Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards: Each credit card on the market has its own features and benefits. Basically, they depend on the issuer, i.e. the bank or cooperative that issued the credit card. But did you know it can also offer you additional benefits?
These extra benefits are linked to the card’s payment network, but each is unique. Now let’s look at the differences between Visa signature and Visa infinite credit cards.
We wanted to write this article, so that you can learn what each credit card offers and what benefits you may be able to access. Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cards are very similar, but there are minor differences that can make a difference to some clients.
Being a Visa Signature or Visa Infinite cardholder does not automatically qualify you for all available benefits. Banks and cooperatives that issue the cards determine the benefits available. A benefits guide, a call to your bank or review of the adhesion contract are the best ways to learn about the benefits offered by each of them.
There are many credit card payment processing networks, including Visa and MasterCard. The issuers and credit unions, however, are responsible for supporting the benefits of each card. The exceptions to this rule are Discover and American Express cards because, in these cases, the card issuer coincides with the payment processing platform.
What are the benefits of Visa Signature?
Visa Signature cards offer a wide range of benefits to their cardholders. Continue reading to find out more information! Here we will provide you with comprehensive information about all the benefits of the card.
Global Entry Credit
Visa Signature cardholders have the option of applying for Global Entry, a United States Customs and Border Protection program. There is a cost of $100 for this program (which covers the application fee). You will also receive a credit of $100.
With concierge service
With this service, Visa Signature cardholders can get staff to book hotels, flights, cars, excursions, tours, restaurant lunches and dinners, tickets to cultural events and museums, etc.
Emergency Ambulances
If the holder is injured or seriously ill during the trip, he can request an emergency evacuation that includes transport, i.e., the trip by ambulance, to the nearest medical centre. Visa Signature cards have a maximum coverage amount of $10,000.
Lost baggage reimbursement
The Visa Signature benefit is only available to frequent travellers and tourists who have purchased tickets (or booked vacations) using their Visa Signature. The bank would pay the difference between the amount claimed (which would correspond to the value of the baggage) and the payment made by the airline or transport company. The maximum reimbursement amount per trip is $3,000.
Bonus for baggage delays
When your checked luggage is delayed or mistakenly sent to another destination, Visa Signature holders can request a $300 payment to temporarily solve the problem. To make a claim, the delay must be greater than four hours.
Travel delay reimbursement
If your flight is delayed, you can receive a bonus of up to $300 to cover the costs. The trip must be delayed by 12 hours or more in order to qualify for this refund.
Dental and medical insurance in case of emergency.
In case of a medical or dental emergency while traveling domestically or abroad, you can request reimbursement. Besides any other insurance coverage you may have, this reimbursement has a maximum of $2,500.
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Emergency travel assistance
Will you need assistance during your trip? Did you lose your passport or need medical assistance? You will have free access to a multilingual call centre if you paid for your trip with Visa Signature. The call centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need it, they can even provide you with legal representation through the centre.
Crane assistance on highways and roads.
When you are in an accident on the road, you can use the roadside towing assistance program to get free towing up to five miles. You can also get help with tire changes, fuel deliveries or refills, and jump starts with this insurance. It costs $60.95.
Car Rental Insurance
Most of the time, when you rent a car, you purchase insurance. However, if you choose Visa Signature, you’ll get secondary insurance that protects you against damage, theft, or in case you need a tow truck or trailer. If the vehicle matches the price and conditions established by the issuer, it may even cover the total loss of the vehicle.
Remember: This benefit will only reimburse you for the deductible and any expenses not covered by your main insurance.
Visa Signature benefits for hospitality
There are 900 hotels and lodges affiliated with Visa Signature around the world. The following benefits are available when you book your hotel with the card through the Visa Concierge or the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel website:
- Free internet access.
- Extended check-out times.
- Credit of $25 for food and beverages.
- Free continental breakfast for the owner and one guest every morning.
- You can upgrade to a better room.
Extended Warranty with Visa Signature
When you use your Visa Signature credit card to buy products, electronic devices, mattresses, etc., you could receive a one-year warranty in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty. Furthermore:
- You will get mobile phone insurance. When you pay your bill or monthly plan with your credit card, and your phone is damaged or stolen, you can request a refund equal to the price of the device. There is a $50 deductible.
- Your purchases are protected. The product you purchased within 90 days of purchase can be replaced, repaired, or refunded up to $500 if it is damaged or stolen. Additionally, you can request a refund if you are dissatisfied with your purchase of an item over $250.
What benefits does Visa Infinite offer?
We’re now going to talk about Visa Infinite. The benefits of this card are higher than those of its predecessor, at least when compared to it. Let’s learn more about them!
