Now that the Holiday gifts have been purchased, do you have any idea whether or not your purchases were protected or given an extended warranty by your credit card? This might give you some valuable information.....

I have been in contact with all of the major credit card companies to ascertain what types of buyer protection programs or extended warranty benefits (I was only looking for EW plans) they offered to the card holder after making a purchase, such as a TV. Here is a summary of what I found:

DISCOVER CARD-does not offer any extended warranties or protection plans.

AMERICAN EXPRESS- calls their service the "Buyers Assurance Program."

AMEX will double the warranty of your purchase up to one year. They also have the added benefit that if you should purchase an EW from a store, they will duplicate the manufacturers warranty up to one year beyond the expiration of the EW up until the purchase is 5 years old.

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/cda/dynamic.jsp?name=BuyersAssurance_CCSG_FAQ&type=intFAQ#3

VISA- calls their service the "Warranty Manager Service," they are responsible for:

1. Registering your purchases. If you send your receipt, VISA receipt and copy of the original warranty, they will file the information in their system if you should ever need it or lose the originals.
2. They will double the extended warranty up to one year on purchases for free on eligible products with an original warranty less than 3 years. There are exclusions.
3. If you purchase an EW from a store, VISA will only be a secondary insurance of the EW. Once the EW expires, or the additional benefit year is up, you have no benefits.
4. Purchase an EW contract directly through VISA based on the cost of item.

In order to ensure that you qualify for any part of the Warranty Manager Service, you need to call VISA at 1-800-551-8472 and ask them. They will ask for your card number and will give you the benefits that are associated with your card. Any benefits you receive or don’t receive is at the discretion of the issuing card provider. Remember, you are not talking to Wells Fargo, Chase, or Citibank, this is VISA. Nothing is guaranteed, so CALL!

Here is another advantage to use your VISA card, especially if you are going to rent a car. You know that added insurance coverage that the agents will always try to push on the public for like $15-20 a day in case of accidental damage to the car, well VISA offers the coverage for FREE!!! Yes, FREE!!! I could have used my own advice as I just paid out 2 days of rental insurance for nothing, VISA had it covered. There are some restrictions relating to how long you can have the rental car and that you can't use it for luxury cars like Porsche, etc. All they do is tell you to decline the additional insurance and if anything happens to contact them immediately, they will take care of the rest, even towing charges....

Here are some links that are associated with their products, they will go into more detail about the programs and your cards benefits:

Visa Checking - http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/benefits/index_debit.html?it=c|/personal/cards/benefits/index.html|http://usa.visa.com/img/nav/nav_form_debit_cards.gif

Visa Signature Credit Card - http://usa.visa.com/download/personal/cards/credit/VisaSignature.pdf
http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/benefits/bft_warranty_mgr.html?it=searchQuicklink

Visa Signature Business Credit Card - http://usa.visa.com/download/business/cards/credit/visa_signature_business.pdf
http://usa.visa.com/business/cards/benefits/bft_purchase_security.html

Warranty Managers Service link- (This will explain the service, and give the costs of the EW they offer)
http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/credit/visa_signature_benefits_wm.html?it=c|/personal/cards/benefits/index.html|Warranty%20Manager%20Service

MasterCard- very similar to VISA. I found the link to their site but it doesn't provide that much information. It does give the benefits for a Gold or Platinum Mastercard. MasterCard does have an EW program but I couldn't find any printed details and varies depending on the issuing card provider. Contact 1-800-MC-ASSIST (1-800-622-7747) to check to see if you are eligible for any of the benefits. Again, your benefits vary depending on who is your card provider as well as other criteria. MasterCard actually said you had to have at least a $2000 credit limit to be eligible. Call!

MasterCards EW benefits are a little different than above. MasterCard EW works similar to AMEX, after the original warranty up to one year. The difference is that you are limited to being able only to purchase a one year extended warranty from a store, then they will cover up to the third year. But be careful, if you want MasterCard's EW service, the original manufacturers warranty cannot exceed one year, if it does, MasterCard will not offer an EW at all, you'll get zip.

