You’re likely familiar with credit card perks offered by rewards cards or credit cards with special introductory offers. Did you know that even the most basic of credit cards can also offer perks though? That’s right! Your simple low interest, low fee, no-frills credit card might offer perks and benefits that you didn’t even know you had!

While credit card perks will vary from one card to another, here are some common perks available on everything from no-frills cards to rewards cards (in addition to the actual rewards programmes).

1. Free International Travel Insurance

If you travel internationally often and you like to book your trips with your credit card, even a non-rewards card might offer you free international travel insurance. This perk might allow you to be reimbursed for charges made on your credit card if your trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond your control (and circumstances covered by the insurance policy).

Example: Velocity NAB Credit Card – NAB Gold overseas travel insurance

2. Free Purchase Cover

Purchase cover is another common credit card perk that you might not realise you have access to. It can be a real benefit if you use your credit card regularly for purchases. While there are always terms and conditions, the basic idea is that your free purchase cover will insure your personal purchases made on your credit card from theft, loss, or wilful damage (such as vandalism). The free purchase cover might allow you to get a free replacement, repairs, or financial compensation for the insured products.

Example: ANZ First Visa — 90 day purchase security cover

3. Extended Warranties

In addition to free purchase cover, some credit cards also offer you free 12 month extended warranties (in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases). The extended warranties protect you from things like manufacturing faults that cause a product to fail prematurely (subject to the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty).

Example: Commonwealth Bank Platinum Credit Card – Free extended warranty insurance for up to one year on eligible purchases

No matter what type of credit cards you use, take a fresh look at the fine print. You might just be surprised to find perks and benefits available to you that you never knew existed!