Most People Miss These Credit Card Benefits—Don’t Be One of Them
Most people focus on the rewards: cashback, miles, and points. But credit cards often include extra features that go unused simply because cardholders don’t know they exist. Here are ten lesser-known perks that might already be sitting in your wallet.
Rental Car Insurance
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Some credit cards cover damage or theft when you rent a car. A few offer primary coverage, which means you don’t have to involve your personal insurance. Others provide secondary coverage, which only helps after your own policy pays. To use the benefit, you usually need to pay with the card and decline the rental company’s insurance. Check the details before you book.
Cell Phone Protection
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Your credit card provides a valuable shield for that essential mobile phone. Many cards offer coverage for repair or replacement costs if your cell phone is stolen or accidentally damaged. You simply need to make sure your monthly wireless bill is consistently paid with the eligible card. This benefit can cover up to $1,000 annually, usually with a small deductible.
Free Museum Admission
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Visiting museums and other cultural spots often costs money, but certain cardholders get in free. Your Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card can give you free general admission. Just show your card and a photo ID on the first full weekend of each month at participating museums, zoos, and botanical gardens.
Extended Manufacturer’s Warranty
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Many big purchases come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and your credit card can add valuable time to it. Your card can extend the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to an additional year on eligible items. This benefit usually applies to products with initial warranties of three years or less and covers repair or replacement costs.
Instant Virtual Card Numbers
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Some issuers give you a digital version of your card as soon as you’re approved. You don’t have to wait for the physical card in the mail. You can use the virtual number to shop online or set up subscriptions right away. American Express, Capital One, and a few others offer this option.q
Balance Transfer Offers
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Some credit cards let you move over debt from other accounts and pay it off at a lower interest rate. Introductory offers often include 0% APR for a limited time, typically 12 to 21 months. It’s one of the more effective ways to cut interest costs if you have a plan to pay the balance down within that window.
Concierge Services
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It can be challenging to manage complex plans or find specific recommendations. Your premium credit card can open concierge services and help you get a dedicated assistant. This perk helps with obtaining tough-to-get restaurant reservations, event tickets, or even detailed trip plans.
Free ShopRunner Membership
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Your credit card makes the online shopping experience much easier and affordable. Many American Express and Mastercard products can include a free ShopRunner membership. This exclusive benefit provides unlimited free two-day shipping and easy returns at over 100 popular online stores.
First Late Payment Forgiveness
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If you accidentally miss a payment deadline, it can be stressful, but some cards offer understanding. For instance, Discover often waives the first late fee as a courtesy. Uniquely, the Citi Simplicity® Card famously charges no late fees, ever, which gives you real peace of mind.
Airport Lounge Access
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Your high-tier credit card can also grant you entry into exclusive airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass. These comfortable areas often provide free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and quiet seating to make your travel much more pleasant and productive.
Secure Contactless Payments
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Tap-to-pay cards have become common at stores and transit systems, but the security behind them gets less attention. Instead of sending your actual card number, the system generates a one-time, encrypted code for each transaction. That code can’t be reused, which makes it harder for anyone to skim or steal your payment details in the process.
Access to Presale Tickets & VIP Experiences
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Getting tickets to popular events often feels like a race against time. Your credit card can help you gain early access to concert tickets, Broadway shows, and major sporting events before they go on sale to the public. Companies like American Express, Mastercard, and Capital One often offer these special opportunities.
Supplementary Cards for Family
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If you need to share a credit line with a spouse, child, or other family member, many cards let you add authorized users. These additional cards draw from the same account, so all spending appears in one place. It’s a practical way to manage household expenses or help someone build credit, with limits you control.
Return Protection
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Not every store takes things back, even with a receipt. Some credit cards offer return protection, which lets you get a refund for eligible items the retailer won’t accept. The coverage usually applies for up to 90 days after purchase and has a dollar limit per item.
Price Protection
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If something you buy goes on sale shortly after, a few credit cards will cover the difference. This benefit—where available—lets you file a claim for the lower price, usually within 60 to 90 days. You’ll need to document the price drop, and coverage limits vary by card.