Which Credit Cards Provide Free Roadside Assistance? [2024] Which Credit Cards Provide Free Roadside Assistance? [2024]

Which Credit Cards Provide Free Roadside Assistance? [2024]

Bonus Points

AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers.

Offers for The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card, United MileagePlus® Club Card, United Club℠ Business Card and United℠ Explorer Business Card are not available through this site. Some offers may have expired. Please see our card marketplace for available offers

Ever been stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire? Locked your keys in your car? Run out of fuel? Having access to roadside assistance when you have car troubles can be a lifesaver.

No matter which state you’re traveling in, one quick call can put you in touch with a roadside assistance dispatch center — a team of helpers who will stay on the phone with you while organizing the help you need. And the best part? If you hold one of the credit cards listed below, you can use this service up to several times a year free of charge!

The Best Credit Cards for Roadside Assistance

Many rewards credit cards offer roadside assistance among their other benefits, but just a handful of those cards offer the service free of charge. Most provide a 24/7 dispatch service, but you pay for the services you use. For example, if you lock your keys in your car, you can call the dispatch service and ask the customer service agent to find a locksmith. The dispatch service connects you with the locksmith free of charge, but you’ll pay the locksmith for the services provided.

The list of rewards cards we’ve put together below all provide complimentary roadside assistance. You call the dispatch center, they organize the service technician and, provided it’s an issue covered by your card’s policy, the tow operator, mechanic, or locksmith will show up to help you at no cost.

You can access this complimentary roadside assistance up to four times per year, although you cannot use the benefits offered through Chase cards more than once in a seven-day period for the same issue.

a man stands next a car at the side of a desert highway
Credit: Jamie Street/Unsplash

Related: 22 Credit Card Benefits Every Traveler Should Know About

Chase Roadside Assistance

Chase limits each service event to the value of $50, and you can only claim one service event for the same cause during any consecutive seven-day period. Cards providing free roadside assistance include:

While all the cards above charge an annual fee, note that Chase provides complimentary roadside assistance on the United Explorer Card and the United Business Card. These cards offer the same full-service roadside assistance as you'll find on premium credit cards with annual fees in the hundreds of dollars. However, the United Explorer Card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150, and the United Business Card charges a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee, making these cards less-expensive options for the long-term.

Chase Roadside Assistance will cover you for:

  • Battery Boost: If your vehicle doesn’t start because of a dead or weak battery, someone can come and jump the battery.
  • Flat Tire Service: If you have a flat tire, they'll install your inflated spare.
  • Fuel Delivery: If you run out of gas, someone can deliver an emergency supply to you. The cost of fuel is covered for up to two gallons.
  • 24-Hour Towing Assistance: If your car breaks down and needs to be towed, the representative will arrange transport to get your vehicle to the nearest repair facility or location of the motorist’s choice. Services will be covered up to $50 for each event.
  • 24-Hour Lockout Assistance: If you accidentally lock yourself out of your vehicle, a qualified locksmith will be sent to help, up to a $50 value for each event. Note that you'll pay the cost of any replacement keys required.

Chase Roadside Assistance eligibility requirements

To be eligible for this coverage, you must be driving a vehicle you own or lease or be driving a car furnished to you by the owner (meaning no rental vehicles), and services must be arranged through Cross Country Motor Club at 866-860-7978. The policy only covers private, on-road transportation, with trucks limited to a carrying capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. Commercial vehicles are not covered; coverage only applies to the U.S. and Canada.

It's worth mentioning that several other Chase cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees), offer roadside assistance on a pay-per-use basis. However, we haven't included those cards in our list because the options for free service are clearly better.

Roadside Assistance From Other Credit Card Providers

We've got bad news and semi-bad news; there's little positive to say here.

Wells Fargo, Capital One, and Bank of America offer roadside assistance on a pay-per-use system across some of their credit cards, meaning all that's free is your phone call and linking you with someone who can provide help. You'll receive a bill once the tow truck or mechanic shows up. With Visa cards, for example, you'll pay $79.95 each time you obtain roadside assistance service.

You can use Google to find this information and then call a nearby mechanic, so the ability to call a help center really isn't much of a benefit.

There are also issuers that don't offer this benefit at all. In September 2019, Citi removed many of its travel and purchase protections across numerous credit cards. Sadly, roadside assistance was removed as a benefit for most cards and hasn't returned. A few months later, American Express eliminated Roadside Assistance benefits in January 2020.

