3 Secret Travel Card Perks You're Missing Out On
Introduction: The Hidden Gold in Your Wallet
Do you have a travel credit card? Most people do. But here is a secret. You are probably not using all its benefits. Many cardholders focus on points and miles. They forget about other valuable perks. These hidden benefits can save you money. They can make your trips better. And they are already paid for.
Credit card companies want to attract customers. They offer many extras. But these extras are not always advertised well. You need to know where to look. This article will show you three forgotten perks. We will explain how to use them. You will learn how to get more value from your card. Let's begin our journey into the world of hidden benefits.
According to a NerdWallet study, the average cardholder uses less than half of their card's benefits. That means you might be leaving money on the table. These perks are part of what you pay for with annual fees. So using them makes your card more valuable.
1. Trip Delay Insurance: Your Safety Net
What Is Trip Delay Insurance?
Trip delay insurance helps when your travel plans go wrong. It covers unexpected costs. These costs happen when your flight is delayed. Or when your cruise is late. Or when any other common carrier has problems.
This benefit pays for meals. It pays for hotels. It pays for toiletries and other essentials. You need these things when stuck somewhere. The coverage usually starts after a certain delay time. This is often 6 or 12 hours. Check your card's terms to know the exact rules.
Why People Forget This Perk
Many travelers do not know about this insurance. They think their airline will help them. But airlines often do not cover hotel costs. They might give you a food voucher. But that is usually not enough.
Other people know about the benefit. But they forget in the moment. When travel goes wrong, stress is high. You might not think about your credit card benefits. That is why you need to plan ahead.
How to Use Trip Delay Insurance
First, know your card's policy. Keep a copy of your benefits guide. You can find this online. Or call customer service. Know the required delay time. Know what expenses are covered.
When a delay happens, keep all receipts. Save boarding passes. Get documentation from the airline. This should show the delay reason and time. Then file a claim with your credit card company. Most have online claim forms.
Real Example: Sarah's flight from Chicago to Miami was delayed. The delay was 10 hours due to mechanical issues. She used her Chase Sapphire Reserve card's trip delay insurance. She got a hotel room near the airport. She bought dinner and breakfast. Her total claim was $300. The card paid it all.
2. Purchase Protection: Your Shopping Shield
Understanding Purchase Protection
Purchase protection covers your new purchases. It works like insurance. If you buy something with your card, it might be covered. Coverage typically lasts 90-120 days from purchase date.
This benefit helps in several situations. It covers theft. It covers damage. Some cards even cover loss. So if you break your new phone, you might get money back. If someone steals your laptop, you could be covered.
The Forgotten Benefit
Most people think about extended warranty. That is different. Purchase protection is more immediate. It covers accidents and theft. People often forget they have this coverage. They just accept their loss.
According to CreditCards.com, only 15% of eligible claims are actually filed. That means 85% of people who could get money back don't even try.
Making Purchase Protection Work for You
Always use your travel card for big purchases. This gives you automatic protection. Keep your receipts. Take photos of valuable items. This helps if you need to file a claim.
If something happens to your purchase, act quickly. Most policies require you to report within a certain time. Contact your card issuer. They will tell you what documents you need. Common requirements include police reports for theft.
Practical Tip: Make a folder on your phone for purchase receipts. Take photos of serial numbers. This makes claims easier.
3. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: Your Fast Pass
What Are These Programs?
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are trusted traveler programs. They help you get through airports faster. TSA PreCheck is for domestic flights. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck plus international benefits.
With these programs, you skip long security lines. You don't remove shoes. You don't take out laptops. You don't remove liquids. This saves time and stress.
Why This Perk Gets Overlooked
Many cardholders don't travel frequently. They think these programs are not for them. But even occasional travelers can benefit. The credit typically renews every 4-5 years. That matches the program membership period.
Other people don't know their card offers this credit. They pay the fee themselves. Then they miss out on free money.
How to Use the Fee Credit
First, check if your card offers this benefit. Many premium travel cards do. The credit is usually up to $100. This covers the full cost of either program.
Apply for the program through the official government website. Pay the fee with your eligible card. The credit should appear on your statement automatically. Some cards require you to enroll first. Check your specific terms.
Statistics: According to the Department of Homeland Security, TSA PreCheck members save an average of 5 minutes per security check. That might not sound like much. But it adds up over multiple trips.