Additional benefits for luxury hotels
Additionally to those listed on the Visa Signature list, holders of an Infinite Visa will have access to an additional benefit. To begin with, the number of affiliated properties and accommodations reaches 1,100, and includes:
- A $75 food and beverage credit to be used at bars and restaurants.
- You can use the $100 credit at the spa, on the golf course, or to pay any room charges.
Access to airport VIP lounges
Over 1,200 VIP lounges are available at airports when you use your Visa Infinite card. In this case, your access to VIP lounges will be limited to 850 in contrast to the 2,500 lounges offered by Visa Signature.
Bonus if the trip is cancelled or interrupted.
You will be eligible for up to $2,000 in benefits if you cancel or interrupt a trip that you paid for with your Visa Infinite. There are, however, specific restrictions for the claim that are related to the cause of the cancellation or interruption. Do not hesitate to consult your card’s benefits guide or your issuer’s contract for more information about this benefit.
Protection & money-back guarantee
The benefit works the same way as Visa Signature, but the coverage is better. Why is that? Since the purchase insurance covers up to $10,000 (in the event of theft or damage to an item purchased within the last 90 days). However, what about the nonconformity refund guarantee? Then you can claim the purchase of items valued at $300 or less instead of $250.
Liability waiver for collisions or accidents in a rented vehicle
With Visa Infinite, you can get primary coverage against theft, damage, charges, taxes, etc., of a rented vehicle. Administrative fees and charges for assistance trailers or cranes are included in this exemption.
What’s the difference between Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards?
Visa Signature cards provide a wide range of benefits, especially to frequent travellers and tourists. There are many of them on other credit cards as well, especially if your credit score is high and you have access to high-end credit cards.
Since this last card is only reserved for consumers with good credit scores (who, in turn, are willing to pay such high annual fees), they provide high benefits that you can appreciate in terms of dollars as well as the easing of claim policies. This is because the Infinite Visas adapt to the lifestyle of travellers or VIP consumers.
We have prepared a comparison table to help you compare and identify the differences between Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards. See what Visa cards fit your consumer profile and choose the one that’s best for you!
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A table showing the differences between Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards
| Type of benefit | Visa Signature | Visa Infinite |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage in case of collision or accident with rental vehicles | Supplementary insurance to the principal | primary insurance |
| Roadside towing and towing assistance | Bill payment assistance | Bill payment assistance |
| Reimbursement for baggage delays | After four hours: $300 | Check the benefits guide |
| Lost or stolen travel luggage | Up to $3,000 per trip | Check the benefits guide |
| Travel Delay Reimbursement | After 12 hours:
$300 |
After 6 hours:
$500 |
| Emergency medical insurance | Supplemental insurance up to $2,000 | Check the benefits guide |
| Emergency transfer in ambulances | Up to $10,000 | Check the benefits guide |
| Global Entry / TSA Precheck Credit | $100 | $100 |
| Travel emergency assistance | Help and advice 24/7 | Help and advice 24/7 |
| concierge service | Yes | Yes |
| VIP status in luxury hotels | Includes room upgrades, $25 in food and beverage credits, free continental breakfast every morning, free WiFi, and late check-out. | Hotel participants receive exclusive benefits, plus a $75 food and beverage credit or $100 credit for golf, spa, etc. |
| Extended warranty on products | up to one additional year beyond manufacturer’s | Up to one year additional to the manufacturer’s |
| Protection in purchases and guaranteed returns | For up to $500 / For products up to $250 | For up to $10,000 / For products up to $300 |
| Mobile phone insurance | Yes. $50 deductible | N/A |
| Reimbursement for trip cancellation or interruption | Yes. See the benefits guide for more details. | Up to $2,000 |
It is best to look at the benefits and certain essentials such as average monthly spending, your credit score, APR, whether there are annual fees or extra charges before selecting a credit card. Consider whether it is worth paying an annual fee to gain access to such benefits after selecting the best ones.
Consider the additional advantages offered by each payment processor, for example, Visa and Mastercard. Do not forget to review the extra benefits offered by the issuers of the card, the banks and credit unions.
It is certain that you will have access to much more appealing benefits with the Visa Infinite card than with the Visa Signature card if you decide to change or request one. However, they will be of no use to you if you don’t travel very often or if the differences between them are not significant enough for you. Visa Infinite is subject to an annual fee that may exceed five times the cost of Visa Signature.
You might consider opting for a more affordable card, such as the Visa Signature, if you won’t be using your card frequently. Whatever option you choose, keep in mind that this analysis should also be applied to any other credit card that interests you. In the end, it never hurts to ask yourself if it’s worth it to pay the annual fee (or a high APR) in order to enjoy the benefits, points, and rewards offered by the card.
