Credit Card Perks You're Probably Not Using

April 29, 2026

Most people think of credit cards primarily as a way to pay for things — or to earn rewards and cashback. But buried in the terms and conditions of many cards are hidden credit card benefits and perks that can save you hundreds of dollars a year. From extended warranties to airport lounge access, these are the credit card benefits most people overlook.

Extended Warranty

Many credit cards automatically extend the manufacturer's warranty on eligible items you purchase with the card. Typically, this adds an extra year to warranties of three years or less. So if your laptop comes with a one-year warranty and you buy it with a qualifying card, you effectively get two years of coverage — at no additional cost. This perk is commonly found on mid-tier and premium Visa and Mastercard products, as well as most American Express cards.

Instead of paying for store-bought extended warranty plans (which often cost $50–$150), check your card's benefit guide first. You may already have equivalent or better coverage.

Purchase Protection

Purchase protection covers damage or theft of eligible items you buy with your credit card, usually within 90 to 120 days of purchase. For example, if you drop and crack your new phone within the coverage window, your card may reimburse you for the repair or replacement cost — up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per account on some premium cards. This benefit essentially acts as free short-term insurance on your purchases. Always file a claim promptly and keep your receipt and the card statement as proof of purchase.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most valuable yet underused credit card benefits. Many cards provide coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost luggage, and travel accidents when you pay for your travel with the card. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum offer particularly robust travel insurance packages.

Trip cancellation coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel for a covered reason, such as illness or severe weather. Trip delay coverage may also provide reimbursement for meals and lodging if your flight is delayed beyond a certain threshold (often 6 or 12 hours). If you're curious about managing multiple cards to maximize these benefits, read our article on whether you can have multiple credit cards.

Airport Lounge Access

If you travel even a few times a year, airport lounge access can make a real difference in your travel experience. Premium cards like the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X include complimentary memberships to lounge networks such as Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs. Lounges offer free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a quiet space away from crowded terminals. The value of a single lounge visit can range from $25 to $50 per person — and with unlimited visits, the perk can easily exceed the card's annual fee.

Concierge Service

Many premium credit cards offer a complimentary concierge service that can help you with restaurant reservations, event tickets, travel planning, and hard-to-find gifts. Think of it as a personal assistant available by phone or online. While most cardholders never use this service, it can be surprisingly helpful — especially for securing last-minute dinner reservations at popular restaurants or finding tickets to sold-out shows. The service is included with your card at no extra charge, so there's no reason not to try it.

Price Protection

Price protection reimburses you the difference if an item you bought with your card drops in price within a specified window (often 60 days). Some cards also offer price matching against competitor advertisements. While this benefit has become less common in recent years — several major issuers scaled it back — it still exists on select cards and can be claimed through a simple online submission. If you've made a significant purchase, it's worth monitoring the price for the next couple of months.

Cell Phone Protection

An increasingly popular perk, cell phone protection covers damage or theft of your smartphone when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with an eligible credit card. Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, Wells Fargo Active Cash, and several others offer up to $800 per claim in coverage, with a small deductible (typically $25–$50). This can replace the $10–$15 per month you might be paying your carrier for device insurance.

Given that Americans spend an average of $120–$180 per year on carrier phone insurance, paying your bill with the right card can deliver the same protection for free. This is also useful to keep in mind if you use credit cards while traveling internationally and want coverage for your devices abroad.

Other Overlooked Benefits

The list doesn't stop there. Additional perks that many cardholders miss include:

• Rental car insurance: Many cards provide primary or secondary collision damage coverage when you decline the rental agency's insurance.
• No foreign transaction fees: Several cards waive the typical 3% fee on international purchases.
• Return protection: Some cards will refund you if a retailer refuses a return within a certain period.
• complimentary subscriptions: Streaming credits, TSA PreCheck credits, and Uber credits are common on premium cards.
• Free credit scores: Most major card issuers now provide free access to your FICO or VantageScore.

How to Find Your Card's Hidden Benefits

To discover what perks your card offers, check the "Benefits" or "Card Benefits" section of your issuer's website or app. You can also call the number on the back of your card and ask for the full benefit guide. It's a document many people never read — but it can unlock significant savings you didn't know you were entitled to.

The next time you reach for your card, remember: you might be leaving money and benefits on the table. A few minutes of research could save you hundreds.