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Visa Signature: What Is It, and What Are the Benefits?

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"Visa Signature" refers to a package of benefits and perks offered on certain cards that carry the Visa name. Visa offers three levels of benefits , which vary by card. Signature is the middle level: It offers more than the basic benefits of the Traditional tier but not as much as you get with high-end Visa Infinite cards.

Below is a quick summary of Visa Signature benefits and a guide to using the more valuable ones.

Summary of Visa Signature benefits

Visa Signature benefits include the following:

Extended warranty protection.

Travel and emergency assistance.

Year-end spending summary.

Visa Signature concierge.

Roadside assistance (T).

Auto rental collision damage waiver (T).

Zero fraud liability (T).

Lost/stolen card reporting, emergency replacement and emergency cash (T).

Cardholder inquiry service (T).

Benefits marked with (T) are part of Visa's Traditional tier. The Signature package includes all Traditional benefits plus Signature-level perks.

VISA BENEFITS VS. ISSUER BENEFITS

Before we go into detail on these benefits, it's important to understand a few basic points:

Most of the features on a typical Visa credit card aren't dictated by Visa at all, but rather by the bank that issued the card (such as Chase, Capital One, Wells Fargo or your local community bank). Rewards rates, bonuses, interest rates and fees are all determined by the issuer.

Visa makes these benefits available on cards that carry the Visa Signature label, but it is up to the issuing bank to decide whether a particular card actually includes a particular benefit.

Many issuers offer their own benefits on top of (or in place of) those offered by Visa. These may be substantially more generous than Visa Signature benefits.

Extended warranty protection

How it works.

Visa's extended warranty protection can add more time to the manufacturer's warranty on items purchase with your Visa Signature card:

For warranties of less than a year, Visa doubles the warranty period.

For warranties of one to three years, Visa adds a year to the warranty period.

For warranties longer than three years, there is no extended warranty benefit.

The maximum coverage is $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder. Vehicles, real estate, computer software and certain other items are excluded from this coverage. You’ll have to register your purchase with Visa or save the receipt and the original manufacturer’s warranty if you want to take advantage of this protection. File a claim by calling your benefits administrator at 800-397-9010 in the U.S., or 303-967-1093 outside the U.S.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Visa will only extend the manufacturer’s warranty, not improve it. If the manufacturer offers less-than-impressive terms — for instance, if it just covers defects rather than normal wear and tear — don’t expect Visa’s coverage to offer anything more. You’ll also have to show proof that you tried to get the item repaired through the manufacturer first, and getting the manufacturer to cover repairs can be a tedious process.

In some cases, getting a replacement item may be less of a hassle than waiting for a repair. Another alternative is buying an extended warranty or protection plan from the store where you bought the item, which might offer more coverage than the manufacturer's warranty. But, hey — the Visa Signature coverage is free for cardholders, so if all your manufacturer’s repairs are fully covered and shipping is reimbursed right away, it’s worth a try.

Travel and emergency assistance

Travelers needing information or assistance can call a dedicated multilingual hotline 24/7, and benefits specialists will connect them with services. In the U.S., the number is 800-992-6029; see this list for toll-free numbers in other countries. Available services include:

Pre-travel information about such things as immunizations and other health precautions, weather reports, currency exchange rates and visas.

Medical services, including referrals to health-care providers, emergency medical transportation and prescription assistance.

Legal and logistical help, including referrals to lawyers or bail services, document delivery, translation services, emergency replacements for lost tickets and assistance in finding lost luggage.

You'll have to pay for services you request. The phone call is free; whatever help they line up for you will be your responsibility. For example, if you need translation help, the hotline might put you in touch with a local interpreter, help you find a lawyer, or arrange for an ambulance ride, but you’ll have to pay the interpreter, lawyer or ambulance company.

Auto rental collision damage waiver

If you rent a car with your Visa Signature card, you can get additional coverage against physical damage or theft of the rental. This auto rental collision damage waiver, or CDW, applies to expenses that aren’t covered by your own insurance policy. To use the benefit:

Rent the car using your card. Coverage applies to rentals of up to 15 days in your home country or up to 31 days internationally.

Decline the CDW offered by the rental car agency.

