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Many conversations surrounding credit cards focus on the best ways to earn and burn points and miles. However, racking up and putting rewards to good use is just one part of the award travel hobby. Travel rewards cards provide a host of perks beyond points and miles. Credit card benefits range from concierge services to extensive insurance benefits, purchase protections, complimentary elite status, and high-value travel credits.
Unfortunately, banks tend to bury benefits deep in each card's terms and conditions, which are written in legalese only a Yale graduate can understand. As such, many perks remain a mystery to cardholders. But never fear; we're here to help with this master list of credit card benefits guides.
What Is a Credit Card Benefits Guide?
In the welcome pack when you get a new credit card in the mail is typically a printed pamphlet detailing your guide to benefits. These guides list the benefits, provide particulars as to what is and isn't covered, and offer information on how to make a claim.
Your guide to benefits pamphlet usually doesn't discuss big-ticket perks such as signup bonuses or airport lounge access. Instead, it includes details of the insurance coverage and purchase protections offered by your card.
Many rewards credit cards offer insurance when you use your card for purchases. Depending on the type of insurance you require (some cards provide multiple or even several types), consider checking out our roundup for the best cards for every category.
- Rental car insurance
- Trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance
- Flight delay protection
- Baggage delay coverage
- Airport lounge access
- Travel credits and airline incidental credits
- Purchase protection
- Product return protection
- Price protection
- Extended warranty coverage
Guide to Benefits Master List
While this is by no means a comprehensive list of every credit card and its benefits, we've included some of our favorite cards that we think offer competitive benefits. The table below offers one-click-away links to several benefit guides:
Sometimes, cards that seem similar offer very different benefits. Just because two cards are branded as a Visa Signature or Visa Infinite product doesn’t mean they will provide the same benefits or coverage. Thus, it’s essential to review the guide to benefits for your specific credit card to check the conditions and coverage of each benefit.
Related: Best Rewards Credit Card Offers this Month
Final Thoughts
Understanding the guide to benefits for the credit card in your wallet can potentially save you thousands of dollars. These guides detail specifics on how to claim a benefit and what the benefit will cover. In addition, there are exclusions and exceptions, keeping you up to date with the coverage offered for your card. So, next time you get one, don't throw it in the trash. Read through it and see what it has to offer.
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