MasterCard- http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/cardholderservices/guidetobenefits/index.html


Again, this is the information I received when looking at their sites and contacting them by phone, please contact your card company if you have any questions or you need further information. EW are not the only benefit that comes with our cards, there are several others. These cards have many more benefits than we all realize, so why don't they just come outright and put it right in front of us to understand. So spend some time with the links I gave above, you will be amazed at what they offer.

Are you aware of what you cards offer you??? :rolleyes:

Hoped this helped.

Thanks - good information. I'm curious what VISA charges for their extended warranty contracts and whether the warranty covers in-home service and DLP lamps. Something to look into when I'm ready to buy.

I just filed the papers for my new Mits 73732 with Visa...they state that it extends the manufacturer's warranty for one year, and the Mits warranty explicitly covers the bulb so I am assuming it does indeed cover the bulb.

As for the pricing on the extended warranties beyond the free one year, it was based on the purchase amount, I think the 4 year extension was around $275 IIRC. Cheaper than the one offered to me at the store where I bought the set.

I use this for all my electronic purchases (cameras, PCs, TVs, etc...). I have not had to file a claim yet, but heard from others that it works well and was a minimal hassle. Just keep all your paperwork and/or file the copies with Visa.

More info at http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/benefits/bft_warranty_mgr.html?it=c|/personal/cards/eclaims.html|Learn%20more

Thanks - good information. I'm curious what VISA charges for their extended warranty contracts and whether the warranty covers in-home service and DLP lamps. Something to look into when I'm ready to buy.


They will duplicate whatever the original manufacturers warranty states. So if the warranty is for "in-home" it will be covered. As for the bulb, the original warranty has to explicity indicate a warranty on the bulb. I asked this question, they said whatever the manufacturer covers. As for the prices on the EW, look at this link, the prices are located towards the bottom of their site:


http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/cards/credit/visa_signature_benefits_wm.html?it=c|/personal/cards/benefits/index.html|Warranty%20Manager%20Service

My Panasonic AE700 projector started having problems 6 months after the warranty expired. Fortunately, I purchased it with my REI Visa Gold card. I called them up and they gave me all the necessary information. I got it repaired ($300+) and sent the paperwork to Visa. They promptly sent me a check covering the entire repair bill (including shipping). I was also given the opportunity to buy an extended warranty that would last until 5 years from the original date of purchase. Since I had already experienced 2 problems with the projector, I thought the $189 was a great deal...and FAR cheaper than any warranty offered by the electronics retailers.

My Panasonic AE700 projector started having problems 6 months after the warranty expired. Fortunately, I purchased it with my REI Visa Gold card. I called them up and they gave me all the necessary information. I got it repaired ($300+) and sent the paperwork to Visa. They promptly sent me a check covering the entire repair bill (including shipping). I was also given the opportunity to by an extended warranty that would last until 5 years from the original date of purchase. Since I had already experienced 2 problems with the projector, I thought the $189 was a great deal...and FAR cheaper than any warranty offered by the electronics retailers.


Thanks for the feedback, its good to hear a real life story of someone who has used VISA services. Its nice to know they followed through with what they indicated they would.

So does this include debit cards with the VISA logo on them?

So does this include debit cards with the VISA logo on them?


Yes, it does include debit or what are also called checking cards. The links for those cards are above. However, the only way you will know if you are covered is to contact VISA, again it varies by card provider. They can tell you in 30 seconds.

Thanks for the info. I called about my Circuit City Chase Visa card and it does have the Warranty Managers Service. So I get a free year warranty on my interest free finance purchases. I can't wait to mention it the next time they try to push the extended warranty.

Anyone know more details abt Mastercard EW?

Anyone know more details abt Mastercard EW?


Just call them at 1-800-MC-ASSIST (1-800-622-7747) , they will give you all the information you are looking for and will tell you if you are qualified for their EW. You won't have to wait on hold, they answered right away, you just need to have your card with you and they will tell you everything you need.

My Capital One Visa allowed me to do it online. Even offered options beyond the first year.

