How to tap into free perks you didn’t know you had

Who doesn’t love freebies?

Delaware Valley Consumers’ Checkbook staff sifted through member benefits attached to credit cards, warehouse clubs, health insurance plans, and more, and discovered dozens of little-known perks.

Until July 5, Inquirer readers can access the full list of perks, plus all of Checkbook’s ratings and advice for free via Checkbook.org/Inquirer/perks.

Extended warranties: Many cards extend the manufacturer’s warranty for items you charge. For example, the Citi Platinum Select Card will add to any warranty a 24-month plan, up to seven years total, to cover repairs — and replaces items lost or stolen within 90 days of purchase.

Guaranteed returns: Charge something to many American Express cards and the company will reimburse you up to $300 if you attempt to return it within 90 days but the retailer won’t take it back.

Free shipping via ShopRunner: If you have an American Express, World Mastercard, or World Elite Mastercard, you can get free two-day shipping and free returns at 100+ retailers.

Price protection: Some credit cards let you apply to receive a refund if, within a few weeks of purchasing something, you find you could have bought it for less.

Preferred boarding and more: Airline-affiliated rewards cardholders can usually board before the masses and check luggage free. These perks kick in only if the primary cardholder is part of the itinerary and you pay for the trip using the airline’s card.

Reimbursement for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Clear frequent traveler programs: The Capital One Venture Rewards card, for example, provides a statement credit up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment.

Cell phone protection coverage: Many credit cards now offer this benefit, which kicks in if your phone is damaged or stolen. To qualify you usually must use the card to buy your phone and to make your monthly payments.

Rental-car coverage: In the last few years, some cards dropped this type of benefit, but many still provide limited protection (typically, collision damage waiver coverage) when you rent using their cards.

Museums for free: Bank of America, Merrill, and Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders get free access to more than 225 cultural institutions nationwide during the first full weekend of every month.

Think outside the box office: Many cards offer access to special seating options, presales, and other insider benefits for concerts, theater, and more.

Tech support: Can’t configure that new laptop or TV? If you bought it at a warehouse club, you can call on free tech support for help. (BJ’s, Costco)

Travel deals: We’ve sometimes found good deals on hotel rooms, airfare, cruises, and car rentals through warehouse clubs. (BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s Club)

Get entertained for less: Members can get discounts on theme park passes, spa gift cards, movie tickets, and restaurant gift cards. (BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s Club)

Tire care: Checkbook shopped for tires at major chains and independent sellers and found you’ll likely save enough by buying at a warehouse club to recoup the cost of its annual membership. (BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s Club)

Extra warranty time for major appliance purchases: Costco extends the manufacturer’s warranty on many electronics and appliances for up to two years from the date of warehouse purchase or delivery.

Weight loss programs: Many plans pay or subsidize fees for WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and other companies.

Free or discounted fitness center memberships: Many insurers offer deals on gym memberships. Some will reimburse gym fees if you go often. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check out the SilverSneakers and Silver & Fit programs, which offer free or nearly free memberships at many gyms.

Discounts: In addition to unlocking lower hotel rates at many properties, your AAA membership can score you discounts for theme parks, movies, ski resorts, concerts, and more.

Bicycle breakdown help: Get a flat or a broken chain? AAA will load up you and your bike and take you home or to a repair shop.

Travel planning help: Along with free digital guides and discounts for hotel rooms and attractions, AAA members can access full-service travel agents.

Lockout help: If you lock your keys in your car, AAA will reimburse $50-$150 (depending on membership type) to get you back in.

Travel insurance: Depending on membership level, you get $500 to $1,500 trip-interruption coverage if you have an out-of-town auto breakdown.

Car seat loaners and more: AAA members can join Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards program for free. A favorite program benefit: Free car seat or booster loaners. Hertz also offers AAA members SiriusXM at half price during their rental. Thrifty also offers free car seat loaners for AAA members.

Unlimited photo storage/backup: With Prime, you get free unlimited full-resolution photo storage/backup, plus 5GB storage for video.

Music streaming: Amazon Music offers Prime members a free way to listen to their favorite tunes via playlists curated using favorites.

Free e-reads: Unlimited free access to more than 1,000 e-books and magazines. Prime members also get access to one soon-to-be-released “editor’s pick” title each month.

Prime discounts at Whole Foods: Prime members receive an extra 10% off all sale prices, plus get access to Prime-only deals.

Check with credit unions, USAA, and college alumni groups for benefits. Many large employers offer benefits such as cell phone plan discounts.

Seniors, armed forces members, teachers, and healthcare workers often get perks like special hotel rates, retailer discounts, and free coffee. Check The Senior List‘s roundup of senior perks; it’s updated regularly.

Delaware Valley Consumers’ Checkbook magazine and Checkbook.org is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help consumers get the best service and lowest prices. It is supported by consumers and takes no money from the service providers it evaluates.