Visa Signature Credit Cards 2021: What Are The Benefits?

There are some credit cards with the Visa Signature name on them. However, this article focuses on the benefits included with Visa’s middle-tier Signature cards which fall between traditional Visa cards and premium Visa Infinite cards.

Credit cards branded as Visa Signature cards come with extra perks. They also come with benefits beyond those offered to cardholders with a standard Visa card.

These benefits could range from extra protections on purchases to travel deals and concierge access. The value of these perks depends on your needs and preferences, but many of these services could come in handy when you’re in need of some help.

What is a Visa Signature Card?

Visa Signature refers to a package of benefits and perks offered on certain cards that carry the Visa name.

Visa offers three levels of benefits, which vary by card. Signature is the middle level: It offers more than the basic benefits of the Traditional tier but not as much as you get with high-end Visa Infinite cards.

Visa Signature Card Benefits

1. 24/7 Travel Concierge Service

Whether you have a travel emergency or want to find some last-minute tickets to a soldout concert or basketball game, the Visa Signature Travel Concierge Service is available 24/7 to make your wish a command.

They will work on your request immediately; this service can come in handy when you don’t have internet access or can’t find resources online.

2. Travel and Emergency Assistance

Family and travel emergencies happen when you least expect them, that’s why these Visa Signature travel benefits are free to use:

Emergency message service to let your family know you’re ok
Medical referral assistance
Legal referral assistance
Emergency travel assistance
Emergency ticket assistance
Lost luggage assistance

Visa will help connect you with local aid to begin figuring out a way to solve your emergency. Bear in mind, that you will still have to pay any travel, medical, and legal fees to the person Visa refers you to.

3. Travel Accident Insurance

If you or a family member either dies or is dismembered while traveling with a common carrier, Visa can reimburse you for the loss.

Of course, this is a benefit that will hopefully never be used, but you can skip purchasing a similar benefit from a travel insurance provider.

4. Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

If your rental car is involved in an accident or theft, the Visa Signature benefits provide reimbursement (subject to the terms and conditions) for damage due to collision or theft up to the actual cash value of most rental vehicles.

The Fine Print

This benefit doesn’t apply to expensive, exotic, antique vehicles, or non-conventional rentals. The rental period must also be 15 days or less in your country of residence or 31 days at an international destination.

5. Emergency Cash Disbursement

If your credit card is stolen while traveling, Visa will wire money to the closest Western Union location or participating bank within two hours of contacting Visa.

That way, you can at least have some cash to buy essential goods until you receive your emergency replacement card.

6. Extended Warranty Protection

Visa will automatically extend the warranty by one year on select purchases –almost anything except motorized vehicles and electronics– to reimburse you if the product fails.

While this benefit will be most useful for your household belongings, it can theoretically cover some of your travel gear with qualifying warranties.

7. Fine Food and Wine

While most of the Visa Signature travel benefits are for travel protection, the Fine Food and Wine benefit is your ticket to enjoying “the finer things in life” with world-class experiences.

8. Lost Luggage Reimbursement

You can be reimbursed up to $3,000 if your checked bags or carry-on luggage are either lost or stolen.

The common carrier must be responsible for the loss or theft and your entire airfare and baggage fees need to be paid for by with your Visa Signature card.

9. Luxury Hotel Collection

The Luxury Hotel Collection is a portfolio of 900 international hotels under $299 per night in metro areas, beach destinations, and honeymoon suites. By paying with your Visa Signature card, you can enjoy some of the following hotel benefits:

VIP guest status
Daily continental breakfast
$25 food or beverage credit
Complimentary in-room wi-fi
Automatic room upgrade, when available
Best guaranteed rate

Although you’ll always find new specials, you won’t have a problem finding 4th night free offers, additional dining credits, and up to 35% off at select properties.

10. Purchase Discounts

Visa partners with retailers to offer special discounts. If you’re traveling to a major tourist destination, you might be able to capitalize on some Visa-only discounts at your favorite stores, restaurants, and entertainment providers.

11. Roadside Dispatch

When your personal automobile or rental car isn’t operating as usual, you can call Visa 24/7 for the following circumstances:

Standard Towing – Up to 5 miles included
Tire Changing – must have good, inflated spare
Jump starting
Lockout Service (no key replacement)
Fuel delivery – up to 5 gallons (plus the cost of fuel)
Standard Winching

This service is completely free and is an unlimited benefit.

12. Trip Delay Reimbursement

When your air travel is delayed at least 12 hours for a covered hazard, you will be reimbursed up to $300 for essential purchases like food, lodging, and clothing.

Is a Visa Signature Card Right for You?

Knowledge is power, and it’s good to see what types of benefits are out there.

But, as mentioned above, we wouldn’t recommend choosing a credit card because you think it’ll be a Visa Signature. A smarter strategy would be A) determining which cards you’re likely to be approved for, then B) picking a card that offers your preferred combination of fees and rewards.

Bottom Line

Before deciding which card to apply for, consider how you already plan to use the card rather than how you might use Visa Signature benefits.

Think about things like whether you’re OK with a card that has an annual fee, need a balance transfer or want cashback rewards.

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