Does anyone know how much of the purchase actually has to go onto your credit card? I ask because I have almost enough in gift cards to cover the purchase price of a TV, though there will be like $50 left to cover, if I put that on my credit card will I then get the extended warranty coverage?

I'll give Visa a call when I get a chance, but was hoping someone here knew an answer to this.

Thanks

Does anyone know how much of the purchase actually has to go onto your credit card? I ask because I have almost enough in gift cards to cover the purchase price of a TV, though there will be like $50 left to cover, if I put that on my credit card will I then get the extended warranty coverage?

I'll give Visa a call when I get a chance, but was hoping someone here knew an answer to this.

Thanks

It has to be 100% of the purchase to be covered according to the rep that I spoke with yesterday. It is in the terms.

It has to be 100% of the purchase to be covered according to the rep that I spoke with yesterday. It is in the terms.

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks

My Capital One Visa allowed me to do it online. Even offered options beyond the first year.

Allowed you to do it online... I never came across that when I was researching this issue. Thats a big plus to know. I know Wells Fargo, you can't find any of their EW policies online. I'll have to look at Capital One.

I got the impression that it was available for more Visas than just Capital One. I got redirected somehow to a Visa site.

It is available for MANY Visas. I used it last month with my Chase visa when I purchased my 5687W Sammy. It's a great service.
Link here:

http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/cards/credit/visa_signature_benefits_wm.html?it=il|/personal/cards/benefits/index.html|Warranty%20Manager%20Service

My current bank's Visa card had this feature until last summer, so now when I needed to buy a new TV, I took the extra time to get a Capitol One card just because of this EW.

I had a cordless phone a few years ago that failed right after one yr was up...AT&T didn't fix it but only would replace it for $80 fee, so submitted bill to Visa and they reimbursed me so I'm happy with service...so it's a LOT cheaper than buying a EW plan from store!

[QUOTE=Belusch]Over the last couple of days, I have been in contact with all of the major credit card companies to ascertain what types of buyer protection programs or extended warranty benefits (I was only looking for EW plans) they offered to the card holder after making a purchase, such as a TV as was mine. Here is a summary of what I found:




wow great post Belush, very interesting. i never thought i could get this from my credit card. next time someone from a store tries to throw me the ew i know now i have a choice.


thanks. :)

[QUOTE=Belusch]Over the last couple of days, I have been in contact with all of the major credit card companies to ascertain what types of buyer protection programs or extended warranty benefits (I was only looking for EW plans) they offered to the card holder after making a purchase, such as a TV as was mine. Here is a summary of what I found:




wow great post Belush, very interesting. i never thought i could get this from my credit card. next time someone from a store tries to throw me the ew i know now i have a choice.


thanks. :)

Thats why I did what I did... I was completely clueless until after this little project, I hope it has opened up alot of others people eyes about the hidden benefits no one want you to know about.

Great post Belusch. I called and looked into my card, but to my dismay my bank (HSBC) has NO EW plan at all. And the card is called a "Platinum".

Thanks Belusch - I'm glad I was surfing this morning! I had no idea that this type of warranty was available. I have been researching warranties for an upcoming purchase of hd tv, refrigerator, and stove. For the fridge and stove its too late bought on my sears card, but now I know to buy the tv on my chase visa instead of my discover (they both give me cash back!)

PS anyone heard anything about repair master warranties, good or bad? I am thinking of using them for the fridge and stove, cause the sears warranty is very expensive.

Thanks Belusch - I'm glad I was surfing this morning! I had no idea that this type of warranty was available. I have been researching warranties for an upcoming purchase of hd tv, refrigerator, and stove. For the fridge and stove its too late bought on my sears card, but now I know to buy the tv on my chase visa instead of my discover (they both give me cash back!)

PS anyone heard anything about repair master warranties, good or bad? I am thinking of using them for the fridge and stove, cause the sears warranty is very expensive.

Your welcome... I was in the same boat.. I hope this information is helping people...

FYI: Mastercard debit cards do not offer this service.

FYI: Mastercard debit cards do not offer this service.

