8 Credit Card Benefits Worth Activating Before You Book Your Next Trip
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Written by
Dia Adams
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Edited by
Amen Oyiboke-Osifo
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Reviewed by
Jasmin Baron
Most folks think their credit card rewards end at the sign-up bonus, but there’s a hidden world of perks that can either save a ruined vacation or simply make travel less of a hassle. The catch? These benefits only work if you know about them and actually use them. Before you start booking flights, hotels or that “totally necessary” convertible in Maui, check these perks and put them to work.
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1. Emergency Medical and Evacuation Coverage: The Safety Net You Didn’t Know You Needed
No one heads overseas planning to get sick or break an ankle, but ask around: Medical emergencies abroad are the stuff of legend (and bankruptcies). Many decent travel credit cards quietly include travel insurance and even emergency evacuation if a trip takes a turn for the worse. You don’t have to fill out extra paperwork — usually, just pay for your trip with the card, and coverage kicks in.
Before takeoff, pull up your card’s benefits guide and drop the claim hotline number into your notes. Even if you never need it, knowing it’s there means fewer 3 a.m., “Will my insurance cover this?” panics.
2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption: When Plans Get Sidelined
Sometimes the universe lobs a wrench — think a hurricane, a broken leg or a family emergency that cancels your trip just as it begins. Card-based trip cancellation (and interruption) coverage means you can get reimbursed for prepaid flights, hotels or tours when things fall apart for a covered reason. No add-on insurance policy needed; you’re covered as long as you paid the fare with the card. Life happens. Your vacation budget shouldn’t vanish either.
3. Rental Car Collision Waiver: Dodge the Desk Upsell
A rental agent’s favorite sport? Convincing travelers to shell out $25 a day for insurance. If you’ve got a halfway competitive travel credit card, you can skip that pitch — collision damage and theft are often handled automatically, provided you pay for the rental with your card and skip the agency’s overpriced coverage. Print out your benefit summary before you travel to help the process if needed (some rental clerks get a little salty, especially overseas).
Just remember: Rental car collision waivers cover the car, not you. Liability for injuries or property damage is another thing altogether, so double-check your needs (and policy back home) before you hit the gas. If you don’t already own a car, you would be well served to pay for liability coverage.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Swipe Without Surprises
There’s nothing like dropping $50 on tapas, only to come home to an extra $1.50 on your queso frito. Plenty of cards still whack you with up to 3% in foreign transaction fees. Save the money and frustration: bring a card that waives foreign transaction fees everywhere you plan to spend, including online shops based overseas.
5. Airport Lounge Access: Your Secret Oasis
A credit card with airport lounge access can flip a dreaded layover into a mini-retreat. We’re talking snacks, Wi-Fi, showers and the blissful absence of gate crowd chaos. The most common airport network, Priority Pass, requires registration before you go (wait until the airport and you’re out of luck). As the travel world gets more hectic, this perk is worth activating in advance — if only for the free cappuccino during a delayed connection.
6. Priority Security: Skip the Lines (Legally)
Wishing you could breeze through TSA while everyone else pulls out their laptop? Many travel cards will cover the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry; some will even subsidize CLEAR® Plus for even faster access. Don’t wait for vacation week to apply — get this perk rolling weeks ahead so approval (and that reimbursement) lands before your trip.
7. Travel Concierge and 24/7 Help
Lost passport? Flight rebooked at the other end of the airport? Some cards come with a concierge who can help with things like booking dinner or show tickets, or finding a doctor when you’re stuck in the wrong timezone. Put their number in your phone before you head out — you’d be shocked how much stress a quick call can solve.
8. Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection
Luggage destroyed by a rogue baggage handler, or your new camera fizzles overseas? Many travel cards double the original manufacturer’s warranty and toss in purchase protection for theft or damage, often up to 90 days post-purchase. Make sure you buy with the right card and keep your receipts while traveling — you’ll thank yourself the first time your new suitcase breaks in Berlin.
Bottom Line
Here’s a quick checklist before you hit the “buy now” button:
- Use your travel card to pay for bookings
- Register for lounge and security perks in advance
- Download or print your card’s perks guide (and coverage proof)
- Save all receipts and confirmations in one folder — digital or paper
Most travelers miss out on these perks just because they don’t know they exist. Don’t be like most travelers. Use everything your card offers — it could be the difference between a travel disaster and a minor hiccup.
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