Your credit card is more than just a piece of plastic that you use to swipe your purchases. It’s a treasure chest that comes with hidden perks that go beyond miles and points. While people focus on earning rewards, they’re leaving hundreds of dollars that are not being used. Today, we’ll be revealing the 11 secret perks hiding in that piece of plastic in your wallet.
11. Get Free Museum Passes for a Year
Did you know that your credit card could be your ticket to the world of arts and culture? Like others, you’re not aware that certain cards, like those issued by Bank of America, offer a Museums on Us program. That’s right, this provides free general admission to over 225 cultural institutions across the country during the first full weekend of every month. Just present an eligible card and photo ID to get access.
10. Get Paid to Stream, Shop, and Dine
You may not know that your card issuer is giving away free money every month. Many premium credit cards offer monthly or quarterly statement credits for those you use every day, like streaming services, dining, and ride-sharing apps. They’re called “use-it-or-lose-it” benefits that are only available for a period of time. Go check your card’s benefits online, and you’ll be surprised by the annual savings you’re missing out on.
9. Skip the Line with VIP Entertainment Access
If you’re wondering how your peers get tickets to sold-out concerts and exclusive events, then the secret may lie in something that you also have, which is your credit card. Major issuers like Citi, American Express, and Mastercard feature entertainment programs that grant cardholders access to presale tickets, preferred seating, and VIP experiences. Use these perks to buy tickets before the general sale to the public, which gives you much better seats. See the upcoming shows from your card’s portal.
8. Insure Your Phone Against Theft and Damage for Free
If you’re paying a hefty monthly fee to your wireless carrier for your phone’s insurance, then you’re throwing away money. Many credit cards offer a complimentary cellphone protection, which saves you over a hundred dollars a year. Just pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible card, and you’re now covered against theft and damage. That’s typically $800 or $1,000 per claim with a low deductible.
7. Create Untraceable Virtual Card Numbers
If you’re worried about a data breach, then use your card’s security feature of virtual card numbers. It’s offered by issuers like Capital One, Citi, and American Express, which allows you to generate a temporary card number for your online purchases. Just set a spending limit and expiration date for each virtual number or lock it to a single merchant. Once the merchant gets hacked, your card remains safe.
6. Double Your Product’s Warranty for Free
That expensive laptop comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty only. But what happens when you break it on day 366? The right credit card will save you, thanks to its extended warranty benefit. It’s a common feature included in many cards as they extend the warranty by an additional year for eligible purchases.
5. Get a Refund for Stolen or Damaged Items
Another notable perk of your credit card is that it’s got your protection covered. Say that your new camera was stolen a week later, then you’ll get a reimbursement for the cost to repair or replace it, usually up to $1,000 per claim. They’re typically covered for 90 to 120 days with the right credit card.
4. Get Reimbursed for Delayed Luggage
Arriving without your luggage is a nightmare that will likely happen to you at some point. But what you don’t know is that your credit card can turn this nightmare into a shopping spree. When you have a travel card, it will likely offer baggage delay reimbursement for typically six or more hours. You’re eligible for essential items like clothing, toiletries, and other personal items. The coverage is up to $100 per day for up to five days.
3. Get Paid When Your Flight is Delayed
Not only your luggage, but also your long flight delay! With your credit card’s trip delay insurance, you can get a free hotel room and a nice meal. That is, if your flight gets delayed because of a covered reason for around 6 to 12 hours. It also includes toiletries and your transportation to make this stressful event a perk.
2. Get Free Primary Rental Car Insurance
If you rent a car, you’re pressured to avail the rental company’s expensive collision damage waiver. But with the right credit card, you can decline it. Many premium travel cards cover primary rental car insurance, which is a great but overlooked benefit. Unlike secondary coverage, which kicks in after your personal auto insurance, your primary coverage gets to pay out first. With that, you don’t have to file a claim with your own insurance company.
1. You Are Not Responsible for Fraudulent Charges
Many cardholders don’t realize the power of the “zero liability” policies offered by major networks like Visa and Mastercard. This guarantees the cardholder that they will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made with their card or account information. Once the fraudster accesses card details and goes on a shopping spree, you’re legally protected from financial loss.