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Hidden Credit Card Perks You Should Be Using to Save Money

Introduction

Credit cards are often viewed as tools for spending, but they also offer a variety of hidden perks and benefits that can help cardholders save money, earn rewards, and protect their finances. Many people are unaware of the extra advantages their credit cards provide, which can lead to missed opportunities for savings. In this article, we explore the hidden perks of credit cards and how you can maximize them to your advantage.

1. Cashback Rewards and Statement Credits

One of the most popular credit card benefits is cashback rewards. Instead of paying the full amount on purchases, cashback cards allow you to earn back a percentage of your spending, reducing overall costs.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Choose credit cards that offer higher cashback rates for categories you frequently spend on (e.g., dining, groceries, fuel, travel).
• Opt for cards that allow cashback redemption as a statement credit to directly lower your bill.

💡 Example: If your card offers 5% cashback on groceries and you spend ₹10,000 monthly, you save ₹500 per month or ₹6,000 per year just by using the right card.

2. Free Airport Lounge Access

Many premium credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access, allowing travelers to enjoy free food, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating while waiting for their flight.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Check if your credit card offers free domestic or international lounge access.
• Some cards require a minimum transaction per month to activate this benefit.

💡 Example: Cards like HDFC Regalia, SBI Elite, and ICICI Coral Credit Cards provide access to domestic and international airport lounges at no extra cost.

3. Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty

Many credit cards offer purchase protection against theft or damage within a specific period after purchase. Some even extend the manufacturer’s warranty for electronics and appliances.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Use your credit card to buy expensive items like smartphones, laptops, and home appliances.
• Check the card’s terms for claim procedures if an item is damaged or stolen.

💡 Example: A credit card with a one-year extended warranty on electronics means that a laptop with a standard one-year warranty now has two years of coverage if purchased using that credit card.

4. Complimentary Travel Insurance

Many credit cards come with free travel insurance, covering flight cancellations, lost baggage, or medical emergencies while traveling.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Book flights and hotels using your credit card to activate complimentary travel insurance.
• Check the coverage details, as some credit cards require a minimum booking amount.

💡 Example: Cards like Amex Platinum and SBI Prime Credit Cards provide free travel insurance worth ₹1 crore, including emergency medical coverage and trip delays.

5. Fuel Surcharge Waiver

Most banks offer fuel surcharge waivers, allowing you to save on fuel purchases when using specific credit cards.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Pay for fuel using your credit card at partner petrol pumps to avoid additional charges.
• Check your card’s monthly cap on surcharge waivers.

💡 Example: If your credit card waives a 1% fuel surcharge and you spend ₹5,000 monthly on fuel, you save ₹600 annually.

6. No-Cost EMI and Discounts on Electronics & Appliances

Credit cards often offer no-cost EMIs on expensive purchases, allowing cardholders to split payments over several months without extra interest.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Check with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Croma for available no-cost EMI offers.
• Use credit cards that provide exclusive discounts on electronics and home appliances.

💡 Example: If you purchase a ₹50,000 smartphone on a no-cost EMI over 6 months, you avoid paying extra interest, unlike traditional loans.

7. Credit Card Concierge Services

Many premium credit cards come with 24/7 concierge services that help with travel bookings, restaurant reservations, event tickets, and shopping assistance.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Call your credit card’s concierge helpline for assistance in planning vacations, securing reservations, or finding deals.

💡 Example: Some Visa Signature and Mastercard World Elite credit cards offer personalized concierge assistance for international travel bookings and dining.

8. Free Movie Tickets and Entertainment Offers

Many credit cards provide monthly BOGO (Buy-One-Get-One) movie ticket offers and discounts on streaming subscriptions.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Check if your credit card is partnered with BookMyShow, PVR Cinemas, or Inox for free or discounted movie tickets.
• Use your credit card to get discounted OTT subscriptions like Netflix, Hotstar, or Amazon Prime.

💡 Example: SBI Card Elite offers free movie tickets worth ₹6,000 annually, while ICICI Coral Credit Card provides BOGO offers on BookMyShow.

9. Reward Points for Everyday Spending

Most credit cards offer reward points for every transaction, which can be redeemed for gift vouchers, cashback, or flight bookings.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Check your credit card’s reward program to maximize points on categories like dining, shopping, and fuel.
• Redeem points for free air tickets, shopping vouchers, or even bill payments.

💡 Example: If your card offers 2 points per ₹100 spent and you spend ₹10,000 per month, you earn 2,400 points annually, redeemable for vouchers or travel bookings.

10. Dining Discounts and Gourmet Privileges

Many banks partner with restaurants to offer flat discounts or exclusive dining privileges to credit cardholders.

✅ How to Use This Perk:

• Use credit cards that offer up to 25% discounts on restaurant bills at partner outlets.
• Look for complimentary buffet offers, priority reservations, or curated chef experiences.

💡 Example: HDFC Diners Club and Amex Platinum cards provide up to 30% discounts at premium restaurants, making dining more affordable.

Conclusion

Credit cards are more than just payment tools—they offer hidden perks that can help users save money on travel, shopping, dining, and entertainment. By understanding and using these benefits wisely, cardholders can maximize savings, enhance their lifestyle, and enjoy premium experiences without extra costs. Check your credit card’s terms today to unlock hidden benefits that could be saving you thousands of rupees annually!

Source: Economic Times, "Maximizing Credit Card Benefits: Hidden Perks You Didn’t Know About," economictimes.com