5 Credit Card Perks You Didn’t Know You Had

Amex Centurion Lounge – Mexico City Airport – Photo via flickr by TravelingOtter

Credit cards come with a lot of perks, including some cardholders may not be aware of. While you’re certainly aware of reward points, you may not be aware of some of the lesser-known perks like early concert tickets. Many of the annual fee credit cards offer cardholders these extra goodies as a way to thank cardholders for their loyalty. Let’s take a look at five of these perks you may not know you had.

1. Early Concert Tickets

Are you looking forward to going to the next Justin Bieber or Drake concert? As an added bonus, some credit cards offer cardholders early access to tickets to your favourite concert. The tickets are usually available through a presale a week or so in advance. To make sure you don’t forget, be sure to circle the presale date on your calendar and sign up for email reminders. This perk comes in handy most if you live near a major city and enjoy going to concerts.

2. Attractions For Less

Whether you’re looking to ride the roller coaster at your favourite amusement park, or you’re planning to go skiing up north, some credit cards offer discounts on popular attractions. For example, you might be able to score a 5 percent discount off Canada’s Wonderland when paying with your credit card. Some credit cards even offer free tickets to select attractions, helping you save even more.

3. Cash Prizes

Wouldn’t it be great to receive a ton of cash just for being a cardholder? Some credit cards offer you the chance to win cold, hard cash. TD recently offered its cardholders a chance to win a prize of $10,000 to pay for a holiday shopping spree. To enter, all you had to do is make a purchase on your credit card. It’s that easy! Not bad for making your everyday purchases.

4. Upscale Lounges

Many premium credit cards go all out for cardholders. Issuers often set up upscale lounges in airports and malls for cardholders to indulge in and relax. Lounges include everything from complementary food to gift wrapping and entertainment. If you’re looking for a relaxing experience, it’s hard to beat a lounge. The only downside is if you aren’t anywhere near a lounge. You’ll be paying for this perk, but you won’t be able to take advantage.

5. Store Discounts

Did you know you could receive a discount just for swiping your credit card at a particular store? The major cardholders negotiate with retailers to offer select deals at your favourite store. You might even qualify for bonus reward points for shopping online. Some retailers even offer free shipping to boot!

The Bottom Line

There you have it, five credit card perks you didn’t know you had. Do you have any of these perks? The easiest way to find out is to ask. You’re indirectly paying for these perks, so you might as well take advantage. Some of them are for a limited time, so better use them while they’re still here.