hidden benefits of credit cards you probably didnt know

Hidden Benefits of Credit Cards You Probably Didn't Know

Many credit card holders are not aware of the awesome perks that credit cards offer. This Buzzle article will tell you about the hidden benefits of credit cards you probably didn't know.

Did You Know?
One of the top credit card companies also offers a cell phone replacement insurance if the phone gets stolen or damaged!
It means that you will have to co-pay a certain fixed amount for the phone, pay your phone bill through the credit card, and file a police report. If everything falls in place, you will get a limited amount from your credit card company to buy a new cell phone. But don't forget your phone somewhere; the credit card company is not going to cover the loss. While many people are aware of the usual benefits of owning a credit card, they do not know about the hidden perks which come with it. We carry out a lot of transactions through the credit card and pay a lot of hard-earned money as fees. It is high time we start exploring the hidden benefits offered by credit cards. In fact, you should ask your credit card provider to inform you about all the benefits of using the card. There are many such benefits which will surprise you and leave you thinking why you didn't know of them earlier. Never mind, this Buzzle article intends to provide you with information about the hidden benefits of credit cards that you probably didn't know. It is recommended that you consult your credit card provider about the perks offered, as they differ from company to company.
Price Protection
Now this one is a terrific way to save money. If you buy something using your credit card and find the same thing at a lesser cost somewhere else within 30 to 60 days of buying, your credit card company will refund the difference to you. Of course, this will happen only if you produce the original receipt and a print ad which displays the same product having a lower price. Certain high-end electronic goods which can have price fluctuations are excluded from this scheme. Remember, there is a limit set for this, but you can always use this scheme to your advantage.
Discounts
See it to believe it. Your credit card can actually help you get clothes, cosmetics, flowers, movie tickets, gifts, etc. All you have to do is log into your credit card company's website and go to the shopping section where you will find great discount schemes on products of famous brands. Try to calculate how much you will save if you buy from this section. You will save a lot of money this way. And don't forget to calculate all the credit card points that you will accumulate after making the purchases.
Emergency Travel Assistance
Imagine that you go abroad for a trip and get your leg fractured. You do not know where to search for help in a foreign country. All you have to do is call up your credit card company's customer service line, and they will help you find a doctor. Not only this, but they will also assist you to locate an international hospital and replace your passport if it gets stolen. They may also offer you 24/7 translation services in 60 international languages. You will be charged for these services though.
Extended Warranties
You really don't have to pay extra and buy extended warranties on the purchases made through your credit card. Your credit card company with match with the warranty of the store or manufacturer, up to a duration of one year. That means, your credit card will provide you with an extra year of warranty. If anything happens to the product when it is not on the manufacturer's warranty but is on the credit card company's warranty period, it will reimburse you the cost of repairs or will replace it.
Travel Cancellation Insurance
Only a few cards offer this service. If your travel plans are thwarted by an emergency (death of a family member and/or injury), illness, or delay, your credit card will offer a trip cancellation insurance which will reimburse you the charges for nonrefundable flights. Some cards even cover the cost of meals and hotel stay, if you are stranded at a place during your trip due to a snowstorm. In case of illness, a doctor's note is mandatory. To avail this facility, you may have to pay a nominal fee before you go on your trip. There are many terms and conditions for this facility but it is worth the effort.
Roadside Assistance
Imagine this. Your car breaks down on a deserted road and you are left stranded with nothing but your cell phone. You don't know whom to call for help. Dial your credit card customer service line right away. The credit card customer service representatives will help you by sending a tow truck and also offer services like tire changes, jump-starts, etc. Remember that these services do not come for free and you will be charged a flat fee for the service call. You won't be getting any discount on the services. But you will at least be getting help when you need it the most.
Assistance with Car Shopping
In the car-buying program of a leading credit card company, they have set up an online interface where you need to enter the details of the car that you intend to buy. This will be supplemented with low-price quotations and a list of certified dealers who will be willing to sell you the car. This should save you a lot of money and the hassle of negotiating. The best part is that if you find a similar car with a better deal somewhere else, the difference will be refunded to you. Of course, you will only have a limited time of three days for this. But this could really help you get a good deal from reliable dealers. Isn't this amazing?
Cash Availability
Forget paying fees for cash advances; you can now use your credit card as a debit card. One of the leading credit card companies has started a program where the credit card holders use their credit card to get cash over the purchases they made with a retailer. All you have to do is show the credit card and get cash from the retailer. This will save you another trip to the ATM. Also, you will not have to pay any transaction fee, ATM fee, or bank fee. However, the regular APR applies to the cash and there is a limit of $120 daily for this. This facility is highly beneficial when you need cash immediately and when you are not carrying any of your debit cards. Who would have thought that there are so many benefits of owning a credit card? Apart from the ones mentioned above, credit card companies offer other facilities like extended return policies, chargebacks, car rental insurance, guaranteed returns, etc. Now that you know about the hidden benefits of credit cards, do some research and apply for a card that offers the maximum perks.

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