Which Credit Cards Offer Extended Warranty?

A credit card extended warranty provides an additional layer of protection for eligible purchases. This benefit essentially prolongs the manufacturer’s original warranty on items bought with a qualifying credit card. Its primary purpose is to offer consumers peace of mind, potentially covering repair or replacement costs if a product malfunctions after its initial warranty period expires. This protection is a complimentary perk offered by some credit card products, rather than a separate insurance policy you purchase.

Understanding Credit Card Extended Warranty Coverage

Credit card extended warranty coverage typically adds one or two additional years to an item’s original manufacturer’s warranty. The item must be purchased entirely with the credit card offering the benefit. Eligible purchases commonly include consumer electronics and major appliances.

Coverage limits generally apply per item and per cardholder account, often up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year. The extended warranty terms usually mirror the original manufacturer’s warranty, covering defects in materials or workmanship rather than accidental damage or normal wear. Confirm specific terms, including maximum original warranty duration accepted, within your card’s guide to benefits.

Credit Card Networks Offering Extended Warranty

The availability and specifics of extended warranty benefits vary across credit card networks and individual card products. Major networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express have historically offered this protection, though a trend shows a reduction in these benefits.

American Express cards with an annual fee often add up to one year to manufacturer’s warranties of five years or less. Visa Signature and Infinite cards usually extend the original manufacturer’s warranty by one additional year for items with an original warranty of three years or less. Mastercard generally doubles the manufacturer’s warranty period, up to one additional year, for items with an original warranty of one year or less. Discover discontinued its extended warranty benefit in 2018. Consult your specific card’s guide to benefits, as terms can differ even within the same network based on the issuing bank and card type.

Common Exclusions and Limitations

Credit card extended warranties come with specific exclusions and limitations. These policies do not cover motorized vehicles, real estate, or items permanently installed in a home. Software, used or pre-owned items, and perishable goods are also excluded.

Items purchased for professional or commercial use are not covered, as the benefit is intended for personal consumer purchases. The extended warranty only covers issues addressed by the original manufacturer’s warranty, such as defects. It does not cover accidental damage, loss, theft, or normal wear and tear. Coverage caps per item and per account also limit the maximum reimbursement available.

Filing an Extended Warranty Claim

Should an eligible item malfunction after its manufacturer’s warranty expires but within the extended warranty period, filing a claim involves several steps. Contact the benefit administrator, whose information is found in your credit card’s guide to benefits, promptly within 60 to 90 days of the product failure.

You will need to provide specific documentation to support your claim. This includes the original sales receipt, a copy of your credit card statement showing the purchase, and the manufacturer’s original warranty. A repair estimate or report detailing the malfunction’s cause is also required. Once all necessary documents are submitted, the administrator will review the claim and determine whether to approve repair, replacement, or reimbursement, up to the coverage limits.