What Credit Cards Have Roadside Assistance?

Credit cards offer benefits beyond rewards, including practical assistance in unforeseen circumstances. Roadside assistance is a valuable perk for many cardholders, providing security for drivers facing unexpected vehicle issues. Understanding which cards include this service, what it covers, and how to use it can offer peace of mind.

Credit Cards Offering Roadside Assistance

Many credit card networks and issuers incorporate roadside assistance as a benefit for their cardholders. Visa, through its “Roadside Dispatch” program, offers this service on many of its cards, including all Visa Signature cards. Mastercard provides “Master RoadAssist Roadside Service” on select cards, depending on whether the issuing bank has chosen to include it. American Express has historically offered roadside assistance on some premium cards, though its direct offering has evolved, with some current benefits originating from specific bank partners. Discover no longer provides roadside assistance on any of its cards.

The availability and specifics of this benefit often vary significantly between card products, even within the same network. For instance, major issuers like Chase, Capital One, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo may offer roadside assistance through their Visa or Mastercard affiliations. Some premium travel credit cards frequently include this benefit, sometimes at no direct cost per use up to a certain limit. Other cards may offer it as a “pay-per-use” service, where the cardholder pays a flat fee per use.

Understanding Roadside Assistance Benefits

Credit card roadside assistance typically covers common vehicle emergencies. Services generally include:

Towing, often with a mileage limit (e.g., up to five miles).
Jump-starts for dead batteries.
Flat tire changes (if a functional spare tire is available).
Fuel delivery (cost of fuel is extra).
Lockout service (key replacement not covered).
Winching (pulling a vehicle from a ditch or mud, sometimes with limitations).

Coverage limitations are common and vary by card. Many programs exclude large vehicles, such as those weighing over 10,000 pounds, or commercial vehicles. There may be restrictions on the number of times the service can be used within a specific period, e.g., four incidents per year. While some premium cards might offer a certain number of incidents at no charge, many roadside assistance benefits through credit cards operate on a pay-per-use model, where a pre-negotiated fee is charged per service call. This fee might be a flat rate, e.g., $79.95 per incident for some Visa Signature cards, with additional charges for services exceeding basic coverage, like extended towing mileage.

Accessing Roadside Assistance

Accessing roadside assistance through a credit card is a streamlined process designed for emergencies. Cardholders typically initiate service by calling a dedicated toll-free phone number provided by their card issuer or the card network. This number can often be found on the back of the credit card itself or within the card’s benefits guide.

When contacting the service, the cardholder will need to provide their credit card number to verify eligibility. They will also be asked for their precise location and a clear description of the vehicle issue. The service then dispatches a local provider, like a tow truck or locksmith, to the cardholder’s location. In situations where a card offers pay-per-use service, the associated fees are usually billed directly to the cardholder’s account.

Comparing Roadside Assistance Options

Credit card roadside assistance is one of several options available to drivers, each with distinct characteristics regarding cost, scope, and convenience.

Dedicated auto club memberships, like AAA, typically involve an annual membership fee but often provide more extensive coverage, including higher towing mileage limits and a greater number of service calls per year. These memberships often follow the member, not just a specific vehicle, and can include benefits beyond roadside services.

Roadside assistance add-ons from car insurance policies are another common choice, usually offered for a modest annual premium. While convenient, utilizing insurance-based roadside assistance for minor incidents could potentially be recorded as a claim, which might influence future premium rates, though this varies by insurer.

Manufacturer-provided roadside assistance is often included with the purchase of a new vehicle for a limited period, typically aligning with the vehicle’s warranty. These programs are generally tied to the specific vehicle and expire after a certain mileage or time frame.

Independent roadside service providers also exist, allowing consumers to pay for services directly as needed. Credit card benefits often offer a middle ground, providing a convenient dispatch service, sometimes with pre-negotiated rates.