Blue car on the bed of a tow truck.
Credit: Ifer Endahl/Unsplash

Related: The Master Guide to Credit Card Insurance Benefits

Final Thoughts

Complimentary roadside assistance is one of the hidden benefits of credit cards — a perk many cardholders may not realize they can use multiple times per year. Unlike other perks on your card, there's no requirement for enrollment or certain monthly activities to keep the roadside assistance benefit active. You receive the benefit free of charge simply for holding one of the cards on the list.

If you’re looking for free roadside coverage without paying a premium rewards card's annual fee, it’s hard to beat the United Explorer Card, which offers complimentary roadside assistance and the lowest annual fee on the list. That can provide real savings while helping you and your car get back on the road.

The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
Welcome Offer Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The New United℠ Explorer Card is Chase's mid-tier United card, providing an excellent mix of functional benefits and value. Notable perks include a credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fees​​, priority boarding​​, and a free first checked bag for the cardmember and a traveling companion on the same reservation, offering up to $160 in savings​​. Additionally, cardholders receive 25% back on inflight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights​​, and two one-time United Club℠ passes annually​​.
  • Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
  • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
  • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
  • Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
  • Over $400 in partner credits each year
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 2X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United®
  • 2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
  • 1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The New United℠ Explorer Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees), The New United Club℠ Card (Rates & Fees), The New United℠ Business Card (Rates & Fees), and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees)

AwardWallet Tip of The Day
Did you know that you have a personal referral link in your AwardWallet profile? If you invite people to AwardWallet using your referral link, you will receive an AwardWallet upgrade coupon for every five members you invite. Also, if these users upgrade to AwardWallet Plus, we will credit your AwardWallet account with AwardWallet Bonus points, which can be redeemed for points and miles in your program of choice. We spend roughly 50% of the revenue we receive from those referrals to purchase those miles for you. All of this can be tracked via the Invite to AwardWallet widget in the left navigation bar on your Accounts page.
Show me how

The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  • Just as the best way to keep track of points and miles is AwardWallet, the best insurance for roadside assistance for decades has been American Automobile Association membership at the Premier level 130 per year but you get free tows up to 100 miles (1 per year up to 200 miles). They will also assist if your vehicle refuses to start in your own garage. Along with various other travel benefits. It would be great if AwardWallet would review AAA membership.

  • Chase United MileagePlus Business card 1/16/22 — called and was told towing would be fully covered, 5 miles.
    She confirmed she could see my card, and this is because I called the specific phone number associated with this card, and that each card type has a specific phone number to call.

    I tried asking about how many times/how often I can use the benefits —
    I got redirected to call my Chase card’s phone number, who then redirected me to call a number for Chase United card’s benefits, who then redirected me back to the very first number.

    Per comparing between multiple blogs, I decided to chock it up as four services per calendar year, and possibly a rolling 12-month period.

    One blog also specified that we have to be within 50 miles of home — maybe I can try to confirm this later

  • I just looked at Chase’s website and called their roadside assistance number and the cost for a jump start is $69.95. It seems that is the “flat fee” they mention on Chase’s website. https://www.chase.com/card-benefits/benefit-details/slate/roadside-assistance

  • ToothMiles says:

    I don’t think Amex is offering roadside assistance any more.

  • Amex Plat Biz has taken 4 hours and now the rental company says i owe 130 over even though it is 4.1 miles

    These terms and conditions state 10 miles fully covered

    Disgraceful

  • This may be an old thread but people need to know that American Express is discontinuing their roadside service as of 12-31-2019. They charge $95 a year for what?

  • Linda Wessling says:

    Love the idea of a cheat sheet so I know which card to use for what. Can you give us a breakdown of benefits in a checkbox format like Consumer Reports and lots of others? Please???

  • USAA Roadside Assistance also subcontracts with Cross Country Motor Club at 1-866-860-7978. They use above average tow providers . A tow in major metropolitan area will run a lot more than $50. Mine was $180 for twenty mile drop-off for collision work. The vehicle did have to be stowed on a flatbed trailer.

  • BMO World Elite Mastercard also offers roadside assistance – free – up to 4 times per year. It comes with a $150 annual fee (though it is waived the first year).

