Which Credit Cards Offer Roadside Assistance?

Many credit cards offer roadside assistance as a valuable benefit, providing cardholders with peace of mind during unexpected vehicle breakdowns. Some credit cards include this benefit as a complimentary feature, while others offer it on a pay-per-use basis, where the cardholder pays a fee only when the service is utilized.

Common Roadside Assistance Services

Credit card roadside assistance programs cover a range of common vehicle issues that can leave a driver stranded. These services include:

Towing, which transports a disabled vehicle to a repair facility or a specified location. The distance covered by complimentary towing varies, with additional mileage incurring a charge.
Jump-starting a dead battery, allowing a vehicle to restart without needing to call a separate battery service.
Flat tire changes, where assistance is provided to replace a flat tire with the vehicle’s spare. Cardholders are responsible for having a functional spare tire and the necessary tools.
Fuel delivery services, if a vehicle runs out of gas, bringing a small amount of fuel to the cardholder’s location. While the delivery service itself might be covered, the actual cost of the fuel is charged to the cardholder.
Lockout services, which help drivers regain entry to their vehicle if they accidentally lock their keys inside.

Credit Card Networks and Issuers

Major credit card networks approach roadside assistance benefits in distinct ways, influencing which cards offer the service.

Visa, for example, provides a standard roadside dispatch service that is available to eligible cardholders on a pay-per-use basis. This program offers access to dispatch services for common issues like towing, jump-starts, and flat tire changes. Many Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards include this underlying program, though specific terms can vary by issuing bank.

Mastercard also offers a similar mastercard roadside assistance program that is pay-per-use for eligible cardholders, providing access to a network of service providers. Certain premium Mastercard products, like World Elite Mastercard, might offer enhanced or complimentary versions of this benefit, but it largely depends on the individual issuer’s agreement.

American Express takes a different approach, with some of its premium cards providing complimentary roadside assistance as a direct card benefit. For instance, the Platinum Card from American Express includes complimentary roadside assistance up to a certain number of service calls per year, covering services like towing up to 10 miles, jump-starts, and flat tire changes. Other American Express cards may offer a pay-per-use service or no roadside assistance at all.

Discover cards offer roadside assistance as a pay-per-use service for all cardholders, similar to the base offerings from Visa and Mastercard. Cardholders can call a dedicated number to arrange for help, and the cost of the service is billed directly to their Discover card. The availability and specific terms of roadside assistance are ultimately determined by the individual credit card issuer, even when a network provides a base program.

Accessing Roadside Assistance

When a cardholder needs roadside assistance, initiating a request is a straightforward process. The most common method involves calling a dedicated phone number provided by the credit card issuer or the card network’s roadside assistance program. This number can be found on the back of the credit card, in the card’s benefit guide, or on the issuer’s website or mobile application.

Upon calling, the cardholder will need to provide their credit card number to verify eligibility for the service. They will also be asked for their current location, vehicle details, and the nature of the issue to help the dispatcher send appropriate assistance. After the service request is placed, the cardholder can expect to receive updates regarding the estimated arrival time of the service provider.

Understanding Coverage Details

While credit card roadside assistance offers convenience, understand the specific limitations and potential out-of-pocket costs. Many programs, even those advertised as complimentary, impose mileage limits for towing, with charges applying for distances beyond the specified range. Similarly, there may be limits on the number of service calls permitted within a year.

Certain services, like fuel delivery, may not include the cost of the fuel itself, only the delivery fee. Exclusions also exist for specific vehicle types, such as recreational vehicles, commercial trucks, or vehicles over a certain weight limit. It is advisable for cardholders to review their specific card’s terms and conditions to understand their roadside assistance coverage before an emergency arises.