Practical Tips Section: Making These Perks Work
Know Your Benefits
Review your card's benefits guide. Do this at least once a year. Benefits can change. New ones might be added. Make a list of your most valuable perks. Keep this list handy when traveling.
Set calendar reminders. Remind yourself to use certain benefits. For example, remind yourself about purchase protection when buying expensive items.
Document Everything
Keep good records. Save receipts for covered expenses. Take photos of damaged items. Get official documentation for delays. This makes claims easier.
Use digital tools. Many card issuers have mobile apps. These often include benefit information. Some even help you file claims.
Combine Benefits
You can sometimes use multiple benefits together. For example, use trip delay insurance during a trip. Use purchase protection for items you buy on the trip. Use Global Entry to speed through airports.
Think about benefit timing. Some benefits work best when planned ahead. Others help in emergencies. Know which is which.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Benefits
Step 1: Preparation
Before you need benefits, do your homework. Read your card's guide. Save the claims phone number and website. Know what documents you might need.
Step 2: Documentation
When something happens, document immediately. Take photos. Save receipts. Get official statements. The more evidence, the better.
Step 3: Contact
Reach out to your card issuer quickly. Many benefits have time limits for reporting. Ask about the claims process. Get claim forms if needed.
Step 4: Submission
Submit your claim with all supporting documents. Keep copies of everything. Follow up if you don't hear back.
Step 5: Tracking
Track your claim status. Most issuers have online tracking. Be patient but persistent.
Real World Examples
Example 1: The Delayed Honeymoon
Mark and Jessica were going to Hawaii. Their flight had mechanical problems. The delay was 14 hours. They used their Capital One Venture card's trip delay insurance. They got a hotel room and nice meals. The card covered $500 in expenses. Their honeymoon started a day late. But they were comfortable and happy.
Example 2: The Stolen Camera
David bought a new camera for his European vacation. It was stolen in Paris. He had used his American Express Platinum card. The purchase protection covered the full $800 cost. He filed the claim from his hotel. He had the money in two weeks.
Example 3: The Business Traveler
Maria travels for work every month. She used her card's Global Entry credit. Now she breezes through customs. She estimates saving 3 hours per month. That's 36 hours per year. Her time is valuable. This benefit gives her more family time.
FAQ Section
1. Do I need to register for these benefits?
It depends on the card. Some benefits work automatically. Others require registration. Check your card's terms. When in doubt, call customer service.
2. Are these benefits only for expensive cards?
No. Many mid-range cards offer good benefits. Even some no-annual-fee cards have valuable perks. Always check what your specific card offers.
3. What if I have multiple cards with similar benefits?
You can often combine benefits. But read the fine print. Some benefits might not stack. Use the card that gives you the best coverage for each situation.
4. How long do claims take to process?
Most claims process within 2-4 weeks. Complex claims might take longer. Provide complete documentation to speed things up.
5. Can I use these benefits for family members?
Sometimes. Many benefits cover immediate family traveling with you. Check your specific card agreement. Definitions of "family" vary.
6. What if my claim is denied?
Ask for an explanation. Sometimes you can provide additional information. You can often appeal denied claims. Be polite but persistent.
7. Do these benefits work outside the US?
Most do. But check geographic limitations. Some insurance might have country restrictions. Know before you go.
Statistics and Data
Let's look at some numbers. These show why these benefits matter.
- According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, about 20% of flights are delayed
- A NerdWallet analysis found trip insurance can cost $100-$200 per trip
- The TSA reports that 94% of PreCheck members wait less than 5 minutes
- Credit card purchase protection typically covers $500-$10,000 per claim
- Most trip delay insurance covers $500-$1,000 per trip
- Global Entry has over 10 million members according to Customs and Border Protection
Conclusion: Start Using Your Hidden Benefits
Your travel card is more than just a payment method. It is a package of valuable benefits. These perks can save you money. They can reduce travel stress. And they are already paid for through your annual fee.
The three benefits we discussed are often forgotten. But they are very useful. Trip delay insurance protects you when plans go wrong. Purchase protection covers your valuable items. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits save you time at airports.
Start using these benefits today. Review your card's benefits guide. Make a plan for how you will use them. Tell your friends and family about these hidden gems. Help them get more value from their cards too.
Remember, knowledge is power. Now that you know about these perks, you can travel smarter. You can shop with more confidence. You can navigate airports faster. Your card is waiting to help you. All you need to do is use it.
Safe travels and happy benefit hunting!