Ever wonder if there's more to your credit card than traditional rewards? Certain cards offer exclusive rewards for their customers. Here are seven cards and the rewards they offer.
When choosing a credit card, few people take the time to consider all of the unique card benefits a particular card offers. Most people just want to know about a card's rewards program and annual fee.
That's too bad, because certain credit cards can offer some other extremely valuable benefits beyond the headline rewards programs. Common benefits include insurance for damage to a rental car, extended warranty coverage on large purchases, and even price protection policies. But there also are some more valuable, exclusive benefits that only certain cards offer.
Of course, some of the most valuable benefits come on cards with hefty annual fees. But, there are also no-annual-fee cards with unique features that might be more useful to the average consumer than perks on the high-fee cards designed mostly for frequently world travelers.
Here are seven of the most valuable credit card benefits you can only get by holding the right card.
1. Airport business lounge access, and a massage
There are plenty of premium reward credit cards that offer airport lounge access, but most of the lounges aren't that special. Your typical airline lounge may offer you a drink and a light snack, but not much else.
But if you have an American Express Platinum card, then you can enjoy complimentary access to the American Express Centurion Clubs, which are much nicer than the lounges offered by the airlines. These clubs feature gourmet meals, and some even include complimentary spa treatments and massages.
This card also offers access to the less luxurious, but more numerous Delta SkyClub and Priority Pass Select lounges. Other benefits include 5x points for airfare and hotel purchases, and a $200 annual airline fee credit.
There's a $550 annual fee for this card.
2. Mobile phone insurance
When your smartphone costs more than your computer, you live in constant fear of it being damaged or stolen. But when you pay for your monthly bill with certain Wells Fargo credit cards, then you automatically receive $600 worth of coverage with a $25 deductible. Coverage includes up to four phones listed on your bill. With similar insurance plans going for between $8 and $15 a month when you purchase them through your wireless carrier, this feature alone could save you $100 a year or more.
Cards with this service include the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card - a good choice for simple cash rewards that gives you 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase, with no annual fee. You can also get this feature on the no annual fee Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card - the Propel Card gives you 3X reward points at U.S. gas stations, 2X points at U.S. restaurants and 1X point on other purchases.
3. Free museum entrance
Bank of America offers the "Museums On Us" program to all credit card holders.
Under the program, you can earn free general admission to hundreds of museums around the country on the first full weekend of each calendar month -- just present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debt card and photo ID.
Participating museums in New York City include the American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and three branches of The Metropolitan Museum of Art; here's a full list.
See recommended Bank of America credit cards (with no annual fee) or learn why the Bank Americard Travel Rewards Card is one of our most recommended travel rewards credit cards iwth no annual fee.
4. Attending the Emmy Awards and other special events
If you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve cards, then you have the ability to purchase tickets to the Emmy Awards using your reward points! In 2016, prices started at $450 for two seats and went up to $3,000 for packages that included receptions before and after the ceremony.
Other events offered in Chase's On Location program include the Sundance Film Festival and events at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Sapphire Preferred offers 2x points on all dining and travel expenses, while the Sapphire Reserve offers 3x on those charges.
There's a $95 annual fee for the Sapphire Preferred and a $450 for the Sapphire Reserve.
5. First class upgrade priority
If you're a frequent traveler, and have elite status with the airline, then you always hope to get a frist class upgrade. Usually, these upgrades are determined by your level of status, how much you paid for your ticket, and when you bought it. But if you happen to have the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card from American Express, then you'll receive upgrade priority above others who have the same level of elite status.
This can make all the difference between enjoying first class and having to take your seat in economy. This card also includes all sorts of priority service upgrades (no matter where you're seated), as well as a Delta SkyClub airport lounge membership.
There's a $450 annual fee for this card.
6. A free night's hotel stay
When you book three consecutive hotel nights through Citi's travel service, your fourth night is free. This benefit works whether you're booking an inexpensive motel or a luxury resort.
This card offer 3x points on air travel and hotels, and 2x on dining and entertainment purchases. It also features a ton of other high-end benefits including airport business lounge access and $250 worth of annual air travel fee credits.
7. Companion airline ticket
Everyone loves a good buy-one-get-one free offer, but this is much more valuable when it's for an airline ticket.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card offers you a free companion airline ticket (plus taxes), each year when you renew your credit card. The SkyMiles Platinum card certificate is only valid for economy class flights within the 48 contiguous United States.
This card has a $195 annual fee. But, if you have the previously mentioned Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, it comes with a companion certificate that's valid for both economy and first class flights in 48 states.
Remember
You can find some unique credit card benefits beyond just cash back or travel miles -- if you know where to look. The next time you're thinking of getting a new card, consider what perks you might find useful beyond pennies back on every purchase. It might be exclusive access to first-class lounges when you travel or simply included mobile phone insurance to provide peace of mind.
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