Mastercard is probably the least known of what programs they offer and what is considered eligible. They seem to have so many variables and just don't publish the information, but again just make a call to mastercard they will give you all the details.. I don't carry mastercard, so I had no cards to request information... Thanks for the additional information.

I did a search on this a few months ago. I wanted a CC that had 3 things (+ the usual).

1. EW
2. 1.5% cash back.
3. Free insurance on rental cars

"VISA Signature" does all 3.

this is a great feature and the cost of a Extended Warranty from VISA is much cheaper than any store. great post!

this is a great feature and the cost of a Extended Warranty from VISA is much cheaper than any store. great post!

I'm glad this information was useful to you.

I am down to the wire - I can get a 5yr warranty with 2yr bulb replacement from visa or a 4yr warranty with 3yr bulb replacement elsewhere. (Of course, once I buy either warranty, nothing bad will happen for the entirety of the warranty period). That being said, what is likely to go first - the bulb or the set? Any opinions?

That is ofcourse unknown. The bulb costs about $150, what is the difference in the cost of the two plans, that should help guide you.

This should be a sticky....vital info and links and I'd hate to see this thread disapper to 5th page or so within a week :-(

Frag

AMERICAN EXPRESS- calls their service buyers assurance program.
AMEX will double the warranty of your purchase up to one year. They also have the added benefit that if you should purchase an EW from a store, they will duplicate the manufacturers warranty up to one year beyond the expiration of the EW up until the purchase is 5 years old.

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/cda/dynamic.jsp?name=BuyersAssurance_CCSG_FAQ&type=intFAQ#3



Many EW, I bought one from Tapeworks during a powerbuy, gave me a 5 year warranty and allowed 2 bulb replacements over the 5 year period.

We have had many customers combine the Mack Warranty from TapeWorks Texas with the AmEx warranty. Glad it has worked out for you, and hope it will benefit others. The information in this thread is, well, as Mastercard would say, PRICELESS! ;)

Here's the link to the Mack Warranties you can combine with the AmEx warranty as described by Belusch above. To reiterate, you would get your manufacturer's warranty first (usually a year), then the 3-year Mack warranty, and then the AmEx Warranty for a year, giving you the 5 years of total coverage. Also, as mentioned before, it's always a good idea to confirm the terms of the Credit card warranties with your credit card company just to be sure. LINKS:

TV Only Warranty (http://tapeworkstexas.com/mack_warranty_combo.html)
TV Combo Warranty with Bulb Coverage (http://tapeworkstexas.com/mack_warranty_combo.html)
Projector Warranty (http://tapeworkstexas.com/mack_warranty_projector_combo.html)

Thanks,
Brian Pool
TapeWorks Texas

You may want to read the EW again. Are you sure they are only offering you a 2 yr warranty on the bulb?? Many EW, I bought one from Tapeworks during a powerbuy, gave me a 5 year warranty and allowed 2 bulb replacements over the 5 year period.

I asked two different reps from visa. The visa one year warranty extension includes a bulb replacement if the original tv warranty includes it. The 5-year extended warranty (an additional 3 years) does NOT include bulb warranty. Apparently, I love to leave decisions 'til the very last second!

Wow, thanks for this thread! This is another warranty option I didn't know about, that I can now consider.

It should be stressed that any of this is through the issuing bank or institution. It's not all through the credit card provider. I believe many think all cards issued anywhere have this.

IOWs' does my bank offer this?

But he's correct, don't assume these cards automatically come with benefits. It is up to the issuer, so call!! :DYes, and even within some issuers, it depends on which card you have...and just because your card may have it now, they may cancel participation in future...it happened to me, and I had to get a card with another bank just for that purpose.

I followed the link to the Visa warranty page and tried to register. It said I was already a member. Sure enough, my Chase Visa through Amazon was already there. I registered my Onkyo Sr-605 and my JVC HD-56FN97. It didn't recognize my PS3, but they're sending me an e-mail to follow up on that. Maybe my that zero in the serial # was really an O? Anyway, very easy to do. The extended warranty for my TV was $82 for an extra 2 years, and my receiver was $52. I opted not to purchase at this time, but that is definitely reasonable.