Which Credit Cards Have Roadside Assistance?

Credit cards often include benefits beyond their primary function, and roadside assistance is a practical feature. This perk provides cardholders with a safety net for unexpected vehicle issues. While not every credit card offers this service, many do, presenting a valuable convenience for drivers and peace of mind during common roadside emergencies.

Finding Cards with Roadside Assistance

Determining if a credit card provides roadside assistance involves reviewing the card’s specific benefits. This feature is typically found within the card’s guide to benefits, on the issuer’s official website, or by contacting customer service directly. Many cardholders may already possess this benefit without realizing it.

Roadside assistance is frequently associated with cards issued on major networks like Visa and Mastercard. However, not all cards from these networks will include it; the benefit is often a characteristic of specific card tiers, such as premium travel cards or certain rewards-based cards.

Some cards may offer the service on a complimentary basis up to a certain limit or number of uses per year, while others are pay-per-use. For instance, many Visa cards offer “Roadside Dispatch” for a flat fee per service call, currently around $79.95, while some premium cards might subsidize or fully cover initial costs.

Details of Credit Card Roadside Coverage

Credit card roadside assistance typically covers common vehicle emergencies. These services often include jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, providing fuel delivery (though the cost of fuel is usually separate), and offering lockout services if keys are inaccessible. Standard towing services are also generally included, often up to a specific mileage limit, such as five miles. Winching services, for when a vehicle is stuck, might also be provided.

Limitations are common with these benefits, and cardholders should be aware. Coverage may be capped at a certain number of service calls per year, for example, up to four incidents annually for some premium cards. There are also often restrictions on the type and weight of vehicles covered, with most programs assisting passenger vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds. Services for off-road incidents or vehicles over the weight limit are typically excluded. While credit card roadside assistance offers a basic safety net, it generally provides less extensive coverage than dedicated auto club memberships or comprehensive auto insurance policies, which may offer broader services.

Activating Roadside Assistance

Utilizing a credit card’s roadside assistance benefit is a straightforward process designed for immediate help during an emergency. The primary step involves calling a dedicated hotline, which is often found on the back of the credit card itself, within the card’s guide to benefits, or on the card issuer’s website. This hotline connects the cardholder directly with the roadside assistance provider.

When making the call, the cardholder will need to provide essential information to facilitate prompt service. This includes the credit card number to verify eligibility, the exact current location of the vehicle, the vehicle’s make and model, and a clear description of the nature of the breakdown or issue. After receiving this information, the service will typically confirm the request, provide an estimated arrival time for assistance, and explain any associated costs. While some premium cards might offer complimentary services, many operate on a pay-per-use model, with the fee conveniently charged to the credit card.