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Don’t Leave Free Money On The Table
Your card does way more than just earn points. Here's how to unlock phone insurance, travel protections and perks you're already paying for but probably not using.
Richard Yoon
September 18, 2025
Most people toss their credit card’s “Guide to Benefits” PDF in the trash. But guess what? That boring doc is where the real magic hides—insurance policies, refunds, and upgrades that can literally pay you back.
Let’s dig into the treasure chest of benefits you’ve been overlooking.
Find What Your Looking For Here
🗿The “Holy Grail” Perks (The Big Ones Everyone Misses)
These are the game-changers, the ones that can literally save you hundreds of dollars in a pinch.
📱 Cell Phone Protection:
What it is: Arguably the best perk you’ve never used. Simply pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible card, and it might cover your phone if it gets cracked, stolen, or drowned in a tragic poolside accident.
The Catch: You usually have to activate this benefit each year. A quick online sign-up is all it takes for potential savings of $200+.
Pro Tip: This is often on cards with annual fees, but not always! Check your guide.
🛡️ Purchase Protection:
What it is: You buy something new and within 90-120 days, it breaks, gets stolen, or gets lost. Your credit card may refund or replace it.
Real Talk Example: You finally buy that nice camera to shoot cinematic travel videos. You drop it on day 89. Or you go out with your fancy Prada sunglasses perched on your shirt... and come home without them. Purchase protection has your back.
🔧 Extended Warranty:
What it is: This one is beautifully simple. It automatically extends the manufacturer’s warranty on most items you buy. If the product comes with a 1-year warranty, your card may extend it to 2 years. Free. No hassle.
↩️ Return Protection:
What it is: Your ultimate "get-out-of-jail-free" card for buyers' remorse. Bought something, changed your mind, but the store has an "all sales final" policy? If it's within a specific window (often 90 days), your credit card might refund you the purchase price.
Perfect for: That impulse buy that looked so good in the store and so bad in your apartment.
🛩️The Travel Game-Changers (Beyond Free Bags)
If you ever leave your house, these perks are worth their weight in gold.
😷 Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance:
What it is: You booked a non-refundable flight and hotel. Then you get strep throat, or a family emergency comes up. This benefit can reimburse you for those prepaid, non-refundable expenses. It’s a crucial safety net that makes booking trips less stressful.
🚗 Rental Car Coverage:This is the huge one. Automatically shuttle money to your savings account the day after you get paid.
What it is: This lets you confidently decline the rental company's overpriced Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) because your credit card provides primary or secondary coverage.
!!! READ THE FINE PRINT !!!: This is the most important part. It often doesn’t cover certain countries (like Ireland, Italy, Israel), exotic vehicles, or large SUVs. Always check your guide before you rent!
🎫 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Credits:
What it is: Many premium cards will automatically reimburse the application fee every 4-5 years. That’s $100 for TSA PreCheck or $100 for Global Entry. This is quite literally free money to skip the long security lines.
🍹 Airport Lounge Access:
What it is: The ultimate escape from the chaotic, overpriced terminal. With a complimentary Priority Pass membership or direct lounge access, you can enjoy free snacks, drinks, WiFi, and a quiet place to relax before your flight. It completely changes the travel experience.
✨The “Nice-to-Have” Lifestyle Perks
These are the fun extras that make daily life a little better (and cheaper).
Subscription Credits: Many cards offer automatic monthly statement credits for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, or streaming platforms like Disney+ or The New York Times. It’s an easy way to effectively lower your annual fee.
Concierge Service: It sounds fancy, but it’s surprisingly practical. Struggling to book a sold-out restaurant for an anniversary? Can't find tickets to a hot show? You can call the number on the back of your card and have them try. They have the time and resources you don’t.
Extended Return/Satisfaction Guarantees: Some cards simply give you more time to return an item you're not happy with, no questions asked.
Your 4-Step Action Plan to Properly Use This Stuff
Knowing is half the battle. Here’s how to win the other half.
The Benefits Dig: Google "[Your Card Name] Guide to Benefits". The first result is usually a PDF. SKIM IT. Just control+F (find) for "phone," "warranty," "travel," etc.
The Activation: For some perks (like cell phone insurance or quarterly bonus categories), you must actively enroll or activate them. You don’t get them by default. This is the #1 reason people miss out.
The Paperwork: The claims process is usually online. It requires a receipt and a simple form. It’s not instant, but it’s worth it for a $500 phone repair.
The Pairing Strategy: Use different cards for different things! Use the card with the best phone insurance to pay your phone bill. Use the card with the best travel insurance to book flights. Use the card with the best extended warranty for big electronics.
The Fine Print Fiesta (A Quick, Friendly Warning)
A quick reality check!
Benefits change—always check the latest guide.
The golden rule is always: you MUST pay for the item or service with that specific card to be eligible for the perk.
No exceptions.
The Bottom Line
Your credit card isn’t just a payment tool; it’s a Swiss Army Knife for your financial life. These perks are part of its value proposition. Start looking at your wallet not as a collection of plastic, but as a toolbox full of money-saving tools you’ve already paid for. A Few Cards That Nail These Hidden Benefits: Chase Sapphire Preferred®: Excellent travel protections (trip cancellation, rental car), purchase protection, and extended warranty - all for $95/year. Wells Fargo Active Cash®: No annual fee but offers cell phone protection and purchase protection - rare for a free card. Get the full breakdown of these cards and many more at JoinLuci.com The best part? You might actually have cards with these benefits. Even if you don’t, now you know what to look for. It’s time to put them to work. Cheers to unlocking free money, Mitch — Luci Money Moves Newsletter |  Go find your credit card’s hidden treasure! |
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PS: Seriously, go check your benefits guide right now. You might be shocked at what you find. Some cards even offer free museum admissions, shopping discounts, and complimentary ShopRunner memberships for free two-day shipping!
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