If you’re like most adults in the U.S., you probably have at least one credit card in your wallet.
In fact, as of 2025, about 214.9 million American adults, roughly 82% of everyone over 18, use credit cards for everything from everyday errands to big-ticket buys.
But according to one finance expert, most of those cardholders are missing out on money-saving perks they already have.
“People focus on earning points or cash back, but they’re missing benefits that could save them hundreds of dollars annually,” explains Punit K Jindal, Founder of Dancing Numbers, a QuickBooks data automation company specializing in financial transaction management. “These perks exist in the fine print, waiting to be used.”
Jindal works with financial data across thousands of businesses, and he sees firsthand how often people overlook the perks built into their cards. Below, he breaks down the five benefits people forget about most and how you can start using them today.
Price Protection
Price protection is one of the most valuable (and most ignored!) credit card perks. If something you bought goes on sale shortly after you purchase it, your credit card may refund the difference.
Many cards offer protection for 60 to 120 days after you buy an item.
“I’ve seen people buy electronics during regular pricing, then watch the same items go on sale weeks later,” says Jindal. “With price protection, you can get that difference back automatically.”
To take advantage of it, save your receipts, keep an eye on price drops, or use one of the cards that automatically monitors prices. Depending on how often you shop, you could save anywhere from $50 to $300 per year.
Extended Warranties
Big purchases like laptops, appliances, and electronics often come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. What many people don’t realize is that some credit cards automatically extend that warranty just for paying with the card.
A card that doubles a one-year warranty gives you two years of coverage, which can easily save you hundreds in repair or replacement costs, especially on items like a $1,200 laptop.
If you tend to decline store warranty upsells (and you probably should), this is a perk worth checking.
Rental Car Insurance
At the rental counter, attendants will always try to sell you their insurance, sometimes at $30 per day. But most major credit cards already include rental car insurance when you pay for the rental with your card and decline their coverage.
“Business travelers especially benefit from this,” notes Jindal. “Someone renting cars monthly could save $2,000-3,000 annually by using their card’s coverage instead of buying insurance at the counter.”
Before your next trip, log into your card account and verify whether your card provides primary or secondary coverage.
Cell Phone Protection
If you pay your monthly phone bill with certain credit cards, you may already have cell phone protection without realizing it. This perk typically covers theft and accidental damage—sometimes up to $800 per claim, with a small deductible.
Considering that phone repairs can cost anywhere from $40 to $400, and carrier insurance plans often charge hefty monthly fees, this perk is an easy money-saver.
If your family has several phones, the value multiplies fast.
Travel Protections
Credit cards often include a set of travel benefits that kick in automatically when you book your trip with the card. These can include:
- Trip delay reimbursement (meals and hotels if your flight is delayed 6–12 hours)
- Lost luggage reimbursement (sometimes up to $3,000 per person)
- Travel accident insurance
“These protections activate automatically when you book travel with your card,” explains Jindal. “People don’t realize they’re covered until they need it, then they’re pleasantly surprised.”
If you’re planning vacations or even frequent weekend trips, these perks can seriously reduce unexpected costs.
So Why Do People Miss These Perks?
Punit K Jindal, Founder of Dancing Numbers, commented:
“The biggest reason people miss these perks is simple lack of awareness. Credit card companies aren’t exactly advertising these benefits prominently, because they’re buried in terms and conditions that most people never read. When you combine that with the complexity of actually claiming benefits, it’s no wonder cardholders leave money on the table.
“My advice is straightforward: call your credit card company and ask for a complete list of your benefits, or check their website’s benefits section. Screenshot or print the key details and keep them accessible. When you make purchases, especially large ones, remind yourself to check if any protections apply. Most importantly, save your receipts and set calendar reminders for claim deadlines. These small steps can add hundreds to your annual savings.”
If you’ve never explored your card’s perks, now’s the time. A quick look at your benefits page could uncover protections and reimbursements you’ve been paying for without ever using—meaning easy savings for the year ahead.
