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Taking advantage of your credit card benefits can help you get more value from your card. To check your credit card benefits, log in to your card issuer's website or mobile app and look for a benefits or rewards section, or call your card's customer service number.
How to Check Your Credit Card Benefits
Credit card issuers typically provide information about credit card benefits when you open an account. If you've misplaced your benefits information or you aren't sure which benefits your card offers, you can check your account online or contact your card issuer.
Check Your Card Issuer's Website or Mobile App
The easiest way to check your credit card benefits is to log in to your card issuer's website or mobile app.
- Log in to your credit card account.
- Select the specific credit card you want to check. Benefits may vary among individual credit card products, even when they're offered by the same issuer.
- Look for a benefits section. It may also be called "Rewards," "Card Benefits" or something similar. The exact phrasing can vary between credit card issuers.
- Review or download the card's benefits guide. Consider saving a copy so you can refer to the terms when you need to use a benefit.
Call Your Card's Customer Service Number
You can also contact your credit card issuer directly to learn about your benefits.
- Call the number on the back of the credit card.
- Ask the representative for a list of benefits available with your specific card.
- If you're checking a particular benefit, ask about eligibility requirements, how to activate or use the benefit, coverage limits and exclusions.
- Ask where you can find the benefit's terms and conditions in writing for future reference.
Understanding Your Credit Card Benefits
Before using a credit card benefit, review the benefits guide to understand how the benefit works and what's covered. Coverage limits, eligibility requirements, exclusions and other restrictions may apply. Some benefits may require enrollment or you may have to submit a claim, provide a receipt or pay a deductible for coverage.
Here are some benefits commonly offered by credit cards.
- Rewards: You can earn points, miles or cash back on eligible purchases. After you've accumulated a set amount of rewards, you can redeem them for a statement credit, hotel stay, flight, gift cards and more. Redemption options and reward values vary by card.
- Travel benefits: Some credit cards offer travel-related benefits such as baggage delay insurance, trip delay and cancellation coverage, lost luggage protection and roadside assistance. Requirements vary by card, and generally you need to have booked travel with your credit card to use the travel benefits.
- Purchase protection: With purchase protection, your credit card may replace or reimburse you for purchases that are accidentally damaged or stolen within a specific period after purchase. Coverage limits, eligible purchases and exclusions vary by card.
- Extended warranty: Credit card extended warranties offer additional warranty time after the original manufacturer's warranty expires. The extended warranty protection is automatic when you make a purchase using a credit card that offers the benefit. The length of additional coverage and claim limits may apply.
- Cellphone protection: Some credit cards offer cellphone insurance protection when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card. Cellphone protection may replace or repair your stolen or damaged cellphone, subject to a deductible or limit.
- Concierge services: Some credit cards offer concierge services that can help with tasks like buying tickets to events, making reservations or delivering gifts.
Tip: Read your credit card's benefits guide before you need to use a benefit. Knowing the eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions ahead of time can help you avoid surprises when you file a claim.
Are Your Credit Card's Benefits Right for You?
Even when a card's benefits sound good, it's important to make sure they make sense for your lifestyle and spending habits, especially if the card comes with an annual fee. Credit card issuers can change benefits and their terms over time. It's a good idea to periodically review your current credit card benefits and consider which ones you actually use or are likely to use.
If your credit card benefits aren't a good match, you may be able to switch to another credit card with the same issuer. This process, known as a product change, may allow you to move to a new credit card without a credit card application. In some cases, you can keep your existing credit limit and account history while gaining access to a credit card that suits you better.
Another option is to compare credit cards from other credit card issuers. Compare the benefits, rewards, fees and spending categories offered by each card and consider which features you're more likely to use.
The Bottom Line
Checking your credit card benefits can help you take advantage of your credit card perks and protections you already have. If you're considering a new credit card, Experian's credit card comparison platform can help you compare offers side by side so you can evaluate their features, rewards and fees.