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3 Travel Card Perks People Forget to Use

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 7:35 GMT by The Motley Fool
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Travel Card Perks That Go Unused – How to Turn Forgotten Benefits into Real‑World Savings

Every year, credit‑card issuers roll out new travel‑reward cards that promise the world—point accrual, airline miles, lounge access, and more. Yet, even the most enthusiastic cardholder often misses three of the most valuable perks that come tucked away in the fine print. A recent article on The Motley Fool titled “3 Travel Card Perks People Forget to Use” dives into the hidden gems and offers practical advice for maximizing the return on every dollar spent. Below is a detailed rundown of those three overlooked benefits, plus a quick guide on how to activate and use them.

1. Companion Tickets – Free Seats for Your Travel Buddy

What It Is

A “companion ticket” is a free or heavily discounted airline ticket that cardholders can claim once per year. It’s essentially a “buy one, get one free” deal, but for a flight that can cost hundreds of dollars. The perk is usually tied to a specific airline or alliance and may require a minimum spend on the card before the free ticket can be redeemed.

Why It’s Often Overlooked

Many cardholders simply forget that the perk exists, while others are confused by the restrictions: the ticket may only be valid for the same route, in the same class, or only on certain dates. Additionally, the process to redeem the ticket can involve contacting customer service or booking through a special portal.

How to Take Advantage

• Identify Eligible Cards: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a one‑off “Sapphire Reserve Companion Ticket” after spending $4,000 in a calendar year. The United Explorer Card provides a free Companion Fare on U.S. flights after a qualifying purchase.
• Track Your Spend: Keep a close eye on your annual spend to ensure you hit the threshold before the year ends.
• Reserve Early: Some airlines limit the number of companion tickets available per year. Book as soon as you are eligible.
• Use the Card for the Entire Trip: Pay for all in‑flight fees, baggage, and any upgrades with your card to lock in the benefit.

Extra Context

The Sapphire Reserve article on The Fool also links to the official Chase travel benefits page, where you can find a detailed list of airline partners and the exact terms of the companion ticket. A quick review reveals that the ticket is valid for first‑class seats on U.S. flights, but can be upgraded to premium economy on partner airlines.

2. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Reimbursement – Fast‑Track Through Security

What It Is

The Department of Homeland Security offers two expedited security programs: Global Entry (for international travelers) and TSA PreCheck (for domestic flights). Each costs a non‑refundable fee—$100 for Global Entry and $85 for TSA PreCheck. Many premium travel cards reimburse these fees up to a certain amount.

Why It’s Often Overlooked

Cardholders may be unaware that the fee reimbursement is a separate claim from their annual travel rewards. Some cards require a proof of purchase (receipt) and a separate claim form. The “reimbursement” is not a credit on the card itself but a refund from the card issuer.

How to Take Advantage

• Know Which Cards Offer It: The Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and American Express Platinum all reimburse Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.
• Keep Receipts: When you purchase your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application, keep the receipt and any confirmation email.
• Submit a Claim: Log into your online account, find the “Travel Benefits” section, and fill out the claim form. Upload the receipt if required.
• Wait for the Refund: The issuer typically processes the reimbursement within 7–10 business days.

Extra Context

The Fool article includes a link to the official DHS website where you can apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. It also references a separate The Fool piece that explains the application process and what to expect during the interview. This additional reading clarifies that you’ll only need to pay the fee once every five years for Global Entry and every five years for TSA PreCheck, so the cost is well worth the benefit.

3. Travel Accident and Trip Cancellation Insurance – Safety Net for Unexpected Events

What It Is

Most premium travel cards include built‑in insurance that covers a range of disruptions: medical emergencies abroad, trip cancellations due to unforeseen events, lost or delayed baggage, and even rental‑car collision coverage. The coverage limits vary but can be substantial—often up to $10,000–$25,000 per trip.

Why It’s Often Overlooked

Cardholders may assume that “travel insurance” is the same as “travel insurance purchased from a broker.” In fact, the insurance that comes with a card is typically cheaper and automatically activated when you use the card to pay for the trip. People also forget to read the policy’s fine print—most insurance is contingent on “first‑party” coverage (i.e., you must pay with the card) and can exclude pre‑existing medical conditions or specific activities.

How to Take Advantage

• Check Your Policy: Review the card’s insurance booklet, available through the issuer’s website.
• Use the Card for All Trip Expenses: From airfare to hotel to car rental, every payment must be made with the card to trigger coverage.
• Understand the Exclusions: For instance, many policies exclude coverage for adventure sports, such as skiing or scuba diving, and will only pay for medical emergencies unrelated to your activity.
• File Promptly: If a claim is needed, file within the timeframe specified (usually 21–30 days after the incident) and provide all documentation—receipts, police reports, medical bills, etc.

Extra Context

The Fool article links to a separate guide on “Travel Insurance 101,” which explains how cardholder insurance compares to traditional policies and outlines common scenarios where card coverage kicks in. It also directs readers to the American Express Travel Insurance page for a printable copy of the terms and conditions.

Putting It All Together

These three perks—companion tickets, expedited security fee reimbursement, and built‑in travel insurance—are the “hidden gems” that can save you hundreds of dollars annually and give you peace of mind when traveling. They’re often overlooked because they’re not immediately obvious on the back of the card or in the quick‑start guide. Instead, they’re buried in the fine print or hidden behind separate claim portals.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to make sure you never miss another perk:

Final Thought

Credit‑card companies spend millions on marketing their travel perks, but the most valuable benefits are often the ones that require a bit of extra effort to uncover. By familiarizing yourself with the details and proactively using these perks, you can turn a standard reward card into a powerful travel ally. If you’re still unsure which card offers the best suite of benefits for your needs, The Fool’s “Best Travel Cards 2024” roundup (linked in the article) provides a side‑by‑side comparison of rewards, annual fees, and the most useful perks—including the ones most cardholders forget.

Next Step: Log into your card’s account, scroll through the “Travel Benefits” section, and take the first step toward unlocking a free seat, a faster security line, and an insurance safety net. Your future travels will thank you.