6 Credit Card Benefits You Should Activate Before Your Next Big Purchase
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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
Dropping a chunk of change on a new TV, washing machine or that espresso machine you swear you’ll use every morning? Your credit card might quietly be the smartest backup for those big-ticket buys — if you turn on the right perks first. Most shoppers never scratch the surface of what their card can do beyond earning a few points. Not you. Here’s what to know — and activate — before your next major purchase.
Check Out: Essential Dos and Don’ts for Using Credit Cards Wisely
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1. Purchase Protection: The ‘Oops’ Safety Net
Life happens. Items get knocked off counters, stolen at the gym or sabotaged by gravity an hour after arriving. With purchase protection, a good credit card covers damage or theft of your shiny new gadget, often for up to 90 days after buying.
To use it, always save those receipts and take a quick photo of the item when you unbox it, just in case. A claim form, receipt snapshot and police report (for theft) typically get the refund rolling.
2. Extended Warranty: Your Warranty’s Secret Backup
Most people forget what a headache a broken appliance or a fritzy laptop can be after the manufacturer’s warranty gives out. Plenty of major cards automatically tack on another year, after the original warranty ends, as long as you use that card to pay in full.
Say your TV dies at 14 months — two months after the manufacturer’s warranty runs out. An extended warranty from your credit card could save the day, getting you a replacement or repair without draining your emergency fund. File early, keep the original warranty and receipt, and you might never dread the word “repair” again.
3. Return Protection: For the Stuff That Sits by the Door
It’s the end of the month. You’ve got a stack of boxes by the front door — shoes that looked better online, gadgets that felt like a good idea at the time. The store’s return policy is up (maybe it’s “final sale” — maybe you just missed the 30-day window). Return protection steps in when the store says no, reimbursing you for eligible items within a set time frame after your purchase, commonly up to 90 days.
We’ve all let “I’ll get around to dropping this off” turn into “guess I’m stuck with it.” If your card offers return protection, that mistake doesn’t have to end with you out of luck. File with your credit card, and they might take the item back — even if the retailer won’t. Always check the benefit details — certain purchases (like auction items or event tickets) are typically excluded — but for electronics, clothes and home goods, it’s often a welcome plan B.
4. Bonus Categories: Stack Rewards Without Trying
If you’re about to make a big purchase, don’t leave rewards on the table. Cards that offer extra cash back or points on certain categories (think electronics, home improvement, department stores) can turn a routine buy into a hefty bonus. It pays to check your card’s bonus calendar or activate extra categories before you check out.
A $1,500 appliance on a 5% cash-back promo? That’s $75 for simply clicking “activate” and then shopping as usual. Stack this with other perks, and those points or cash back really add up on big purchases.
5. Sign-Up Bonuses: Make Your Spend Work Overtime
If you’re planning to shell out for something expensive, consider using a new rewards credit card with a sign-up bonus to your advantage. Meeting a $500 spend in three months for a $200 bonus? That new cell phone or game console can be the ticket. Timing counts — if you know a big spend is coming, open a card with a generous sign-up offer and let your planned purchase do double duty.
Of course, pay off the balance before interest hits, or you’ll wipe out any “bonus” in a hurry.
6. 0% Intro APR: Flexible Payments — No Interest Headaches
Some cards offer an introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases for a year (sometimes longer). This feature is simple but powerful: You buy the fridge or sofa you need now, and spread out the payments without paying a dime in interest — if you finish paying before the promo ends.
Divide the purchase by the months left in your zero-interest period and set up auto-pay. This way, that big buy won’t ambush your monthly budget or run up unnecessary fees.
Bottom Line
Before you buy, glance through your card’s benefits guide to confirm you’re covered. For big purchases, save all receipts and warranty info in a secure folder (a photo on your phone plus cloud backup works). Finally, don’t hesitate to file a claim: These features exist to be used, not just admired in the fine print.
Knowing and using these features turns a big-ticket purchase from a gamble into a strategic move. Next time you’re standing in an electronics aisle or eyeing that splurge, remember that a little perk-activation goes a long way.
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