If you read TPG regularly, you probably know about the most common, most beneficial credit card perks out there — things like purchase protections and no foreign transaction fees.
However, there are still other powerful perks in the fine print of credit card agreements as well.
Let's highlight some of the best under-the-radar benefits on cards that can help you if the need arises.
Cellphone protection
A perk of the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) is that it covers the cost of replacing a phone listed on your monthly cellphone bill up to $1,000 per claim — for up to three claims in a 12-month period (subject to a $100 deductible per claim).
Instead of paying extra for smartphone insurance from a mobile provider, some credit card holders are already covered if their devices are damaged or stolen.
Related: Quick Points: Link a credit card with cellphone protection to your mobile bill
Reminder about free trials ending
Those who struggle to keep count of how many subscriptions they've signed up for will appreciate this perk: Both Visa and Mastercard have instituted rules that merchants must abide by when billing cardholders after a free trial promotion.
For instance, Visa’s rule says that merchants must send a reminder notification — such as an email or text — at least seven days before initiating a recurring transaction after a trial, introductory offer or promotional period is about to expire.
With Mastercard, if the free trial lasts more than seven days, merchants must notify cardholders no less than three days and no longer than seven days before the trial's end. In addition, each payment after the trial must include a receipt with instructions for canceling if you decide to do so.
Instant card number
Those who have the American Express® Classic Green Card (no longer accepting applications) may get the option of receiving an instant card number, which comes in handy if you’ve ever been approved for a card and wanted to use it toward a big purchase right away.
The information for the Amex Classic Green has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Since so many purchases are now digital, it's especially helpful that most American Express cardholders can immediately start using their new cards digitally once their application is approved.
Related: Credit cards that offer instant card numbers upon approval
Amex and Chase offers
Additionally, Amex and Chase merchant offers are incredibly helpful. These offers can help offset a card's annual fees since they’re available for shopping that most of us would already do anyway.
All American Express cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, come with access to Amex Offers.
You’ll see all the Amex Offers available to you if you scroll down to “Amex Offers & Benefits” on your online account page or click on the “Offers” tab in the Amex app. Typically, these are bonus Membership Rewards points or cash back promotions for spending a minimum amount with a specific retailer.
Chase has something similar with its Chase Offers program. However, we find Chase’s program to be less lucrative overall since there are fewer retailer options, and offers are generally not as highly discounted.
Roadside assistance
Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) offer roadside assistance, which covers up to $50 for each “service event,” up to four events each year, when you run into car trouble.
For most issuers, if you find yourself in a jam, you’ll just have to call the issuer’s roadside assistance hotline and get connected to an agent. Once they confirm you’re a cardholder through your phone number, they’ll ask for some details of my issue and send someone out to help.
Related: 5 best credit cards that offer roadside assistance
Streaming benefits
Finally, several cards offer nifty benefits and credits for streaming services, including some of the most popular ones like Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu and Paramount+.
The Amex Platinum, for example, offers up to $300 per calendar year — disbursed as up to $25 monthly statement credits when you pay for eligible purchases with this card at eligible partners. Enrollment is required.
You’ll pay first and then receive reimbursement an average of two days later. You can also use the card’s up to $12.95 monthly statement credit for one Walmart+ membership for free access to Paramount+ or Peacock (enrollment required for both Walmart+ and Paramount+ or Peacock). With the Walmart+ credit, Plus Ups are not eligible, and you will be subject to auto-renewal.
There’s also the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, which offers an up to $7 statement credit each month (up to $84 back annually) on eligible Disney streaming purchases. (which includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+) using your card. Valid at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Enrollment is required; subscription is subject to auto-renewal.
Use these or other cards to save money ahead of your next streaming binge.
Related: Best cards for streaming services
Bottom line
No matter what cards you have in your wallet, it’s important to comb through the terms and conditions to understand other perks that may be available to you simply for being a customer.
From keeping you covered when you’re driving a rental car to paying you extra points for staying in shape, many credit cards come with some extra reasons to swipe, or even simply have in the sock drawer.
Related: The best credit cards
