Credit cards are a great way to earn rewards and finance new purchases, but you could be overlooking some money-saving perks that offer added value to cardholders. Card issuers often market credit cards with generous welcome bonuses or long special financing periods, but bury the details of lesser-known perks, such as cell phone protection and exclusive shopping discounts.
"To clarify, not all credit cards have perks. Typically, rewards cards that have an annual fee offer more perks in addition to cash back or points for purchases," Priya Malani, founder and CEO of Stash Wealth, tells Select. "Each credit card will apply its own stipulations to these perks and make the decision on which to offer at various rewards levels."
Below, we round up seven credit card perks that you might not know about, so you can start to take advantage of them.
1. Cell phone protection
Some credit cards offer cell phone protection for damage or theft when you pay your monthly phone bill with your card. This perk can help offset or cover the cost of repairing or replacing your phone. An eligible consumer card is the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card.
Business owners and their employees can also benefit from this perk on select small business credit cards, such as the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
"There is usually a cap to what card issuers will pay, and some cards have a deductible requiring you to pay, let's say, the first $100," Malani says.
2. Shopping discounts
Many credit cards offer discounts at eligible merchants when you either activate a bonus offer or shop through a portal. American Express, Chase and Bank of America provide their cardholders with special deals on eligible spending. These offers typically give you either a percentage or set dollar amount of cash back, credited to your account. Chase and Wells Fargo offer online shopping portals that provide extra rewards on purchases made through a special link. You must pay with an eligible credit card to take advantage of these shopping perks.
3. Free two-day shipping
Many credit cards offer complimentary ShopRunner access, which provides free two-day shipping and returns at over 100 online retailers, such as Bloomingdale's and 1800 Flowers. Simply enroll for free with your eligible credit card and sign in to your ShopRunner account during checkout at participating retailers. Credit cards backed by American Express and Mastercard qualify for this offer.
4. Exclusive event access
Many cards provide exclusive access to a variety of entertainment events, such as concerts, dining experiences and pro sporting games. You may receive presale access, priority seating and complimentary tickets, depending on the card you have.
For example, Mastercard provide Priceless experiences, which includes early access to Off-Broadway two-for-one tickets. And certain Capital One cards offer access to premium OpenTable reservations and as well as events such as the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.
5. First late payment fee waived
If you miss a credit card payment, there can be negative results including a fee. But some cards may waive your first late payment fee. Discover cards do this, and other cards, such as the Citi Simplicity® Card charge no late payment fees whatsoever (see rates and fees).
6. Instant credit card number
When you apply for and are approved for select credit cards, you may receive the option to get an instant card number. This allows you to use your credit card for online transactions right away, without waiting for your physical card to arrive in the mail. Select card issuers, such as American Express, may provide your credit card number, expiration date and temporary CVV code after approval.
7. Free museum admission
Bank of America credit card holders can benefit from the Museums on Us® program, which provides free general admission to participating museums the first full weekend of every month. Simply present your Bank of America credit card and photo ID for one free general admission entry, excluding special exhibitions, ticketed shows and fundraising events.
Eligible Bank of America credit cards include: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, and Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students, as well as non-rewards cards like the BankAmericard® credit card and Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card.
Information about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students, BankAmericard® credit card, and Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the cards prior to publication.
