5 Overlooked Credit Card Perks That Could Save You Hundreds Each Year

Most of us swipe our credit cards for everything from drive-thru coffees to new appliances—and in 2025, that’s 214.9 million American adults doing exactly the same. But here’s the surprising part: according to financial expert Punit K. Jindal, Founder of Dancing Numbers, most cardholders are leaving hundreds of dollars in unused perks sitting right in their wallets.

“People focus on earning points or cash back, but they’re missing benefits that could save them hundreds of dollars annually,” Jindal explains. “These perks exist in the fine print, waiting to be used.”

His years working with financial data across thousands of businesses have given him a unique perspective on how everyday consumers overlook valuable protections and savings. Below are the top credit card perks he says people consistently forget to use—and how you can start putting them to work.

1. Price Protection: Your Quiet Little Refund Machine

Did you know your credit card may refund you the difference if something you buy goes on sale later? Many cards offer price protection for 60–120 days after purchase.

Jindal has seen countless people miss out on easy refunds simply because they didn’t know the perk existed.

To take advantage:

• Save your receipts
• Keep an eye on the price (or use your card’s automated monitoring if available)
• File a claim when you see the price drop

Savings can add up quickly—anywhere from $50 to $300 a year depending on what you buy.

2. Extended Warranties: Free Protection You Never Knew You Had

If you’ve ever winced at the cost of an extended warranty at checkout, here’s some good news: your credit card may offer it automatically.

Many cards will double a manufacturer’s warranty on electronics and appliances. That means a laptop with a one-year warranty instantly becomes two years of coverage just by using your card.

This perk alone can save you hundreds of dollars on repairs or replacements—especially for bigger purchases like TVs, laptops, or household appliances.

3. Rental Car Insurance: Say No to the Upsell

If you’ve ever stood at a rental car counter feeling pressured into pricey insurance, you’re not alone. Insurance add-ons can cost up to $30 per day—but here’s what most people don’t know:

Many credit cards already include primary or secondary rental car coverage at no additional cost.

“Business travelers especially benefit from this,” Jindal says. Someone renting a car monthly could save $2,000–$3,000 per year simply by using their card’s built-in protection.

4. Cell Phone Protection: Your Phone’s Secret Bodyguard

Some major credit cards now offer cell phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card. Coverage typically includes theft and damage up to $800 per incident, with a small deductible.

Considering phone repairs can run $40–$400—or more—this benefit can easily save families a significant chunk of change, especially compared to pricey carrier insurance plans.

5. Travel Protections: Your Built-In Safety Net

From delayed flights to lost luggage, travel surprises can get expensive fast. But many credit cards include valuable protections you might not even know you have:

• Trip delay reimbursement (covering meals + hotel costs after delays of 6–12 hours)
• Lost luggage insurance (often up to $3,000 per person)
• Travel accident coverage

“These protections activate automatically when you book travel with your card,” Jindal explains. And most people don’t realize how helpful they are—until they need them.

Why So Many People Miss Out on These Perks

Jindal puts it simply:

“The biggest reason people miss these perks is lack of awareness. Credit card companies bury them in terms and conditions that most people never read.”

His advice?

• Call your credit card company for a full list of benefits
• Save a screenshot or printout for quick reference
• Keep your receipts
• Set reminders for claim deadlines
• Check what protection applies before you make a big purchase

A few small habits could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket every year.

Final Thoughts: Hidden Value, Big Savings

If you’re using your credit card only for rewards points or cash back, you might be missing some of its most valuable features. From car rentals to phone repairs to surprise travel delays, your card already includes protections that can save you real money—if you know where to look.

So before your next purchase (especially the big ones), take a moment to check your card’s benefits. That little bit of fine print could be your budget’s new best friend.