  • Peter Clarke says:

    This is incorrect or I have been lied to. I have a United Explorer MileagePlus card and just got off the phone with them and they said it is NOT free and that there is a 69.95 charge every time, which is NOT a benefit at all. Definitely will keep this in mind and bring this up when I CHANGE credit card companies.

  • Thanks for this. I didn’t even know these cards had roadside assistance!

  • Did not know this info before. Nice to know. Got ambushed by big US Corp “H”. Next trip if Time permits local dealer or body shop

  • Great information, I did not know this. I have a few of those cards so I am good to go.

  • I had forgotten about this! Argh I could have just used that! Oh well, next time. So we would call that number you listed?
    Is it on the back or through calling Chase too? I will forget it and of course lose any paper I’ve written it down on.

  • Good reference post to bookmark when you need it.

  • lisatolliver says:

    I’ve learned both from personal experience, over the years, and vicariously to carry both a primary and a backup roadside assistance plan.

    Some worthwhile options to consider, in addition to the aforementioned roadside assistance plans offered by credit card issuers, are roadside assistance plans offered by some auto insurers, by some vehicle manufacturers (e.g., ToyotaCare), by AARP, and by some mobile phone service providers. For example, a Sprint PCS perq is free AAA basic membership (customers can pay the difference if they want higher level AAA plans).

  • charles j says:

    I don’t drive, but do you know if you can get this benefit if you are stuck in (or outside) someone else’s car?

  • Alice Chen says:

    I had no idea this was even a possible perk!

  • Makes me wonder why anyone pays for AAA.

  • Your car insurance offer this, why do you need it in a card?

  • Andrew Bi says:

    Roadside assistance should be the last thing to value when looking at a new card. Purchase protection and extended warranty features are much more valuable. Free iPhone insurance that covers accidents and losses with no deductible vs something I already get with my CAA membership? No thanks.

  • Handy niche, thanks for the compilation

  • I didn’t know ANY card offered roadside assistance.

    Perhaps it is worth it to ditch my AAA memership

  • Really did not know about it, great idea..Thanks for the heads up.

  • @Lee Ann says: “Now only to remember to use the right card!”

    Yes, it almost requires a cheat sheet to know which one to pull out in which situation these days! 🙂

  • What’s the typical cost of the services? Since Chase has the $50 limit, I’m wondering if one of the other cards would be better to have.

    • I had a tire changed for less than $50. So it worked for that. Just call the number on the back of the card.

  • Great to know but $50 for each event with the CSR, isn’t much, when companies charge a lot for just showing up let alone the addition of a tire change or jump.

  • Never knew about this benefit!

  • Extremely useful post – thanks! I really had no idea this coverage was so comprehensive. I am going to print this and put a copy in each car.

    Thanks Howie!

  • After the AAA left us stranded overnight in the car without any help for 12 hours, I will definitely look at the option of having a card that covers the road assistance. Thanks for finding this.

  • deerseason says:

    That 50 dollar limit makes me anxious with Chase, which is the only one I have. Luckily hasn’t been an issue yet, and it’s better than nothing!

  • This is also so great for when you’ve rented a car in travels and need assistance!

  • I have a paid AAA membership for my wife and me. I have the CSR and my wife has the United Mileage Plus Explorer. Not sure if I should renew the AAA?

  • A lot of these cards have services and perks most people never utilize. Good to see articles like this to help remind people

  • I didn’t realize these cards have roadside assistance. To be honest I’ve always used AAA and have been satisfied.

  • MICHAELJ1 says:

    This will be of immense help. Thank you.

  • I like perks… but to be honest.. I have AAA and it is always a hassle to use it…

  • Thanks for the information. Now only to remember to use the right card!

  • Good perk to know about, thanks!

  • Our Sapphire Reserve is definitely making up for it’s annual fee with one tow and one flat tire this year.

  • I love CSR. It is the best card for traveling.

  • This is a great benefit to have and shouldn’t have to cost much money. I hope that the banks decide to add this benefit to more cards.

  • So good to know!

  • I had no idea. Thanks.

  • I even didn’t know about it!!! thank you

  • Thanks for the summary. I had no idea cards offered these types of benefits.

  • I honestly did not know that these cards provided roadside assistance. I have paid for at AAA membership for years and have used it. I will now have to reassess to see if it is worthwhile keeping that membership. On the other hand, I do take a vantage of the AAA discounts so it might be a wash.