9 Credit Card Perks You’re Probably Not Using (But Should Be)
Most of us don’t think too hard about our credit cards beyond swiping, tapping, and paying the bill at the end of the month. Maybe you’re earning some cashback, collecting airline miles, or racking up points toward a future splurge. But did you know your credit card might come with a set of hidden perks that could save you serious money, protect your purchases, and even upgrade your travel experience?
That’s right. Credit cards aren’t just for borrowing money or earning rewards—they can be your secret weapon for living a smarter, more financially savvy life. The catch? Most people have no idea these benefits exist because they’re buried deep in the fine print. So, while you’ve been dutifully paying for pricey add-ons like rental car insurance or extended warranties, your credit card could have been covering them all along—at no cost.
It’s time to change that. Here are 9 incredible credit card perks that you might not be using but absolutely should be.
1. Price Protection: Never Overpay Again
Have you ever bought something only to see it go on sale the next week? That sinking feeling of realizing you could have saved money is the worst. But what if I told you that some credit cards actually refund you the difference if an item you purchased drops in price shortly after? That’s exactly what price protection does.
Here’s how it works: If you buy an eligible item with your credit card and the price drops within a certain timeframe (usually 60 to 120 days), you can file a claim and get refunded for the difference. That means no more buyer’s remorse when those shoes you just splurged on suddenly go on clearance.
Not all cards offer this benefit anymore, but if yours does, it’s a total game-changer. It’s like having a personal shopping assistant that makes sure you never pay more than you should. To make the most of this perk, keep an eye on major purchases and set price alerts on websites like CamelCamelCamel or Honey.
2. Return Protection: When Stores Say No, Your Credit Card Says Yes
We’ve all been there—you buy something, get it home, and realize it’s just not working for you. Maybe it’s a dress that looked amazing in the fitting room but now feels all wrong, or a gadget that promised the world but just doesn’t deliver. You go to return it, and the store hits you with the dreaded “final sale” policy.
That’s where return protection comes in. Some credit cards will actually refund you the purchase price if a retailer refuses to take an item back, usually within 60 to 90 days. This means you’re not stuck with something you don’t want, and you get your money back with minimal hassle.
Of course, there are a few rules—typically, luxury items, used products, and perishable goods aren’t covered. But for those everyday purchases that don’t work out, this perk can be a lifesaver.
3. Cell Phone Protection: Stop Paying for Pricey Insurance
If you’re paying for separate phone insurance, you might be throwing money away. Many credit cards offer built-in cell phone protection if you pay your monthly phone bill with the card. This means that if your phone gets lost, stolen, or damaged, you could be reimbursed for repairs or even a replacement.
What’s the catch? There’s usually a small deductible (often around $50), but when you compare that to the $10-$15 monthly fee that phone carriers charge for insurance—not to mention the $200 deductible that often comes with those plans—it’s a much better deal.
Before you cancel your insurance plan, though, check the terms of your credit card’s coverage. Some have restrictions on the number of claims you can make per year, and others might not cover loss, just theft and damage. Either way, it’s a benefit that can save you a lot of money if you take advantage of it.
4. Travel Insurance: Because Travel is Expensive Enough
Booking a trip is exciting, but unexpected events—flight cancellations, lost luggage, or even a medical emergency—can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. The good news? If you paid for your trip with the right credit card, you might already be covered.
Many credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance, including trip cancellation protection, baggage delay coverage, and even emergency medical insurance while you’re abroad. That means if your airline loses your luggage or your flight gets delayed overnight, you could be reimbursed for necessary expenses like clothes, toiletries, and even a hotel stay.
The key is to know what your credit card covers before you travel. Some offer better protection than others, so take a few minutes to read through your benefits guide. You might find that you don’t need to pay extra for that travel insurance plan after all.
5. Extended Warranty: A Free Upgrade on Your Gadgets
When you buy a new gadget, appliance, or electronic device, the cashier almost always asks if you want to purchase an extended warranty. And let’s be real—most of us decline because those extra protection plans feel like a scam. But here’s a little secret: many credit cards automatically extend the manufacturer’s warranty at no additional cost.
That means if your laptop, washing machine, or fancy espresso machine breaks down after the standard warranty expires, your credit card could have you covered. Typically, this benefit extends the original warranty by one additional year, but some premium cards offer even longer protection.
If you’re making a big purchase, it’s worth checking whether your credit card offers this perk. It’s an easy way to save money while ensuring you don’t have to pay out of pocket for unexpected repairs.
6. Rental Car Insurance: Say No to That Overpriced Add-On
We’ve all been there—standing at the rental car counter, being pressured into paying an extra $20 or more per day for collision insurance. But if you use the right credit card to book your rental, you could skip that fee entirely.
Many credit cards offer a collision damage waiver (CDW), which covers damage to the rental car if you get into an accident. The best part? It’s usually included at no extra cost as long as you decline the rental company’s insurance.
It’s important to note that this coverage usually doesn’t include liability insurance, meaning if you damage someone else’s car or property, you might not be covered. Still, for most travelers, this perk alone can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a trip.
7. Free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: Skip the Security Line
If you hate waiting in long airport security lines, your credit card might be able to help. Many travel-focused cards reimburse the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four to five years.
This means you could get through security faster, keep your shoes on, and avoid the hassle of removing laptops and liquids from your bag. Global Entry is an even better deal because it includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs clearance when returning to the U.S. from abroad.
8. Airport Lounge Access: Travel Like a VIP Without the Extra Cost
Airports can be chaotic, loud, and just downright exhausting. Between long layovers, delayed flights, and overpriced airport food, it’s not exactly the most glamorous part of travel. But what if you could escape all of that and relax in a quiet, comfortable lounge with free snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and even showers?
Many premium credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access, giving you a VIP experience without the extra cost. Some cards partner with Priority Pass, which grants entry to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, while others provide access to airline-specific lounges.
If you’re a frequent traveler, this perk is a total game-changer. Instead of spending $15 on a mediocre sandwich or fighting for an outlet in a crowded terminal, you could be sipping on a cappuccino in a cozy lounge, recharging your devices, and catching up on emails in peace.
Not all cards come with lounge access, and some require you to enroll before using this benefit, so check your credit card’s terms to see if you’re eligible. If you travel often, this alone could be worth signing up for a premium travel card.
9. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Stop Paying Extra While Traveling Abroad
If you’ve ever used your credit card while traveling internationally, you might have been hit with an unexpected charge—a foreign transaction fee. These sneaky little fees typically add an extra 2-3% to every purchase made in a foreign currency. That might not seem like much, but it can add up quickly on a long trip.
The good news? Many travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees entirely, allowing you to spend abroad without the extra cost. That means when you buy a croissant in Paris or a handcrafted souvenir in Tokyo, you’re not paying extra just for using your card.
Before you travel, take a look at your credit card’s terms to see if foreign transaction fees apply. If they do, consider using a card that waives them—it’s an effortless way to save money while exploring the world.
Don’t Let These Perks Go to Waste
Your credit card isn’t just a tool for spending—it’s packed with hidden benefits that could save you money, protect your purchases, and upgrade your travel and lifestyle experiences. The best part? Many of these perks require no extra effort beyond using your card strategically.
Now that you know about these benefits, it’s time to start using them. Take a few minutes to review your credit card’s perks and see which ones apply to you. You might be surprised at how much value you’ve been leaving on the table.
So the next time you book a trip, make a big purchase, or head out for a night on the town, remember: your credit card might just be your secret weapon for getting more, spending less, and living smarter.
