When unexpected car troubles arise, having reliable support can make all the difference. Credit cards that offer roadside assistance transform a routine plastic card into a practical safety net.

In this article, we explore how this perk works, compare it to traditional memberships, and share actionable advice to ensure you’re prepared for any roadside emergency.

Understanding Roadside Assistance Benefits

Roadside assistance is an emergency service for drivers that addresses common issues like breakdowns and lockouts. Rather than buying a standalone plan, cardholders can access help through their credit issuer.

Typical services include towing, tire changes, jump-starts, lockout service, and fuel delivery. Many premium and travel cards integrate this benefit to appeal to on-the-go consumers.

Which Credit Cards Offer This Benefit?

Not every credit card comes with roadside perks. Major issuers that currently include these services are:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Sapphire Preferred®
• Capital One Venture Rewards
• Bank of America Premium Rewards®
• Costco Anywhere Visa® by Citi (requires membership)
• Visa Signature and World Mastercard products (via roadside dispatch)

Some issuers, such as American Express and Citi, have removed this perk in recent years. Always verify your card’s current guide to benefits before relying on it.

Example Coverage Limits and Fees

Coverage details vary widely. The table below outlines sample cards, annual fees, and per-incident limits or costs.

*Requires active Costco membership.

How the Perk Works in Practice

Roadside assistance through your credit card is available 24/7 in the U.S. and Canada. To request help:

• Call the benefit administrator number printed on your back of card guide.
• Provide your card details and vehicle information.
• Describe the issue and location.
• Wait for a service provider to arrive, typically within 30–60 minutes.

Services covered may include:

Towing up to a specified distance, flat tire changes if you have a usable spare, jump starts, emergency fuel delivery (you pay for fuel), and lockout service if keys are locked inside your vehicle.

Credit Card Assistance vs. AAA Membership

When weighing credit card perks against traditional roadside plans, consider cost, coverage, and convenience.

AAA memberships range from $64.99 to $124.99 per year, offering unlimited uses under certain plans and additional travel discounts. By contrast, most credit cards charge a flat fee of $69–$80 per service call or cover a set amount per incident on premium products like Sapphire Reserve®.

For infrequent users, a pay-per-use model may be more economical. However, frequent travelers who anticipate multiple incidents could find unlimited AAA plans more reliable.

Fine Print and Common Exclusions

Before relying on your card’s assistance feature, be aware of key restrictions:

Commercial vehicles and rentals are usually excluded. Coverage applies only to privately owned or leased cars under a weight limit (commonly 10,000 lbs). The service network may not operate in very remote areas.

Many cards require the cardholder to call the administrator directly; there is no automatic dispatch. Always check whether you need to pay for the service upfront and seek reimbursement, or if the provider bills the issuer directly.

Practical Tips for Consumers

To make the most of your roadside assistance benefit, follow these recommendations:

• Keep your benefit administrator’s phone number saved in your contacts.
• Review your card’s Guide to Benefits for coverage limits and eligible services.
• Document any out-of-pocket expenses with receipts for reimbursement, if applicable.
• Maintain basic emergency supplies—flashlight, spare tire, jumper cables—in your vehicle.
• Compare your card’s coverage against standalone plans if you travel frequently.

Real-World Impact and Statistics

A recent Agero survey found that over half of drivers require roadside assistance each year, making it one of the most sought-after car insurance add-ons. The average cost of a tow without coverage stands at $109, while standalone plans can exceed $100 annually.

By leveraging a credit card perk, you can offset these expenses with minimal extra effort, provided you understand the process and limitations.

Conclusion

Roadside assistance on credit cards offers a seamless blend of convenience and potential savings for drivers who encounter unexpected vehicle issues. Whether you drive daily or embark on occasional road trips, this perk can serve as a valuable backup plan.

Always verify your card’s current terms, prepare in advance, and weigh the benefits against standalone memberships to ensure you’re fully protected on the road.