I got into the world of credit card rewards for one reason: to explore the world on a budget. So any other perk I receive from the card is a pleasant surprise.
But recently, it occurred to me the real power of what I previously thought was a “one-time” credit card benefit, namely extended warranty protection. When my eight-sleep mattress topper cracked, my Hilton credit card extended warranty benefits funded a $1,400 replacement.
I’m going to show you how simple the process is – so you know how to do it, too.
What is extended warranty protection?
Many purchased products, often higher value products, come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If a product stops working for a covered reason within a certain period of time after purchase, you can have it repaired or replaced at no charge.
Some credit cards come with extended warranty protection, which extends your warranty beyond the manufacturer’s warranty when you pay with the card. For example, my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Provides me with up to one year of original manufacturer’s warranty (five years or less) (up to $10,000 and cannot exceed $50,000 per calendar year). *
*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by American Express Insurance Company.
How My Credit Card Extended Warranty Insurance Saved Me $1,400
Earlier this year, my temperature regulating mattress stopped working. As it turns out, it slowly seeped into my mattress over a few days.
As is often the case with expensive items, this catastrophic failure occurred months after the manufacturer’s warranty expired. I still thought it was worth a try, messaged Bamian and asked the company what I should do.
Ba Mian’s reaction was unremarkable. It identifies the problem but provides no guidance on how to prevent it. Instead, the company is offering considerable discounts on newer alternatives. For the low price of $1,400, I could get my beloved mattress topper back.
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I didn’t have the extra $1,400 to spend on another mattress, so I checked the details of my Hilton Amex Purchase Protection benefit. Thankfully, the card extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by one year, which means I still have a few months of protection.
American Express provided me with a claim form requesting a technician to physically inspect the damaged items and write a repair estimate. Less than three weeks after submitting my claim, I received a notification that my claim had been approved and my compensation would arrive in my bank account within three business days.
How to File an American Express Extended Warranty Claim
To file an American Express Extended Warranty claim, first go to the American Express Online Claims page. Once logged into your account, click the “Submit Claim” button in the upper right corner of the page.
You will then see a list of all American Express cards. Select the card you used to make the purchase and specify the date of your purchase at the bottom of the page.
The next page will show you a list of eligible insurance benefits that come with your card. Select relevant benefits.
Finally, you will be prompted to enter some personal and purchase information (i.e. receipt, place of purchase, purchase amount, etc.). You’ll also need to confirm product information, such as the manufacturer’s name.
Use the claim form provided to describe the problem to American Express and then follow the instructions to bring the item to the technician (if applicable).
Please note that there are some exceptions and limitations when using this card’s benefits.
Which credit cards offer extended warranty protection?
Some of the best credit cards that offer extended warranty protection include:
bottom line
One of the most expensive items I own “wet the bed” a few months after the manufacturer’s warranty ended. mine Hilton American Express Aspire CardThe extended warranty benefit reimbursed me $1,400 to completely replace my eight-sleep mattress cover, giving me a newer (and better) model. Plus, this purchase and reimbursement simultaneously earned me thousands in credit card rewards.
Overall, it’s a win-win.
