Credit cards can be used for small- to big-ticket purchases and for earning cashback — all in one convenient swipe. But that’s not all that they have to offer. To help you fully utilize your card, here are the top 6 perks on credit card that you have been ignoring:
- Discount on Retail and Online Shopping
Many credit card issuers tie up with leading online shopping portals or retail houses to offer customized discounts to their customers. These discounts are in addition to what you may already be getting on your card. They can be checked on your credit card issuer’s official website and their mobile applications. You can benefit by up to 20% just by staying alert with respect to discount offers.
- Reward Points and Air Miles
When applying for a credit card, one of the criteria we look at is the reward points, but rarely do we actually use the points accumulated! Most of the cards offer 2 -5 rewards points or miles for every Rs. 200 spent using the card. These points can be redeemed to make purchases available on the card issuer’s rewards page. Miles can be redeemed when booking flights or making a hotel reservation at partner merchant sites. These points can easily help you save in thousands.
- Concierge Services
Almost all credit card issuers offer round-the-clock concierge services. These services can assist you in booking movie and concert tickets, making hotel and dinner reservations, booking flight tickets, sending gifts to your friends and family, among others. The best part these are free services!
- Roadside Assistance
We also often overlook the emergency auto services that our credit cards offer. For instance, ICICI offers emergency towing, roadside repair and even alternative travel assistance as part of its i-Assist services. Similar support is also provided by other issuers as well, such as Citibank
- Insurance Against Fraudulent Transaction
One of the main concerns regarding credit card usage is the unauthorised transactions made due to loss or theft of credit card. For example, IndusInd’s “Total Protect” program gives cover of up to the same amount as the credit limit on your card (and add-on card) in case of fraudulent transactions. SBI Card Elite too offers fraud liability cover of up to Rs 1 lakh.
- Travel and Health Insurance
Most cards come with insurance plans that people can benefit from but we rarely check this feature. Did you know you get travel and health insurance on your card? HDFC’s Regalia offers coverage for emergency hospitalization when travelling abroad for up to Rs 10 lakhs. In fact Citibank provides an all-comprehensive insurance package – overseas health cover, accidental death and dismemberment, travel inconvenience and home insurance.