I ventured into credit card rewards mainly to find ways to travel without breaking the bank. To my surprise, I ended up enjoying several other benefits from the card as well.
Recently, I stumbled upon a valuable credit card perk I had previously dismissed: the extended warranty. When my Eight Sleep mattress topper malfunctioned, my Hilton credit card swooped in and covered the $1,400 replacement.
I’ll guide you through how straightforward the process is, so you can take advantage of it too.
What is Extended Warranty Protection?
Typically, purchases of high-value items come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If something goes wrong for a valid reason within a certain timeframe, the product can usually be repaired or replaced at no extra cost.
Some credit cards offer extended warranties, which prolong the manufacturer’s warranty when a purchase is made with the card. For instance, my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers up to five additional years of warranty coverage (up to $10,000 and a maximum of $50,000 annually).
*Eligibility can differ by card. Terms and conditions apply. More details can be found at americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. The AMEX Assurance Company underwrites it.
How I Saved $1,400 with Credit Card Extended Warranty Insurance
This year, our mattress topper, which adjusts temperature, stopped functioning. I discovered it had been gradually leaking into the mattress for several days.
As it often goes with pricey items, this issue arose just months after the warranty from the manufacturer expired. I thought it couldn’t hurt to reach out to Eight Sleep to see what my options were.
The response from Eight Sleep was overwhelming. While they identified the issue, they didn’t provide any preventative advice. Instead, they offered steep discounts on a new topper. The replacement? A mere $1,400, which felt alarming.
Not surprisingly, I didn’t have that kind of money sitting around, so I delved deeper into the Hilton Amex Purchase Protection benefit. Thankfully, since my card extended the original manufacturer’s warranty by an extra year, I still had a bit of coverage left.
American Express sent me a claim form, which required a technician to inspect the item and provide a damage estimate. Just under three weeks after I submitted my claim, I received approval and was notified that the funds would hit my bank account in three days.
How to File an American Express Extended Warranty Claim
To file an American Express Extended Warranty claim, start by visiting: American Express online billing page. Once logged in, click on the “Submit a Claim” button in the upper right corner.
A list of all American Express cards will appear. Select the card used for the purchase and indicate the purchase date at the bottom of the page.
The next screen will present a list of eligible insurance benefits associated with your card. Choose the relevant benefit.
You’ll then need to input your personal and purchase information (receipt, where you bought it, the purchase amount, etc.). Be sure to include product information like the manufacturer’s name.
Explain the issue to American Express using the claim form provided and follow their guidelines, which may include taking the item to a technician if needed.
It’s important to remember that there are limitations and exclusions when using this card benefit.
Which Credit Cards Offer Extended Warranties?
Some of the top credit cards featuring extended warranties are:
Conclusion
Just a few months after my expensive item had its warranty expire, it “wet the bed.” Thanks to my Hilton Amex Aspire Card’s extended warranty perk, I was reimbursed $1,400 to replace our Eight Sleep mattress topper. This not only allowed me to get a newer (and better) model but also helped me earn thousands in credit card rewards in the process.
Overall, it turned out to be a complete win-win.