Report damage or theft. If the car is damaged or stolen, you have 45 days to report it to Visa Card Benefit Services.

File a claim. You have 90 days to file a claim with supporting documentation. (If you don't have all the necessary documents by then, you have 365 days to provide them.) Required documents are listed on the claim form and include a copy of the rental agreement; a copy of your credit card billing statement showing the rental; information about your personal auto insurance; information about the necessary repairs; and a police or incident report about the accident or theft. Start your claim at eclaimsline.com .

This coverage usually comes on top of your personal insurance. If your rental is damaged or stolen, you'll first file a claim with your personal auto insurer. Visa's protection extends to charges not covered by that, including your deductible. This is known as "secondary coverage."

If you don't have a personal auto insurance policy, Visa's coverage becomes "primary," meaning you'll file the original claim through Visa. Also, some cards offer primary rental coverage in all cases. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a Visa Signature, but its rental car coverage is primary. With primary insurance, you don't have to involve your own issuer at all if a rented vehicle is damaged or stolen.

The CDW covers only the rented vehicle. There's no liability protection for damage to other vehicles or for medical costs from an accident. It also doesn't cover your luggage or other belongings inside the rented vehicle. If you back into a pole, the Visa CDW is a nice perk; if you cause an accident that leaves other cars smashed up and people injured, you'll probably be going through your own insurance anyway.

It doesn't cover all vehicles. Passenger cars (economy through luxury class) are covered. SUVs are covered only when driven on the road. Not covered: vans that seat more than nine people, trucks, cargo vans and vehicles classified as "expensive."

It doesn't apply in certain countries. This coverage doesn't apply in Ireland, Israel or Jamaica. Also, some countries (including Australia, Costa Rica, Italy and New Zealand) require that people renting cars purchase a certain amount of insurance; Visa's coverage comes on top of that.

» MORE: Rental car insurance: How your credit card covers you

Roadside dispatch

If you have car trouble while on the road, you can call 800-847-2869 at any time, day or night, and Visa will hook you up with a tow truck, locksmith or other service provider. There's no limit to how often you can use the service. You'll pay a flat fee of $69.95 for the service call. Covered services include:

Jump start.

Changing a tire.

Lockout service. This covers the cost of getting you into your car when you're locked out. New keys cost extra.

Towing up to 5 miles. Beyond that, you can be charged extra.

Winching if your car is at least 100 feet from the road. Farther than that, it can be extra.

Fuel delivery of up to 5 gallons. You'll have to pay for the gas on top of the service fee.

On-the-spot repairs or diagnostic services may cost extra. Any additional services once your car is towed somewhere may also cost extra. If you’re a subscriber to a service like AAA already, or if your insurance has a roadside assistance program built in, those could be more affordable options.

Additional Visa Signature benefits

Other services and benefits available to Visa Signature cardholders:

Year-end spending summary. This detailed annual report breaks down where you used your card, which can help you with budgeting and tax prep.

Concierge service: If you need help choosing a gift for someone or arranging travel plans, you can call 24/7 , and a concierge will help you make arrangements. If you buy anything, though, you’ll have to foot the bill.

Zero fraud liability.

Cardholder inquiry service. This allows you to call Visa and get details about your card, including both issuer- and network-provided features.

Lost/stolen card reporting, emergency replacement and emergency cash. If your card is lost or stolen, Visa, will work with your issuer to get you a replacement quickly. It can also arrange an emergency cash advance.

Shipt delivery services. Through Dec. 31, 2024, get a free Shipt membership for three months and a 50% discount for nine months. This benefit also offers free deliveries on orders of $35 or more. Terms apply. Shipt provides delivery services from over 130 retailers in over 5,000 cities in the U.S.

Skillshare membership access. Through Sept. 19, 2023, get a free membership for three months to Skillshare’s online learning community of more than 30,000 classes when you put a Visa Signature credit card on file. You’ll also get a 20% discount on annual membership renewals purchased with your eligible card. Terms apply.

Sofar Sounds presales. Through Sept. 13, 2023, get an exclusive invitation to the seven-day presale of Sofar events and earn a free ticket when you purchase one or more tickets during that timeframe. Terms apply. Sofar Sounds offers live music concerts in over 400 cities worldwide.

