Travel Perks
Credit card perks are extra benefits that go beyond earning points, miles, or cash back—they’re designed to enhance your lifestyle, save you money, and elevate your travel experience.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of credit card perks and how they work:
✈️ Travel Perks
These are especially valuable for frequent travelers and include:
Airport lounge access (e.g. Priority Pass, Amex Centurion Lounge)
Free checked bags and priority boarding
Travel credits (e.g. $300 Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit, $200 Amex Platinum airline fee credit)
Hotel upgrades through programs like Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or Chase’s Edit Hotels
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement
Trip delay and cancellation insurance
Rental car insurance coverage
🛍️ Shopping & Lifestyle Perks
These help you save on everyday purchases:
Statement credits for streaming services, dining, ride-shares, or fitness memberships
Purchase protection against damage or theft
Extended warranties on electronics and appliances
Return protection if a store won’t take an item back
Exclusive access to concerts, events, and presales
🎰 Casino & Status Match Perks
Savvy travelers (like you!) use these to unlock:
Free cruises via casino status matches (e.g. Caesars Diamond → Carnival offers)
Comped hotel stays in Vegas or Atlantic City
Dining credits and resort perks stacked with credit card benefits
🧠 How to Maximize Perks
Stack benefits across cards, portals, and loyalty programs
Use credits before they expire—many are monthly or annual
Match your spending habits to the right card (e.g. dining, travel, groceries)
Track perks with a spreadsheet or app to avoid missing out
Check out this post where I explain how I use this points to Leave No Point Behind -> How I use Credit Card Benefits and Perks to Maximize Travel