You know how cashiers try to persuade you to add more warranty coverage to the gifts you're buying? You can double your manufacturer's warranty, up to one year, for free with many credit card purchases.
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I found out about these types of credit card services when I was on the hunt for a laptop. I bought a two-year manufacturer's warranty with my laptop and Visa added on a third year of protection for free just because I made the purchase with my card. The free, extra year Visa warranty matched my manufacturer's warranty with the same in-home repair service, loaner laptop guarantees and 24-hour turnaround repair time.
Registering my product for the free Visa warranty was also simple. I went to the Warranty Manager Service page, clicked on the "Register purchases and file claims online" link, registered my card for coverage, entered my laptop's serial number and other details about the sale and sent in a copy of my manufacturer's warranty for Visa to keep on file in case I had any trouble with my laptop. We've now bought appliances and a TV that are covered with a free extra year of protection through our credit cards.
American Express' Buyer's Assurance Program and MasterCard's Card Benefits offer similar free warranty services with roughly the same requirements. Visa, American Express and MasterCard all require you to have a certain type of credit card so check with your card's issuing bank to make sure your purchase will qualify for free, additional warranty protection.
One rub many consumers have run into when needing to take advantage of their credit card company's warranty service is that the entire purchase must be charged to that one credit card. Even using a gift card to cover a portion of the cost may void your free warranty coverage. So shop smart, save money and check with your credit card company to see if your purchases qualify for free warranty coverage after your manufacturer's warranty expires.
Thrifty Thursday Tips from About.com Parenting Guides:
I try to keep this in mind when making these types of purchases. It’s a great program and I don’t think many people know about it, but a good reminder, particularly at this time of year.
I didn’t know that! Thanks for the great tip.