Benefits you 'may' have

As mentioned, some credit card issuers offer perks beyond those provided by Visa. The Visa website highlights several of these extra benefits that "your Visa Signature card may come with," but keep in mind that they are not part of the Visa Signature package. They're dictated by the issuer. They include:

Lost luggage or baggage delay reimbursement.

Reimbursement for Global Entry application fee.

Reimbursement for travel delays, cancellations or interruptions.

Travel accident insurance.

Priority Pass airport lounge access.

Price protection, purchase protection and return protection.

Emergency medical service and medical evacuation.

Some of these benefits are included in the Visa Infinite package.

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Everything you need to know about Visa Signature card benefits

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

As a Visa credit cardholder, you're entitled to everyday card perks and benefits. Visa buckets these benefits into three tiers, depending on what specific card you have and who the card issuer is . The benefits fall into one of the following categories: Visa Traditional, Visa Signature, or Visa Infinite – each with more perks than the last.

Let's dive into exactly what Visa Signature is and how those benefits can impact you.

our beginner's guide .

How do I know if I have a Visa Signature card?

Visa Signature is in the middle of the benefits lineup and includes many common cards in the Visa network.

There are several ways to determine if you have a Visa Signature card. First, many cards simply have it in their name (i.e. Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card or the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature ). Another way to find out if you have a Visa Signature is by simply looking at it. Most cards have the "Visa Signature" label located somewhere on the physical card. This includes one of the most common Visa Signature cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (it's on the back, in case you were wondering).

The information for the Amazon Prime Rewards and Chase Freedom cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Also, all Visa Signature cards will have a minimum credit limit of $5,000. Keep in mind that with this stipulation, it could mean the same exact card can be both a lower-tier Visa Traditional card and a more benefit-generous Visa Signature card.

For instance, If you're approved for a card like such as the Chase Freedom (no longer open to new applicants) with a credit limit below $5,000, you'll be given Traditional card benefits. However, if your limit is above this threshold, then you'll receive Signature benefits.

Overview of Visa Signature benefits

The Visa Signature benefits span a wide range, from extra travel and purchase protections to deals and concierge access. Please note that select cards may have different benefits than what is listed here, so please check with your issuer to find exactly what perks they are offering under Visa Signature.

Below is the minimum that Visa Signature-branded cards offer:

Visa Traditional benefits

• Cardholder inquiry service
• Lost or stolen card reporting
• Emergency card replacement and emergency cash disbursement
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Zero liability policy
• Roadside dispatch

New Visa Signature benefits

In response to the changing nature of consumer habits during the pandemic, Visa added some additional benefits for cardholders:

• Shipt : Get groceries, household essentials, and more delivered in as soon as one hour – enrolled Visa consumer credit cardholders get a free membership, which includes free same-day delivery on orders $35+.
• Sofar Sounds : This is a unique opportunity to explore music in a more personal, intimate way – and Visa consumer credit cardholders enjoy exclusive access to select Sofar events and eligibility for a free ticket per show with purchase.
• Skillshare : Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of classes and discounts on membership – and explore how it feels to bring your ideas to life with inspiring online classes.
• NortonLifeLock : ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock helps provide you with tools so you can act quickly should the unexpected -- your identity is stolen -- happens.

Existing Visa Signature perks

These cards also offer a number of existing perks to cardholders — though you'll want to check with the bank that issues your specific card to make sure you know the full extent of your benefits.

Travel and emergency assistance services: These include an array of benefits should you need help regarding a trip or emergency situation. These include things such as pre-trip assistance with visas and immunization, emergency transportation assistance, prescription assistance, emergency translation service, legal aid and much more. This perk just covers finding the resource — any actual service rendered would incur a fee. Within the U.S., you can call 1-800-992-6029 to get started. If you're outside the United States, call collect at 1-804-673-1675.

Roadside dispatch : This perk is a pay-per-use roadside assistance program that you can access 24/7 for a set price per service call.

Emergency card replacement : If your card is lost or stolen, Visa will work with your issuing bank to expedite the shipment of a replacement card (generally within 24-72 hours).

