Exclusive Credit Card Benefits You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Chances are, your credit card has some valuable perks you may not know about. Most cards have additional features like extended warranties, zero liability and identity theft protections, free credit monitoring, and even roadside assistance.

These benefits sometimes go unnoticed compared to more popular options, such as no foreign transaction fees or crediting of Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fees.

But some credit cards go even further, offering unique benefits that are hard to find elsewhere. Here are nine exciting credit card benefits you might not know about.

Free admission to the museum

Bank of America credit and debit cards offer free admission to over 225 museums across the United States the first full weekend of every month as part of the Museums on Us program. All you have to do is show your Bank of America card and a photo ID.

You can’t host guests for free, but most reports I’ve read indicate that authorized users can join as well.

This offer excludes special exhibitions, ticketed performances and fundraising events. Facilities available to cardholders include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center.

Check out our guide to the best Bank of America cards.

Free two-day shipping

Whether you need fast delivery for a last-minute gift or want to avoid additional shipping costs on your online purchases, you can get free two-day shipping and free return shipping with a free ShopRunner membership if you have an eligible World Mastercard, World Elite Mastercard, or American Express card*.

More than 100 stores are part of ShopRunner. And you can often combine this benefit with other savings strategies, including:

To activate this benefit, visit your card issuer’s sign-up page, enter your email address, click “Sign Up Free,” and enter your personal information and card information. This may not be the most exciting benefit out there, but it can definitely save you money when you need an item delivered ASAP.

*Enrollment required for certain American Express benefits; terms and conditions apply.

Cell Phone Protection

Cell phone protection gives you peace of mind because it can cover you if your phone is damaged or stolen. Some pay for this through their cell phone carrier or a third-party insurance company, which can sometimes cost $100 or more per year.

Fortunately, the number of credit cards that offer cell phone protection has increased in recent years, although it is still not a standard benefit for the average cardholder. To take advantage of it, you will typically have to pay at least part of your cell phone bill with your credit card, although in some cases you will have to pay the entire bill for the benefit to apply.

It’s also important to note that many credit card cell phone protection plans don’t fully cover high-end phones that cost more than $1,000. Many credit cards that offer this coverage only cover up to $600 per claim.

Examples of cards that include cell phone protection include Chase Freedom Flex®, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Credit Card (see rates and commissions) and the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

Instant credit card number

Having instant access to credit can sometimes be a much-needed perk. This is especially true for people who face an emergency expense and don’t have enough savings to cover it.

Unfortunately, once you are approved for a credit card, most major credit card companies make you wait for your credit card to arrive in the mail before you can use it. This can often take 7 to 10 days, if not longer.

However, some credit cards allow eligible cardholders, whose identities can be quickly authenticated, to begin making purchases immediately after approval.

The few large issuers that offer this feature typically only offer it on a limited number of their credit cards, but American Express makes it available on most of its consumer credit cards.

Advantages of flying

Frequent travelers can earn tons of discounts and cash back rewards when they use travel credit cards. But the right credit card will have even more perks, and may even let you bring a companion for a fraction of the cost of a second ticket.

One of the best hidden gems is the Delta companion certificate. This perk comes every year when you renew certain Delta cards. You still have to pay taxes and fees, but it’s a small price to pay to get a free round-trip flight for a companion.

A similar benefit is available on Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit CardAs part of the card’s welcome offer, you’ll receive a companion rate, which allows a friend, family member or loved one to accompany you for a fee of $99, plus taxes and fees starting at $23.

Each year thereafter, to earn a $99 companion rate (plus taxes and fees), you will need to spend $6,000 on the card for each anniversary year of the account.

These exclusive flight benefits aren’t just for airline cards. If you prefer a more comprehensive card, both the Amex Platinum and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express come with up to $200 in airline incidental reporting credit each year. This counts toward airline incidentals charged to the card at an eligible airline. Enrollment required; terms apply.

Hotel Upgrades & Complimentary Perks

Hotel branded credit cards offer a fair amount of perks. These might include room upgrades, free meals, or a free hotel night on the cardholder’s anniversary.

But the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase goes a step further, offering a fourth-night reward on award stays of three or more consecutive nights.

There’s no limit to this benefit: you can even book an eight-night stay and get both the fourth and eighth nights free. It’s incredibly easy to use: once you open your card, the discount will automatically apply when you book a reservation with points from your linked IHG One Rewards account.

If you want more flexibility in where you stay, the Amex Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card offer a variety of premium benefits. Both provide automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott and access to the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program (membership required).

This includes valuable perks like a room upgrade, if available, and a free daily breakfast for two. For Amex Platinum consumer cardholders, enjoy up to $200 in annual credits for prepaid reservations at FHR properties. Terms and conditions apply.

Lounge access with VIP benefits

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, airport lounge access offers a way to escape the often hectic hustle and bustle of the airport. There, you can clean up, eat, rest, or enjoy the many complimentary amenities that help make every trip more relaxing.

Depending on your location and the credit card you use, there’s no telling what VIP perks you’ll find: food created by renowned local chefs, family areas, suites with showers, or even complimentary spa treatments that include a massage.

Many travel rewards credit cards offer some level of lounge access, so do your research and find the one that best fits your travel habits.

Related: Amex Platinum and Business Platinum Lounge Access Guide

Walmart+ Credit

The Amex Platinum includes up to $155 in Walmart+ credit each calendar year (up to $12.95 per month for membership; Plus Ups not eligible; auto-renewable). This benefit has the potential to make life a little easier for many families.

With a Walmart+ membership, you can get free Walmart groceries delivered to your door the same day you order. You also get free shipping without having to worry about minimum orders on items shipped by Walmart.

Please note that this benefit is only valid for a monthly subscription. If you try to purchase the annual subscription for $98, you will lose the credit.

Related: 7 Non-Travel Amex Platinum Benefits You Should Be Using

Exclusive discounts

If you have a World Elite Mastercard, you’re eligible for special discounts and promotions with some popular services. Cardholders can receive up to $5 off an eligible monthly Peacock membership and two months of free Instacart+ (Instacart benefit ends March 31, 2025), among other discounts and promotions.

The best part about these discounts is that you don’t have to register to take advantage of these offers or use a special link – just use your World Elite Mastercard to pay and the promotion will automatically be applied to your account.

In conclusion

Chances are, a card already in your wallet has a perk you don’t know about. When you’re planning to open a new credit card, be sure to compare all the features and perks of the cards you’re considering. The right credit card perks can save you money and make your life more enjoyable.

Related: Advantages and Benefits of Credit Cards You Should Be Using