Unique credit card benefits you won’t find anywhere else

There’s a good chance your credit card has some important benefits you may not be aware of. Many cards come with additional features such as extended warranties, no-fault credit and identity theft protection, free credit monitoring and roadside assistance.

These benefits sometimes fly well under the radar of more popular options, such as no foreign purchase fee or credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fees.

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

Free entry to the museum

Bank of America credit and debit cards offer free access to more than 225 US museums on the first full weekend of each month under the Museums on Us program. All you need to do is show your Bank of America card and photo ID.

You can’t get visitors for free, but most of the reports I’ve read show that authorized users are also eligible.

This deal excludes special shows, ticketed shows and fundraising events. Facilities available to cardholders include New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, 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 quick delivery for a last-minute gift or want to avoid extra shipping costs with your online purchases, you can get free two-day shipping and free returns with a ShopRunner membership available when you have a World Mastercard, World Elite. MasterCard or American Express card*.

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

To activate this benefit, visit your card issuer’s registration page, enter your email address, click on “Register Free” and enter your personal and card information. This may not be the most exciting benefit, but it can save you cash if you need something delivered FAST.

*Registration is required to receive select American Express benefits; terms apply.

Mobile 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 wireless carrier or a third-party insurance company, which can cost $100 or more per year.

Fortunately, the number of credit cards that offer cell phone protection has grown in recent years, although it is still not a common benefit for the average card member. To take advantage of this offer, you’ll usually need to pay at least part of your mobile phone bill using your credit card – although in some cases, you need to pay off the entire bill for the benefit to work.

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

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

Instant credit card number

Getting credit quickly can be a much-needed benefit. This is especially true for people who are facing emergency expenses and do not have enough savings to cover them.

Unfortunately, once you’re approved for a credit card, many credit card issuers make you wait until your credit card arrives in the mail before you can start using it. That can usually take 7 to 10 days, if not longer.

However, some credit cards allow eligible card members whose identity can be verified immediately to begin making purchases immediately after approval.

The few major issuers that offer this feature usually only offer it on a limited number of their credit cards, but American Express makes this feature available on many consumer card products.

Flight benefits

Frequent travelers can get many discounts and cash back rewards when using travel credit cards. But the right credit card will come with some additional benefits – and may even let you bring a friend for a fraction of the cost of a second ticket.

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

The same benefit is available in Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card. As part of the card’s welcome offer, you’ll get a companion fare, which allows a friend, family member or loved one to travel with you for a $99 fare, plus taxes and fees starting at $23.

Each year after this, to get the $99 fare (plus taxes and fees), you’ll need to spend $6,000 on the card every account anniversary year.

These unique airline benefits aren’t just reserved for airline cards. If you prefer a well-rounded card, the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum Card® from American Express bring with you a statement of credit for up to $200 in flight events each year. This counts towards the flight accident charges charged to the card of one eligible airline. Registration is required; terms apply.

Hotel development and benefits available

Hotel-branded credit cards come with a fair number of benefits. This may include a room upgrade, complimentary meals or a free hotel night on the card member’s anniversary.

But the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase takes things a step further, as the card offers a fourth night award for 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’ve activated the card, the discount will automatically be applied when you book with points from your linked IHG One Rewards account.

If you want more flexibility where you live, the Amex Platinum Card and Platinum Business Card offer many premium benefits. Both offer automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott and access to the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program (registration required).

This includes essentials such as room upgrades, if available, and daily breakfast for two. For Amex Platinum Cardmembers, you’ll enjoy up to $200 in annual statement credits for prepaid reservations at FHR properties. Terms apply.

Access to the lounge with VIP benefits

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, access to an airport lounge provides an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport. There, you can clean, eat, relax or enjoy the many amenities that help make any trip more comfortable.

Depending on the location and the credit card you use, there’s no telling which VIP benefits you’ll get: Food created by famous local chefs, family areas, shower suites or even complementary spa treatments including massages.

Most travel rewards credit cards offer some level of lounge access, so do your research and find one that’s right for your travel habits.

Related: Guide to lounge access with Amex Platinum and Platinum Business

Walmart+ credit

Amex Platinum comes with a Walmart+ statement credit of up to $155 each calendar year (up to $12.95 per month for one membership fee; Plus Ups not eligible; subject to automatic renewal). This benefit has the potential to make life easier for many families.

With a Walmart+ membership, you can have your Walmart groceries delivered to you for free the same day you place your order. You also get worry-free shipping on small orders on items shipped by Walmart.

Keep in mind that this benefit is only for monthly memberships. If you try to buy an annual subscription for $98, you will lose the credit.

Related: 7 Amex Platinum non-travel benefits you should be using

Special discounts

If you have a World Elite Mastercard, you are eligible for special discounts and promotions on certain popular services. Cardholders can get up to $5 off eligible monthly Peacock subscriptions and two months of free Instacart+ (Instacart offer ends March 31, 2025), among other discounts and promotions.

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

Bottom line

There’s a good chance the card in your wallet has benefits you’re not aware of. If you are planning to open a new credit card, be sure to compare all the features and benefits of the cards you are considering. The right credit card benefits can save you money and make your life more enjoyable.

Related: Credit card benefits and benefits you should be using