Which Credit Cards Offer Roadside Assistance?
Uncover which credit cards offer roadside assistance. Learn how this often-overlooked benefit works and how to utilize it for peace of mind on the road.
Many credit card holders are unaware of a valuable perk that could provide peace of mind during unexpected vehicle troubles: roadside assistance. This benefit can be a significant advantage, offering a convenient alternative to traditional auto club memberships or relying on personal contacts during a roadside emergency. Understanding whether your credit card offers this service and how to utilize it can save time and stress when you need it most. This article clarifies how credit card roadside assistance works and how to access it.
Understanding Credit Card Roadside Assistance
Credit card roadside assistance falls into two categories: complimentary service or pay-per-use dispatch. Complimentary service, often found with premium credit cards with an annual fee, covers a certain number of incidents or a specific dollar amount per service call each year. These benefits are included at no additional cost, up to defined limits.
Conversely, pay-per-use roadside assistance, more common across many credit cards, means the card provides access to a network of service providers at pre-negotiated rates. There is no upfront membership fee, but the cardholder is responsible for the cost of each service call. This model offers convenience by connecting you with vetted providers, potentially at a lower rate than if you sought out assistance independently.
Common services include flat tire changes, jump-starts for dead batteries, fuel delivery when you run out of gas, lockout services if keys are inaccessible, and towing for mechanical breakdowns or accidents. Towing services often have mileage limits, with additional distances incurring extra charges.
Credit Cards That Provide Roadside Assistance
The availability and specifics of roadside assistance benefits vary significantly across credit card networks and individual card products. Visa offers “Roadside Dispatch” on all its cards, including Visa Signature, as a pay-per-use service. Cardholders can access services like standard towing (up to five miles), tire changes, jump-starts, lockout service (excluding key replacement), fuel delivery (plus fuel cost), and winching for a flat fee, often around $79.95 per service call. This service requires no enrollment or membership fees, and the cost is charged directly to the card.
Mastercard offers “Master RoadAssist Roadside Service” on select cards, particularly World and World Elite Mastercard products. This dispatch system connects cardholders with local providers at pre-negotiated rates; the exact price depends on the service and card’s agreements. Many credit card issuers, such as Capital One, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, provide roadside assistance to their cardholders through these underlying Visa or Mastercard network benefits.
American Express has largely discontinued direct roadside assistance on many cards, with some premium cards having phased out complimentary services. However, some co-branded American Express cards issued by other banks may still offer it, potentially with limits on incidents or reimbursement. Discover cards generally no longer offer this benefit.
Some premium travel cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer complimentary roadside assistance, covering specific incidents up to a set amount, like $50 per occurrence, with an annual limit. Cardholders should consult their card’s benefits guide or issuer to verify terms, conditions, and coverage details.
Accessing Your Credit Card’s Roadside Assistance
Once you confirm your credit card provides roadside assistance, utilizing the benefit is a straightforward process. Initiate service by calling the dedicated phone number for roadside assistance, often printed on the back of your credit card. If not found there, the number will be listed in your card’s benefits guide, accessible online through your issuer’s website or mobile app.
When calling, provide essential information: your credit card number for verification, precise location, vehicle details (make, model, year), and a clear description of the issue. The dispatcher will arrange for a service provider and provide an estimated arrival time. For pay-per-use services, the cost is confirmed before dispatch, and payment is charged directly to your credit card. No prior enrollment or membership is required to use these services.