A Guide to the Benefits of the Visa Infinite Program

Unless you are someone who has a UBS, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ritz Carlton Rewards Card, the chances are you have never heard of the recently discovered VISA Infinite Program. And even if you have one of these cards, you may have never noticed the designation let alone understand the complete range of additional benefits it offers compared to the VISA Signature designation. This article is intended to both bring to light and clarify specific advantages the VISA Infinite designation gives card holders.

The UBS variation of the program charges users a $495 annual fee for the card, and includes UBS concierge service, Priority Pass access to airport lounges, and an annual airline fee credit of up to $250. This is mentioned at the beginning in order to let you know that while the VISA Infinite Program is a real thing, the individual card issuers can choose what specific options are and are not available to users. So what UBS may offer, the Ritz Carlton card may not. As you continue to read, not which cards offer what options, then contact your card issue for complete details of the VISA Infinite program available to you.

First, when flying Delta you are eligible to get a $100 discount every time you buy between 2 and 5 domestic, round-trip coach tickets. There are certain limitations to this benefit. For one, all of the tickets need to be purchased on the same itinerary to prevent you from buying separate tickets, each under your own name and save between $200 and $500 instead of the $100 actual offer. Also, pay attention to the “domestic” part of the benefit. Specific to the issuer of your card, The Chase Sapphire Reserve does not offer this perk, but the Ritz Carlton does.

When traveling you will likely stay in a hotel, and the VISA Infinite program gives its members access to the Relais & Châteaux group of hotels that comes with a special VIP Welcome benefit. Those unfamiliar with the international hotel group should know that to be accepted as part of the group you have to fill out an application after which a secret inspection of the property takes place. The focus is on the cuisine, and nothing short of amazing and unique will be accepted into the group. As a traveler, this is the ultimate in lodging and dining but in order to take advantage of this benefit you have to book your stay at a minimum of 72 hours prior to arrival.

Of course, this planning exercise is made much simpler if you have a concierge service available to you. The VISA Infinite program has just that, ready to assist you with everything from shopping to getting tickets for special events. However, this benefit may not always be geared towards getting you the cheapest deals, but cardholders may not see price as the major obstacle in their planning.

If you are planning on renting a car, the VISA Infinite advantages can be considerable. First, they have special member discounts at the major car rental services, including Avis and National. Next, you are eligible for immediate upgrades when available, and there is also a mystery package of VIP Amenities that go with the rental. But what is considered to be the benefit of using the card for car rentals is the Primary Rental Car Insurance. You are covered up to a maximum of $75,000 for any damage to the rental whether it is due to collision or otherwise. If the car is stolen, the VISA Infinite status will take care of it, allowing you to skirt any problems by having to file a claim with your own insurance company.

Frequent travelers often purchase products from abroad, but whether your purchase is domestic or abroad, the VISA Infinite membership offers you the opportunity to have an item that has been damaged or stolen to be reimbursed, replaces, or repaired based on the existing coverage. You have as long as 90 days to start the claim process, and the amount you are covered for goes as high as $10,000. You are limited to a maximum of $50,000 in claims per year.

There are a number of other benefits, such as accidental death or dismemberment insurance ($500,000 in coverage), insurance against tripe delays or cancellations (up to $2000 per day), and the infamous lost luggage event which will reimburse you for up to $3000 but it must have occurred on a common carrier. Depending on how often you travel and your personal travelling experiences, whether the VISA Infinite program is worth of almost $500 a year is something you will decide for yourself. The program appears to target travelers who are doing more than simply traveling, but making traveling a personal, memorable experience.

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