"Discovering an underestimated credit card perk returned $1,400 to my finances"
Refreshed Perspective
Digging Deeper into Extended Warranty Protection
Hey there, folks!
Let's talk about an often overlooked benefit that's hidden within many credit cards—extended warranty protection. Trust me, it can be your secret weapon when something goes awry with a new purchase.
In my case, this savvy feature saved me over $1,000. You won't find it on every credit card, but it's a perk that's ready to help you out if you have certain American Express cards.* Here's a story about the time American Express helped me cut my costs by $120.
*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Welcome to the Day the Vacuum Died
A few years ago, we splurged on a cordless vacuum cleaner from Amazon for $119.99. For a couple of months, it worked like a charm. In December, however, it suddenly stopped working altogether.
Now, I don't know about you, but I loathe wasting my hard-earned cash on things that don't last. When something like this happens, I tend to get... well, a bit heated. Plus, I don't have the time or energy to deal with lengthy customer service calls.
Thankfully, American Express had my back.
Fast-track to Filing an Extended Warranty Claim
In January, I submitted an extended warranty claim to American Express on behalf of our disappointing vacuum cleaner. I made the purchase using the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card* (spoiler alert: it was a smart move).
The process was surprisingly simple. All I had to do was fill out a form on the American Express website. The next morning, I received an email confirming that my claim had been approved, swiftly and efficiently—even on a Sunday! Within no time, the credit appeared in my account.
It's not hard to imagine how many times stories like these pop up when a purchase from Amazon or another online retailer goes south. I can only wonder how many people out there are missing out on the benefits their credit cards have to offer.
The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Extended Warranty Protection: More Than Just a Perk
This wasn't the first positive encounter I've had with American Express' extended warranty coverage. One day, I purchased a brand-new flat-screen TV from Costco for a whopping $1,200. Three years later, the TV quit working.
After giving it a shot with a repair company, they confirmed that the television was irreparable. I dug up the original receipt and submitted it, along with the repair report, to American Express.
Guess who got a refund for the full amount, including taxes? That's right, yours truly.
These instances make me question how many people out there miss out on the benefits their credit card companies provide. Don't leave yourself in the lurch when it comes to big-ticket items. Make sure you're getting the most out of your credit cards.
The information for the The Platinum Card from American Express has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Don't Miss Out — Get Your Card in Check
Credit cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card* and The Platinum Card from American Express have perks that can make a real difference in your spending and savings. It's smart to double-check that the cards in your wallet offer these protections, so you don't miss out if a valuable item fails to make the grade.
Remember, this extended warranty coverage doesn't apply to every purchase category or last indefinitely. American Express' coverage generally picks up where other warranty options drop off, up to a certain time frame.
Bottom Line
Those two experiences saved me more than $1,400 in cash. If you break it down, that's more than two years' worth of the annual fee on my beloved American Express Platinum Card—before taking into account all the other benefits that card offers.
Don't be like the folks who throw money away on items that don't hold up. Make sure you're making the most of the benefits your cards provide. It's high time to take control of your spending and ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck.
To learn more, check out our full review of the American Express Platinum Card.
Apply now: American Express Platinum Card
Related: 4 reasons the Amex Platinum could be the ideal card for Delta flyers
For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card, click here.
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Source: The Points Guy
- The news about extended warranty protection on some credit cards, like American Express, can be a game-changer, saving significant amounts when purchases go awry.
- In my personal-finance journey, I've discovered that credit card reviews are essential for understanding the perks and rewards (like extended warranties) they offer.
- Travel rewards are often a selling point for premium credit cards, but the hidden benefits, like extended warranties, can be just as valuable, especially for big-ticket items such as electronics and appliances.
- If you're a frequent traveler, you might consider cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or The Platinum Card from American Express, as they not only provide travel rewards but also additional perks like extended warranties.
- Dining out can cost a pretty penny, but with the right credit card, you can earn rewards (be it cash back, points, or miles) that can help offset those expenses, making your personal-finance management more manageable and enjoyable.
