We all know the big hitters when it comes to credit card perks: purchase protection, travel rewards, and no foreign transaction fees. I’ve certainly written about them enough! However, I’m constantly amazed by the lesser-known benefits lurking in the fine print of credit card agreements. These hidden gems can provide serious value and peace of mind, and I want to share some of my favorites with you.

##

Cellphone Protection: A Lifesaver for the Clumsy (Like Me!)

Let’s face it, we’re all attached to our phones, and accidents happen. That’s where cellphone protection comes in, and I think it is an amazing feature. The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (check rates and fees) offers a fantastic benefit: it covers the cost of replacing a phone listed on your monthly bill, up to $1,000 per claim. You can make up to three claims in a 12-month period, subject to a $100 deductible per claim.

I actually used this perk a few years ago when I dropped my phone in a puddle during a particularly rainy trip. Paying the deductible was a lot better than shelling out hundreds for a brand-new phone! It’s a simple, yet effective perk that I think more cards should consider implementing. Furthermore, it can replace the need for smartphone insurance from a mobile provider, offering significant savings. Therefore, I highly recommend adding this to the list of things you check when considering a new card.

##

Free Trial Reminders: Say Goodbye to Unwanted Subscriptions

How many times have you signed up for a free trial, only to forget about it and get charged a hefty subscription fee? It’s happened to me more times than I care to admit. Fortunately, both Visa and Mastercard have implemented rules to protect cardholders from this exact scenario, which can be very helpful. I think this is a fantastic feature, and it helps to ensure that cardholders are protected from unwanted fees.

Visa, for example, requires merchants to send a reminder notification (email or text) at least seven days before initiating a recurring transaction after a trial, introductory offer, or promotional period expires. Mastercard has a similar rule: if the free trial lasts more than seven days, merchants must notify cardholders no less than three days and no more than seven days before the trial ends. They also have to include cancellation instructions with each payment after the trial, which is also a nice touch.

I find that the free trial reminders allow me to have one less thing to keep track of, and prevent unwanted charges. It’s a subtle perk, but a very valuable one.

##

Instant Card Numbers: Shop ‘Til You Drop (Immediately!)

In today’s digital world, instant gratification is the name of the game. Waiting for your new credit card to arrive in the mail can feel like an eternity, especially when you’re itching to make a purchase. That’s where instant card numbers come in. I remember applying for the American Express® Green Card a while back and was thrilled to receive an instant card number upon approval.

Since I tend to do much of my shopping online, it’s a huge benefit to be able to make purchases instantly once approved. Not all cards offer this, but I think it is a big plus to the application process. A lot of the time, it is only after approval that I really feel confident enough to fully research rewards programs and other perks. I also found it incredibly useful to have access to the card information immediately.

##

Maximizing Savings with Amex and Chase Offers

Amex Offers and Chase Offers are among my favorite ways to save money on everyday purchases. I look at them as opportunities to offset the annual fees on some of my premium cards.

Every American Express card, including The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, comes with access to Amex Offers. You can find these offers in your online account or the Amex app, typically as bonus Membership Rewards points or cash back promotions for spending a minimum amount with a specific retailer.

Chase has a similar program called Chase Offers. However, I personally find Amex Offers to be generally more lucrative, as they provide more retailer options with greater discounts. Nevertheless, they both provide great savings opportunities for cardholders, and should be reviewed regularly to take advantage of savings opportunities. I love that I can easily browse these offers and activate the ones that align with my spending habits. It’s essentially free money for purchases I was already planning to make!

##

Roadside Assistance: A Safety Net on Wheels

There’s nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road with car trouble. Fortunately, some credit cards offer roadside assistance as a benefit, and I think it is a useful benefit to consider. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (check rates and fees), for example, provides coverage for up to $50 for each “service event,” up to four events each year.

If you find yourself in a bind, you simply call the issuer’s roadside assistance hotline. After they verify your cardholder status, they’ll dispatch someone to help. I have not personally needed to use this benefit, but I appreciate the peace of mind it provides. Roadside assistance can cover things like jump starts, tire changes, and even towing. It’s a great way to avoid unexpected expenses and get back on the road quickly.

##

Streaming Benefits: Binge-Watch and Save

In the era of streaming services, it’s nice to see credit cards offering benefits in this area. Several cards provide credits or discounts on popular streaming platforms like Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, and Paramount+. The Amex Platinum, for example, offers up to $240 per calendar year in statement credits (up to $20 monthly) for eligible purchases at select partners. Enrollment is required, but it’s a simple way to save on your favorite streaming services.

Additionally, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers up to $7 statement credit each month (up to $84 annually) after spending $9.99 or more each month on an eligible Disney Bundle subscription (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+) using your card. Enrollment is required, and terms apply, but the savings can add up quickly. I love being able to combine my love of streaming with my credit card rewards. It’s a win-win situation!

##

The Bottom Line: Read the Fine Print and Reap the Rewards

Ultimately, the key takeaway is to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of your credit cards. You might be surprised to discover a wealth of hidden perks that can save you money, provide valuable protection, and enhance your overall experience. Therefore, I highly encourage cardholders to perform this review, and to make the most of their rewards programs.

From cellphone protection and free trial reminders to instant card numbers, Amex and Chase Offers, roadside assistance, and streaming benefits, there’s a lot to love beyond the standard rewards programs. So, dive into the details, and start taking advantage of those under-the-radar perks! You might find that your credit card is more valuable than you initially thought. I also hope that this blog post has highlighted some perks that you did not know existed, and how they can be beneficial. Happy swiping!