Visa Offers and perks : There are many retail partners and benefits that are available to Visa Signature cardholders. These include:

• Benefits and exclusive access to Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders at more than 50 select Sonoma County Visa Signature wineries.
• Discover premium benefits at more than 95 golf courses across the United States and the world with the Visa Signature Troon Golf Benefit.
• Complimentary concierge services to assist with current and future travel needs, sending that special gift and helping make your life a bit easier.
• Rental car discounts with Silvercar .
• Enjoy world-class celebrity chef and winemaker experiences.

Visa Signature cards with added perks

Although Visa Signature cards come with a number of standard benefits (as listed above), some cards may come with even more. This depends on the issuer of the card in question. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred also comes with the following perks:

• Luxury Hotel Collection : With select Visa Signature cards, if you book online and pay with a qualifying card, you'll get such hotel perks like free breakfast for two, a $25 food or beverage credit, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.

• Baggage delay and lost luggage reimbursement : Some cards will give you funds to purchase necessities when your bags are delayed (by six hours or more on the Sapphire Preferred), and some also offer reimbursement if an airline or other common carrier permanently misplaces your bags.
• Trip delay reimbursement : This covers necessary expenses, such as food and lodging, when your trip is delayed. On the Sapphire Preferred, this kicks in after a 12-hour delay (or unexpected overnight) and covers up to $500 per ticket.
• Trip cancellation or interruption reimbursement : This perk can refund the prepaid, nonrefundable costs of a trip that had to be canceled (or interrupted) due to covered emergencies.
• Purchase protection : A qualifying Visa Signature card covers your new purchases, On the Chase Sapphire Preferred, this is for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Visa Signature concierge: Get a concierge to help you with reservations, entertainment, sporting events, and more. To access this service, you have to call 1-800-953-7392.

Other Visa Signature cards can offer even more benefits and perks, so again, it's critical to check with your issuing bank for a full breakdown.

Visa Infinite benefits

Visa Infinite includes all the benefits you'll get from Visa Signature and Visa Traditional — and then some. Visa Infinite cards are at the top of Visa's lineup with higher annual fees and more lucrative extras. One of the most popular Visa Infinite cards is the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

You'll be guaranteed to receive the following (at a minimum) for Visa Infinite cards:

• Purchase and return protection
• Travel accident insurance
• Trip cancellation or interruption reimbursement
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
• Global Entry application fee credit

You might notice that the Chase Sapphire Preferred and other Visa Signature cards already have many of these Infinite benefits. This is because the card issuer (e.g. Chase or Bank of America) may even more generous than Visa when it comes to perks.

An important note about card issuers vs. card network

While it's good to know what the baseline Visa Signature benefits are, it's worth noting that there are many cards that have unique perks that are not part of one of the Visa tiers. That's because it is entirely up to the card issuer (such as Chase cards , Capital One cards , etc.) to determine which benefits you'll actually receive.

Visa is a card network, not an issuer , meaning it only functions to determine swipe fees and to build out a payment infrastructure so merchants can accept their cards. Having these benefits helps to create some consistency across a card portfolio, but it's really up to the bank to decide what those benefits will be. That's why you should always check your card's fine print in addition to this list here.

Bottom line

It pays to know what benefits are out there for the specific card you have in hand — or a card that you're considering applying for. However, because Visa benefits vary between cards based on the issuer's preferences, do a little more digging to find out what other perks are available. Pick a card that offers your preferred combination of fees and rewards.

Of course, TPG can help you with that endeavor. Here are several categories of the best cards that you may be interested in:

• Best travel credit cards
• Best rewards credit cards
• Best airline credit cards
• Best hotel credit cards
• Best cash-back credit cards
• Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Additional reporting by Benét J. Wilson.

Updated 1/18/23

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Card Benefits

Visa Signature ® Travel Rewards+ Card

Service benefits, earn rewards 1.

• 4X Points on Travel
• 4X Points on Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations
• 4X Points on Entertainment and Recreation
• 1.5X Points on all other eligible purchases

Redeem Rewards 2

To redeem rewards:

• Log in to Account Access .
• Select your Account, and within the top navigation select “Rewards & Benefits”.
• Click “Redeem rewards at Rewards Center” to reach the rewards center and start redeeming.

Or call the number on the back of your card to reach Cardmember Service.

