Many consumers purchase electronics, appliances, and other durable goods with the expectation of long-term use. However, manufacturer warranties often expire after a relatively short period, leaving consumers vulnerable to repair or replacement costs. Credit cards that offer extended warranty protection can provide valuable peace of mind, effectively doubling the original warranty period on eligible purchases. This article will guide you through the best credit card options for extended warranty coverage in 2024.
Comprehensive Credit Card Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Extended Warranty Coverage | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Up to 1 additional year on eligible U.S. warranties of 3 years or less. Maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. | Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, and 1x on all other purchases. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, car rental collision damage waiver, and travel accident insurance. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | Up to 1 additional year on eligible U.S. warranties of 3 years or less. Maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. | Earn 5x on flights and 10x on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and travel, and 1x on all other purchases. $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select membership, and trip delay reimbursement. |
| American Express Platinum Card® | Up to 1 additional year on eligible U.S. warranties of 5 years or less. Maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. | Earn 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and 5x on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, access to Centurion Lounges, and premium travel benefits. |
| American Express Gold Card® | Up to 1 additional year on eligible U.S. warranties of 5 years or less. Maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. | Earn 4x at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x), 4x at restaurants worldwide, 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x on all other purchases. $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash, and travel insurance benefits. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Up to 1 additional year on eligible U.S. warranties of 3 years or less. Maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. | Earn 2x miles on every purchase, every day; 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. $300 annual travel credit, access to Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges, and Hertz President's Circle status. |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | Extended Warranty coverage is no longer a benefit on this card. | Balance transfer options and introductory APR periods. |
| Citi Premier® Card | Extended Warranty coverage is no longer a benefit on this card. | Earn 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels; and 1x points on all other purchases. |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Extended Warranty coverage is no longer a benefit on this card. | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. |
| Discover it® Cash Back | Extended Warranty coverage is no longer a benefit on this card. | Rotating 5% cash back categories, matched first-year rewards. |
Detailed Explanations of Credit Card Features
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards card that offers extended warranty protection as one of its many benefits. It extends the manufacturer's warranty by up to one additional year on eligible purchases made in the U.S. with a warranty of three years or less. This card provides a maximum claim amount of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. In addition to its extended warranty, the card offers valuable travel rewards and purchase protection.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a premium travel credit card that also provides extended warranty coverage. Similar to the Sapphire Preferred, it adds up to one additional year to eligible U.S. warranties of three years or less, with the same claim limits of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. This card stands out with its generous travel benefits, including a $300 annual travel credit and access to airport lounges.
American Express Platinum Card®
The American Express Platinum Card® offers extended warranty protection on eligible purchases made with the card. It extends the original manufacturer's warranty by up to one year, but has a longer maximum original warranty period of five years. The claims limits are the same as Chase cards: $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. The Platinum Card is known for its premium travel perks and luxury benefits, including airline fee credits and hotel credits.
American Express Gold Card®
The American Express Gold Card® also includes extended warranty coverage, mirroring the Platinum card's terms. It adds up to one year to the original manufacturer's warranty (up to five years), with claim limits of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. This card is focused on dining and supermarket rewards, making it an excellent choice for everyday spending.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides extended warranty protection on eligible purchases. It adds up to one additional year to U.S. warranties of three years or less, with the same claim limits as the Chase cards: $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. This card offers a strong combination of travel rewards and benefits, including a $300 annual travel credit and access to airport lounges.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card no longer offers extended warranty coverage. While it once provided this benefit, it has been discontinued. The card is now primarily focused on balance transfer options and introductory APR periods.
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card no longer offers extended warranty coverage. Like the Diamond Preferred, this benefit has been removed. The card focuses on earning points on various spending categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, and travel.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card does not offer extended warranty coverage. This card is primarily designed for earning a flat-rate cash back on all purchases.
Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back no longer offers extended warranty coverage. The card is known for its rotating 5% cash back categories and matched first-year rewards.
Understanding Extended Warranty Coverage Details
Eligible Purchases: Typically, extended warranty coverage applies to new items purchased with the credit card that have a manufacturer's warranty. Read the terms and conditions carefully to understand any exclusions.
Warranty Period: The credit card company usually extends the original manufacturer's warranty by up to one additional year. The maximum original warranty period that qualifies for extension can vary between cards.
Claim Limits: There are maximum claim amounts per item and per account. For example, many cards have a limit of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Required Documentation: To file a claim, you will typically need to provide proof of purchase (credit card statement, receipt), the original manufacturer's warranty, and a repair estimate.
Exclusions: Certain items may be excluded from coverage, such as vehicles, software, and items purchased for resale.
Why Choose a Credit Card with Extended Warranty?
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your purchases are protected beyond the original warranty period provides peace of mind.
Cost Savings: If an eligible item breaks down after the manufacturer's warranty expires, the extended warranty can save you money on repair or replacement costs.
Convenience: Filing a claim with a credit card company can be more convenient than dealing with a third-party warranty provider.
How to File an Extended Warranty Claim
- Review the Terms and Conditions: Understand the coverage details, exclusions, and claim procedures.
- Gather Documentation: Collect your credit card statement, purchase receipt, original manufacturer's warranty, and a repair estimate.
- Contact the Benefits Administrator: Call the number provided in your card's benefits guide or visit the website of the benefits administrator to initiate the claim.
- Submit Documentation: Provide all required documents to the benefits administrator.
- Follow Up: Track the progress of your claim and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Annual Fee: Consider the annual fee of the credit card and whether the benefits, including the extended warranty, outweigh the cost.
Spending Habits: Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits to maximize rewards and benefits.
Credit Score: Ensure that you have a good to excellent credit score to qualify for the best credit cards with extended warranty coverage.
Read the Fine Print: Always read the terms and conditions of the extended warranty coverage to understand the details and exclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is extended warranty coverage? It's a credit card benefit that extends the original manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases, typically by up to one year.
What items are usually covered by extended warranty? Commonly covered items include electronics, appliances, and other durable goods with a manufacturer's warranty.
How long does extended warranty coverage last? It usually extends the original warranty by up to one additional year.
What documents do I need to file a claim? You'll typically need your credit card statement, purchase receipt, original manufacturer's warranty, and a repair estimate.
Are there any exclusions to extended warranty coverage? Yes, common exclusions include vehicles, software, and items purchased for resale.
How do I find out if my credit card offers extended warranty? Check your cardholder agreement or contact your credit card issuer.
Can I use extended warranty if I bought the item on sale? Yes, as long as the item has a manufacturer's warranty and meets the eligibility requirements.
What if the item cannot be repaired? The credit card company may reimburse you for the purchase price, up to the coverage limit.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for extended warranty depends on your individual needs and spending habits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, American Express Platinum Card®, and American Express Gold Card®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are all excellent options that offer valuable extended warranty coverage and other benefits. Review the terms and conditions carefully and select the card that best fits your lifestyle.