What benefits do credit cards offer shoppers and travellers beyond reward points?

Everyone knows that you can get a credit card that will earn you frequent flyer miles or reward points, but are there other benefits?

The answer is: Yes! Many premium and reward credit cards offer a variety of shopping and travel insurances to their cardholders.

Shopping Insurances

Extended Warranty

When you’re buying a big-ticket item, you want to feel secure. Often, big purchases, such as a new computer or a new fridge come with a manufacturer's warranty, but did you know that some credit cards also provide extended warranty protection?

Purchases made on some rewards and platinum cards that offer extended warranties are protected for a longer period of time.

Purchase Protection

Have you smashed your iPhone screen right after upgrading to the newest model? Purchase protection might have you covered.

If an item you purchased on your credit card was lost, stolen, or damaged accidentally, it might be covered under your card’s purchase protection insurance. Each card comes with its specific terms and conditions, so be sure to double-check your card’s purchase protection policy.

Check out some top credit cards that offer extended warranties and purchase protection:

Price Protection

Have you ever bought something and then found it for a better price somewhere else? If you purchased that item on your credit card, you might be able to have the price difference refunded.

Price protection insurance guarantees the cardholder gets the best price if they alert the credit card company to a better price for a purchased good. There are usually conditions to this cover, such as a time limit or a required minimum price difference, so make sure to review your card’s policy.

Check out some top credit cards that offer price protection:

Travel Insurances

International travel insurance

When travelling overseas is available to Australians again, it will be reassuring to know that you are covered in the case of an emergency. Did you know that, when travel is permitted, your credit card could provide you with international travel insurance?

The international cover is often only available on premium cards. Be aware that overseas travel insurance must be activated through your credit provider - usually by prepaying a certain amount of your travel on the credit card.  This may vary between providers, so remember to check the terms and conditions in your card’s policy.

Interstate Flight Insurance

It can be a real pain when your interstate flight is cancelled, or your luggage is lost. But did you know that your premium credit card could protect you from losses associated with domestic travel?

Some credit cards provide coverage for things like flight delays and cancellations, luggage loss or delay, vehicle rental and emergency medical or funeral expenses within Australia.

Transport Accident Insurance

If you travel on a licensed plane, bus, train or ferry, this complimentary credit card insurance could cover you for serious injury if there’s an accident.

Check out some top credit cards that offer travel, interstate and transport insurance:

Terms and Conditions apply to the products stated above, so please check the relevant policies and information provided on the provider's website.

If you’re in the market for a new credit card, low interest rate cards are worth checking out - here’s some of the latest deals below or head to our credit card comparison page for even more options.