• Redeem for travel rewards, cash back 3 , gift cards or name brand merchandise.
• Redemption starts at 2,500 points for $25 cash back.

24/7 U.S.-Based Customer Service

Our dedicated specialists are available 24/7 to assist you with any account questions.

Call the number on the back of your card.

Lost/Stolen Card Reporting

Our dedicated specialists are available 24/7 to assist you with a lost or stolen card. Call Cardmember Service immediately - available 24 hours a day.

Consumer cards: 1-800-558-3424 Business cards: 1-866-552-8855 International (Collect): 701-461-1556

Fraud Protection

Our sophisticated fraud-monitoring tools look for abnormal spending patterns. If we see something unusual, we move fast to help keep your card and account information safe. We provide zero fraud liability 4 for unauthorized transactions. If you notice any charges you did not make, please notify us promptly by calling the number on the back of your card. Certain conditions and limitations may apply. Learn more

Emergency Card Replacement and Cash Disbursement

Our 24/7 worldwide service allows you to quickly and easily get a replacement card sent to you and/or receive emergency cash at a convenient location.

Contactless Payments

Pay with a tap. Use your card for contactless payments wherever you see the Contactless Symbol and your payment is processed in seconds. You enjoy the same chip security whether you tap or insert your card. Cards are embedded with a microchip that adds an additional layer of security. If a terminal is not yet contactless-enabled you can insert or swipe your card as usual. Learn more

View Visa Signature Guide to Benefits (PDF)

Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please refer to the Guide to Benefits for further details and full terms and conditions.

• Airport Lounge Access Escape the airport crowds and await your flight in quiet comfort. Your complimentary 12-month Priority Pass™ Select Membership gives you 4 free visits to over 1,500 airport VIP lounges and experiences worldwide. Enroll at prioritypass.com/travelrewardsvs . * Number of lounges and experiences is subject to change.
• Visa Luxury Hotel Collection The Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection offers an unparalleled experience with a premium collection of benefits like VIP status, complimentary breakfast for two, an upgrade when available. For details visit VisaSignatureHotels.com .
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services When you're traveling or working anywhere in the world, your card gets you access to a multilingual call center - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - for the assistance you need. You, your spouse and legal dependent children under 22 years of age who are traveling with you can call toll-free in the United States or collect when traveling abroad. Services include: medical and legal referrals, emergency transportation and more. Call the Benefit Administrator at 1-800-992-6029 to get your questions answered. If you are outside the U.S., you can call collect at 1-804-673-1675. Travel and Emergency Assistance Services is provided on a best-effort basis and may not be available due to problems of time, distance or location.
• Roadside Dispatch � Get emergency roadside assistance with services like towing, fuel delivery, and more by calling 1-800-847-2869. Tell the operator where you are, what the problem is, and the operator will arrange a dispatch to a reliable tow operator or locksmith to provide help. The operator will let you know the name of the local tow operator or locksmith being sent to assist you. Cardmembers are responsible for any service fees.

Discounts and Special Access

• Concierge Service Your Visa Signature card comes with complimentary, 24/7 access to the Visa Signature� Concierge service. Simply call 1-800-953-7392 anytime for assistance booking travel, event tickets and more- even dinner reservations or golf tee times. 5
• Visa Offers + Perks Enjoy discounts at the places you love to shop. Indulge your passion and gain access to a wide variety of offers and deals, including food and wine, shopping, sports, entertainment and more. Find your favorites at visa.com/offers .
• ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock™ Tools to help you act quickly if your personal data is threatened No one can prevent all identity theft, so staying informed and knowing what to do when your identity is threatened can provide you with greater peace of mind. ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock provides you with the tools to help keep you informed of potential threats to your identity, so you can act quickly should the unexpected happen. To confirm eligibility, visit cardbenefitidprotect.com . * No one can prevent all cybercrime or all identity theft.
• Signature Event Access, Offers, and Discounts Enjoy access to special packages, discounts, offers, upgrades, and events in these categories: travel, entertainment, fine wine and food, sports and shopping. Learn more at visa.com/signature .

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The creditor and issuer of this card is Elan Financial Services, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. or Mastercard International Incorporated.

Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

American Express is a federally registered service mark of American Express and is used by Elan Financial Services pursuant to license.

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