What is a credit card concierge service? All you need to know

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A credit card concierge service is an individualized assistance feature on some premium credit cards. It's having a personal 24/7 assistant who can do anything from reserving a hard-to-get dinner table to arranging an unexpected gift, arranging travel plans, or helping in an urgent need while traveling. Offered by banks and credit card issuers in partnership with international service providers, this privilege aims to offer extra convenience and differentiation to card members.

To whom are concierge services offered?

Concierge facilities are normally available for high-end credit card holders, such as super-premium or ultra-premium card holders like HDFC Infinia, Axis Reserve, SBI Aurum, or American Express Platinum. The cards can be charged more in annual fees but provide concierge support as an added value facility.

What can you ask a concierge to do?

Concierge services can do just about anything, including:

• Reserving a table for dinner at busy or high-end restaurants

• Booking travel reservations, like flights, accommodations, and escorted tours

• Securing tickets to a concert, sports events, or plays

• Buying gifts or flowers for a person, even abroad

• Providing local knowledge on international travel, like embassy numbers or emergency assistance

• Offering personal shopping advice, from out-of-the-way watches to tailor-made experiences

Though the concierge does the booking and arranging, the charge for services or purchases (like tickets or meals) is charged to your credit card.

Is there a fee for using the concierge?

Most concierge services are free to eligible cardholders in terms of access and coordination. The actual product or service you book (e.g., airline tickets, event tickets) is billed to your card. Some services—like high-end activities or same-day bookings—may incur a convenience fee, depending on the issuer and request.

How do you become eligible for the concierge?

You typically contact the concierge by a certain phone number, email, or mobile app that is associated with the card. Other providers also allow requests via WhatsApp or an online submission form. More complex, advanced requests, like overseas travel or event organization, should be requested in advance.

A useful advantage for high-end users

Concierge credit card services offer personalized convenience, saving you time and effort, especially if you need something done speedily or discreetly. If you travel often, indulge in elite activities, or need help coordinating activities, a concierge-facilitated credit card can be an asset.