your bags go missing during a trip. Unlike delayed baggage coverage, this benefit provides financial reimbursement for items lost permanently. It’s a valuable safeguard for travelers worried about losing personal belongings.
If your luggage is declared lost, the insurance will cover the cost of replacement items. This benefit can apply to all types of travel, but each card has specific limits. Knowing this coverage exists gives peace of mind, allowing you to travel with confidence.
Cash Back on Utilities
Cash back on utilities gives a simple way to get rewards on important bills. Many think cash back only works for shopping, but it also applies to payments like electricity or internet.
Rewards earned on these regular bills can add up fast, giving steady savings. Each card sets its own rules for utility cash back rates, so look at your card’s details. Using this benefit lets you turn usual bills into a chance to earn rewards.
This perk helps you find more value in everyday spending, especially if your home has high utility costs.
Online Shopping Portals with Extra Rewards
Many credit cards have online shopping portals where purchases earn extra rewards. These portals link to popular retailers and offer bonus points or cash back on qualifying purchases. Using these portals can help you maximize rewards on routine or larger purchases.
To benefit, access the portal through your card issuer’s website or app. The portal may feature seasonal promotions or limited-time offers, adding extra value. For online shoppers, this perk is a convenient way to earn more without changing shopping habits.
Dining Credits for Select Restaurants
Some credit cards give dining credits when you eat at certain restaurants or get takeout. This perk can pay part of your meal, which lowers the cost. It’s great for people who like eating out and want to spend less.
Ask your card company which restaurants are included and if you need to spend a certain amount. Dining credits might renew every year or few months, so watch for when they expire. This benefit helps you try new places to eat without paying the full price.
Don’t Miss Out On Your Credit Card Advantages
By now, you probably see that credit cards are more than just an easy way to pay. The many benefits can turn your card into a useful money tool.
Not all cards have the same perks, so learning about what your card offers can help you save money and feel more secure. The next time you use your card to buy something or plan a trip, remember these extra benefits.
Protecting your purchases, getting paid back for travel problems, and saving on rentals are just a few ways your credit card can give you more than you think. Look closely at your card’s details, you might find perks you didn’t know about.
Now is the time to get the most out of what’s in your wallet. How will you use your credit card perks next?
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