We all know about cash back and airline miles, but your credit cards and bank accounts likely offer a treasure trove of lesser-known perks that you’re not taking advantage of.
From free museum access to exclusive dining experiences, these hidden benefits could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
Let’s explore some of the most valuable loyalty card perks that are probably flying under the radar.
Remember, financial institutions are competing fiercely for your business.
5 Loyalty Card Perks You Probably Don’t Know About
1. Bank of America’s “Museums on Us” Program
Imagine visiting some of America’s top cultural institutions without paying a dime.
If you’re a Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank cardholder, you already have this perk in your wallet.
The “Museums on Us” program offers free general admission to over 225 cultural institutions across the United States during the first full weekend of every month.
This includes prestigious museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, and countless science centers, botanical gardens, and aquariums nationwide.
To take advantage, simply present your eligible credit or debit card along with a photo ID at participating venues.
For a family of four, this could mean savings of $60-100 per museum visit. If you visit just three museums a year through this loyalty card program, you could save $180-300 annually.
5 Financial Services Loyalty Programs That Go Beyond Free Flights
2. Capital One Cafés: More Than Just Coffee
Capital One has reimagined banking by creating hybrid café spaces that merge coffee shops with banking services.
While anyone can visit these trendy spots, Capital One cardholders receive exclusive benefits.
The most immediate perk? Capital One customers enjoy 50% off handcrafted beverages when paying with their Capital One card. For a daily coffee drinker, this discount could save hundreds of dollars annually.
Beyond discounted coffee, these cafés offer:
- free Wi-Fi
- comfortable workspaces
- complimentary financial coaching sessions
They’re designed as community hubs where you can work remotely, meet with friends, or get personalized financial advice – all perks that extend far beyond typical banking relationships.
Currently available in select major cities, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C., these innovative spaces represent a reimagining of what banking can offer its customers in the physical world.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred®: Hidden Dining and Travel Benefits
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is known for its travel rewards, but it offers several lesser-known perks that many cardholders never use.
Complimentary DashPass membership gives you reduced service fees and free delivery on eligible DoorDash orders.
With the average delivery fee running $5-7 per order, frequent food delivery users could save $20+ monthly with this benefit alone.
One of the most overlooked benefits is access to Chase Dining, which offers exclusive reservation availability at hard-to-book restaurants and unique culinary events.
For food enthusiasts, this access to otherwise sold-out experiences can be invaluable.
The card also includes Visa Signature Concierge Service, providing 24/7 assistance for travel bookings, event tickets, and restaurant reservations – essentially giving you a personal assistant at no additional cost.
4. Citi Prestige® Card: Luxury for Less
The Citi Prestige® Card comes with a higher annual fee, but its lesser-known benefits can more than offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Perhaps the most valuable hidden perk is the Fourth Night Free benefit.
Twice per year, cardholders can book a hotel stay through ThankYou.com and receive the fourth night free. For a $400/night hotel, that’s a $400 savings per use—potentially $800 annually.
The card’s Priority Pass™ Select membership grants access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including select airport restaurants where your membership covers up to $28 off your bill (and an additional $28 for a guest).
With airport meals easily costing $25+ per person, this benefit could save hundreds for frequent travelers.
Many cardholders also overlook the elite car rental status with Avis, National, and Sixt.
These partnerships offer benefits like:
- complimentary upgrades
- discounts
- expedited service
These are added loyalty card perks that would otherwise require dozens of rentals to achieve.
5. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Expert-Level Travel Programs
The Platinum Card® from American Express is packed with well-known benefits, but even longtime cardholders often miss some of its most valuable offerings.
The International Airline Program provides access to discounted premium economy, business, and first-class fares on select airlines when booking through Amex Travel.
These discounts can reach up to 20% off, potentially saving thousands on international premium cabin travel.
The Fine Hotels & Resorts program offers benefits valued at approximately $600 per stay at over 1,300 luxury properties worldwide.
These perks include:
- room upgrades
- daily breakfast for two
- guaranteed late check-out
- unique property amenities
For a weekend stay, these benefits often exceed the card’s annual fee in value.
Maximizing Your Hidden Benefits
To get the most from these lesser-known loyalty card perks:
- Create a benefits inventory: Review all of your cards’ benefits guides and make a list of perks you didn’t know about.
- Set calendar reminders: For time-sensitive benefits like Bank of America’s first-weekend museum access or limited-use perks like Fourth Night Free.
- Download your card issuers’ apps: Many offer in-app benefit tracking and activation features.
- Reassess your cards annually: Evaluate whether you’re actually using enough benefits to justify annual fees.
Hidden Loyalty Card Perks?
The plastic in your wallet likely offers far more value than you realize.
These hidden perks can transform your everyday banking relationships into tools for:
- experiencing culture
- enjoying exclusive travel benefits
- accessing unique dining experiences
Take some time to explore what your specific cards offer beyond the headline benefits.
Just like a budget, the best card perks are the ones you actually use, and you might be surprised to discover how much value you’ve been leaving untapped.
Remember, financial institutions are competing fiercely for your business.
By fully utilizing these lesser-known benefits, you ensure you’re getting maximum value from the relationship – turning ordinary spending into extraordinary experiences.
