Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a personal assistant who could help you arrange your travel, order flowers and more? Your credit card concierge service might be able to assist you with all that and more – you just have to ask.
What is a Credit Card Concierge Service?
In hotels, resorts and on cruises a concierge is a person who helps guest with tasks like making reservations, booking hotels, arranging transportation and more. Similarly, some credit cards offer concierge service that’s available to you 24/7, when you’re at home or travelling—all you have to do is pick up the phone and call them. Some services even offer an app that you can use directly from your smartphone.
Think of your credit card concierge as personal assistants and let them do the legwork while you relax or get on with your business. So, next time rather than consulting Google, reach out to your concierge service and save yourself some time.
How does a Credit Card Concierge work?
If your premium or platinum credit card comes with a concierge service, you would be given a phone number and/or other contact information for the service. As noted above, you may also be able to contact your concierge service via an app on your smartphone.
You contact the service and ask them to help you with something you need, such as researching information, finding tickets to an event, etc. Many services even let you leave a message and they would get back to you within 24 hours. Your concierge agent will give you an idea of how long it may take to research the information you need, and let you know when to expect a call back from them.
When the concierge calls you back, they’ll have a list of options and prices for each option. They’re not authorised to make any purchases or decisions without your consent. It’s important to note that a concierge service cannot help you with anything illegal.
The specifics vary from credit card to credit card, but the basics are much the same. It’s like having a personal assistant available every day of the year. And don’t forget—these services will even help when you’re travelling internationally.
What can a Credit Card Concierge service do for me?
A concierge service offers you a wide range of services—here a few things you can use your credit card concierge service for.
Travel Arrangements
Do you need to find a great hotel at a specific destination? Your personal concierge assistant can help you. Let them know the specifics of what you require in a hotel: type of room, services available, near a specific place, price range, etc. In addition, if you happen to miss a flight, your concierge service may be able to help you book a new flight to get you on your way. You can use this service whether travelling locally or abroad.
Travel Insurance
When travelling overseas, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance for your trip. Some credit cards now come with free travel insurance, but if yours doesn’t, then your concierge can help you find the right insurance for you. They’ll help you understand the fine print on each policy, explain terms and conditions, etc. They can even help you with the claims process if your card does come with free travel insurance.
Dining & Entertainment
You can call your concierge service to get recommendations on the best restaurants, ask them to make reservations, etc. Not only that, but the concierge may be able to get you tickets to concerts, shows and sporting events.
Gifts & Shopping
Do you need to buy that special someone a gift and don’t know what to get? Call your concierge service. Tell them about your special someone – what they like, their favourite colours, and how much you’d like to spend. They’ll get back to you with a list of options and prices, details about ordering and how long it will take to deliver, expected delivery date, etc. If you need to order flowers and don’t know where to buy specialty items and more—your concierge will help you find solutions and answers.
Special occasions
Concierge services can even help you plan special occasions. Let them do the research on the best venue for your wedding. Or what about finding that special wedding dress? Who offers the best party packages for your 5-year-old’s birthday party? The concierge will help you save time and money by doing the research for you.
Virtual assistant services
Some concierge services may even help you with getting that last minute business presentation done, help you find a photocopying service nearby when you’re travelling, etc.
Finding lost items
Have you lost something while travelling? Call your concierge service and have them make the necessary calls to find your lost item. They’ll call the airport, taxi services, hotel, etc. If they’re successful, they’ll be able to give you the information on how to get your possessions back.
While your credit card’s concierge service can do many things, it can’t perform miracles. They won’t be able to get you a reservation with a restaurant that’s full or book a hotel room when the hotel’s booked out, or help you get tickets to a sold-out concert. Even so, a personal concierge agent will do their best to help you find what you need, as quickly as possible.
One more caveat, platinum and premium cards that offer a concierge service may have a high annual fee, so may not be the right cards for everyone. Be sure to shop around to find the best credit card that meets your financial needs and lifestyle.
Considering getting a credit card?
The best credit card for you would depend on your personal circumstance and how you intend to use your credit card. We have put together a list of some of the best credit cards in New Zealand to help you find the best credit card in NZ to suit your individual needs. Alternatively, you can narrow down your search by credit card type such as interest free credit card, low rate credit card, balance transfer, credit card reward or air nz credit card