What does a credit card concierge service do?

One of the perks most coveted by credit card users is access to concierge services. But what exactly is a credit card concierge service? And how can it help you?

As the name implies, a credit card concierge service is like a hotel concierge, or a customer service assistant, that is available to help fulfil your requests. 

This service can help you with tasks and other jobs you may not have the time or effort to complete yourself, such as: 

• Making travel bookings;
• Organising rental cars;
• Sourcing gifts;
• Booking concert tickets;
• Organising flowers; 
• Planning events, and much more. 

While every card issuer’s concierge service has its own conditions, and will all operate slightly differently, generally speaking you should be provided with a phone number or online login to contact the concierge service from anywhere in the world, 24/7, seven days a week. 

What can you use a credit card concierge service for?

1. Travel queries

One of the best times to put your concierge service to work is when you’re planning a trip. 

If you’re in a country or city that’s foreign to you, it may be hard to navigate, know where a good hotel or restaurant is. This is where your concierge service can come in handy. With one quick call you can have your flight status checked, find a hotel even in the busiest of seasons and get a good restaurant reservation. 

Credit card payment networks, like Visa and American Express, are affiliated with numerous restaurants and hotels all over the globe. And you could be getting the best last minute deals and bargains by using your friendly concierge service if your credit card issuer is connected to one of these payment networks. 

2. Lost luggage or belongings

Let’s say you lost a belonging at an airport or hotel. Ordinarily you’d need to call up the airport or hotel, wait for them to find the item and arrange for delivery. However, if you’re travelling on a tight schedule, such as for a work trip, this may be something you do not have the time to coordinate. 

This is the sort of thing that your concierge can sort out for you with just one phone call. The concierge service should be able to coordinate with the airport or hotel on your behalf to locate your missing belongings, then organise their delivery to you. 

Keep in mind that if your credit card comes with complimentary travel insurance, in the event of a worst-case scenario you may be covered for the cost of lost luggage or belongings. 

3. Booking concert tickets, organising gifts, and other admin

Credit card concierge services are not just limited to organising travel. Just like a real life personal assistant, your concierge service can assist with last minute requests, like securing a gift for a partner or family member. The service representative may locate the gifts that you need, and organise their delivery to your loved ones - and they will be none the wiser.

They can also search for local concerts and theatre shows, provide you with a list of options, and send you the tickets. The same goes for booking a make-over, massage or golfing outing so all your gift sourcing needs are covered. What about throwing a party? If you want to go the extra mile for someone, your concierge can assist by arranging invitations, managing responses and booking venues.

Whatever the query, your concierge may be able to assist in doing all the research for you. If your time is valuable then this could be the ultimate helping hand when it comes to life’s little problems.

What is the cost of a credit card concierge service?

Access to a credit card issuer’s conceive service is generally granted for premium or rewards credit card holders. This means that these credit cards typically come with higher annual fees and higher purchase rates. While the service is considered complementary, you will essentially be paying for it through these higher costs. 

If you’re not the type of card user to pay off your credit card balance each statement period, you may be at risk of accruing debt easily just for the privilege of this service. If this sounds familiar, a more expensive, premium credit card may not be the best option for you.  

However, if you’re on the go, or often time-poor, access to a credit card concierge service may be a game changer for you. As long as you meet the credit card’s terms and conditions, these potential higher costs may be a worthwhile investment to free up your time and energy.  

If you already have a card with the service, why not give it a try - after all you’re paying for it in your annual fee.

Compare credit cards