I got into the world of credit card rewards for one reason: to explore the world on a budget. Therefore, any other perks I’ve received from my cards have been a pleasant surprise.
But I was recently jostled awake to the actual power of what I previously considered “throw-away” credit card perks, namely, extended warranty protection. When my Eight Sleep mattress topper ruptured, my Hilton credit card extended warranty perk funded a $1,400 replacement.
I’ll show you how easy the process was — so you’ll know how to do it, too.
What is extended warranty protection?
Many purchases (often higher-value ones) come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If the product stops working due to a covered reason within a specific time frame after your purchase, you can have it repaired or replaced at no additional cost.
Some credit cards come with extended warranty protection, which extends your coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty when you pay with the card. For example, my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card gives me up to one extra year on original manufacturer’s warranties of five years or less (up to a maximum of $10,000, and it cannot exceed $50,000 per calendar year).*
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
How my credit card extended warranty insurance saved me $1,400
Earlier this year, my temperature-regulated mattress topper stopped working. It turns out that it was slowly leaking into my mattress for several days.
As is typically the case with expensive items, this catastrophic malfunction happened just months after the manufacturer’s warranty expired. I still thought it was worth a shot to message Eight Sleep and ask the company what I should do.
Eight Sleep’s response was underwhelming. It identified the issue but gave no guidance as to how I could have prevented it. The company instead offered a sizable discount for a newer replacement product. For the low price of $1,400, I could have my beloved mattress topper back.
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I don’t have an additional $1,400 to spend on another mattress topper, so I examined the details of my Hilton Amex purchase protection benefits. Thankfully, the card extended the original manufacturer’s warranty by one year, which meant I still had a few months of protection.
American Express provided me with a claim form that required a technician to physically examine the damaged item and write a repair estimate. In less than three weeks after submitting the claim, I received a note that my claim was approved and my compensation would reach 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 head to the American Express online claim page. After you sign in to your account, click the “File a Claim” button at the top right of the page.
You’ll then see a list of all your American Express cards. Select the card you made your purchase with, then specify the date that you purchased the item at the bottom of the page.
The next page will show you a list of eligible insurance benefits that come with your card. Select the relevant benefit.
Finally, you’ll be prompted to enter some personal information and purchase information (i.e., receipt, place of purchase, purchase amount, etc.). You’ll also need to confirm the item information, like the manufacturer’s name.
Use the provided claim form to describe the issue to American Express, then follow any instructions for taking the item to a technician, if applicable.
Note that there are some exclusions and restrictions when using this card benefit.
Which credit cards come with extended warranty protection?
Some of the best credit cards for extended warranty protection include:
Bottom line
One of the most expensive items I own “wet the bed” just months after the manufacturer’s warranty ran out. My Hilton Amex Aspire Card’s extended warranty benefit reimbursed me $1,400 to completely replace my Eight Sleep mattress topper, giving me a newer (and much better) model. Plus, this purchase and reimbursement simultaneously earned me thousands of credit card rewards.
Overall, it was a total win-win.
