
Discovering the world of credit card car tow service can be a lifesaver on a road trip or during an emergency. With Discover credit cards, you can enjoy complimentary car tow service as part of their roadside assistance program.
Here's what you need to know about this valuable service. You can get up to $75 in reimbursement for towing services, which can be a huge relief when you're stranded on the side of the road.
Discover's car tow service is available 24/7, so you can get help no matter the time of day or night. Whether you're in a rural area or a bustling city, their team will do their best to get you back on the road quickly.
To take advantage of this service, simply call the number on the back of your Discover card or visit their website to request assistance.
What Is Discover Credit Card Car Tow Service?
Discover Credit Card Car Tow Service is a benefit that comes with certain Discover credit cards, including the Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Chrome.

This service is designed to help cardholders get back on the road quickly and easily after a breakdown or accident.
With this service, cardholders can get a tow up to 5 miles to the nearest repair shop or a safe location, and the cost is covered by the credit card company.
This can be a huge relief for drivers who are stranded on the side of the road, especially in emergency situations.
What Is Help?
Roadside assistance is a service that helps individuals with a roadside emergency such as a dead battery, flat tire, running out of gas, mechanical failure and more.
Some common roadside emergencies that roadside assistance services can help with include dead batteries, flat tires, running out of gas, and mechanical failures.
This service is available through motor clubs, like AAA, certain credit cards (i.e. Chase Sapphire Reserve), or travel insurance policies, such as from Allianz, and can be used for your own vehicle or on a car rental.
Roadside assistance services available through membership clubs like AAA are generally more comprehensive than those provided for free on your credit card.
Discover Card

Discover Card offers roadside assistance to drivers, but for $10 more than Visa, at $69.95. This service is available to cardholders who need help with towing, lockout service, or fuel delivery.
If you're considering using Discover Card's roadside assistance, it's essential to weigh the costs and benefits. In some cases, it might be cheaper to use an existing AAA membership or to call a friend with a tow truck.
The pre-negotiated fee for Discover Card's roadside assistance services can be charged to your card if you call the roadside assistance phone number. Be aware that this fee may be higher than if you called a locksmith yourself.
To make the most of Discover Card's roadside assistance, consider the pre-negotiated fee and don't jump into using the service without thinking it through.
What to Expect from Roadside Assistance
When you're stranded on the side of the road, Discover's car tow service is there to help. They'll send a tow truck to your location, and you can expect a professional driver to arrive within a reasonable time frame.
You'll be asked to provide some basic information, such as your vehicle's make and model, and the reason for the tow. This helps the driver assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
The tow truck will then transport your vehicle to a nearby repair shop or a safe location, usually within a 10-mile radius.
AAA Travel Insurance
AAA travel insurance plans can include roadside assistance benefits, sometimes as part of the policy and at other times as an optional upgrade. This can be a great option for those who don't have roadside coverage through their credit card.
AAA memberships offer a wide range of perks, including discounts on hotels, restaurants, and attractions. These discounts can be a nice bonus for travelers.
Travel insurance plans that include roadside assistance can be purchased separately or as part of a larger policy. It's essential to review the policy details before making a purchase.
AAA's higher membership levels include increased limits and more coverage options for roadside assistance. This can provide added peace of mind for travelers.
What Does Roadside Assistance Include?
Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver when you're stranded on the side of the road. It's essential to know what's included in the service to make the most of it.
Tow services are a crucial part of roadside assistance, and many credit cards offer this benefit for free. You can get your car towed to the nearest repair shop or your desired location, usually within a 10-mile distance.
Winching is also included in many credit card roadside assistance programs. This means you can get help if your car gets stuck in a ditch or on a slope.
Jumpstarting a dead battery is another benefit of credit card roadside assistance. If your car's battery dies, you can get a jumpstart to get back on the road.
Replacing a flat tire is also included in some credit card roadside assistance programs, but you need to have a spare tire. This can be a huge relief if you get a flat tire far from home.
You'll also get two gallons of gas if you run out of fuel. This can be a big help if you're stuck on the side of the road with an empty tank.
Here's a summary of what's typically included in credit card roadside assistance:
- Tow to the nearest repair shop or desired location (usually a 10-mile distance for free)
- Winching
- Jumpstart a dead battery
- Replace a flat tire (if you have a spare tire)
- Two gallons of gas
What to Look For
When you're shopping for a credit card with roadside assistance, don't let this benefit be the deciding factor.
Some credit cards offer discounted or free access to roadside assistance, but it's essential to consider whether it's worth the cost.
For a flat rate of $59.95 per call, you can get a tow for 5 miles, tire change, jump start, lockout service, or up to 5 gallons of fuel delivered.
A five-mile tow may not be enough to get you back on the road, and additional charges will apply.
The convenience of a 24/7 number where someone will handle the issue for you can be a lifesaver, especially in the middle of the night.
Charges incurred will automatically be placed on your credit card.
Credit Card Car Tow Service Limitations
If you drive a camper, your vehicle may not be covered by the roadside assistance benefit.
You'll need to pay your own way if your vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds, the average car weighing around 4,000 pounds.
Towing a vehicle in tow, riding a motorcycle, hailing a taxicab, or driving an unlicensed vehicle will also leave you on your own.
In the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands, credit card roadside assistance benefits are usually valid.
If you travel overseas, consider renting a car with roadside assistance or purchasing an add-on rider for your travel insurance policy.
The pre-negotiated fee for roadside assistance services can be higher than calling a locksmith yourself, so it's worth considering the cost before calling for help.
Compare Cards
If you're looking for a credit card with car tow service, you'll want to compare your options carefully. The coverage offered with credit cards is not as robust as a paid roadside assistance program.
Some credit cards only offer roadside dispatch, which is a lesser benefit. You'll get to access a hotline that connects you with the services you need, but you'll still have to pay for roadside services.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers roadside assistance, which includes towing, tire changing, jump-starting, lockout service, fuel delivery, and more. This card has an annual fee of $95 and a welcome bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 within 3 months of account opening.
The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card also offers emergency roadside assistance, towing, locksmith services, and more. It has an annual fee of $95 and a welcome bonus of 50,000 points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening.
Here's a summary of the top cards that offer roadside assistance:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers roadside assistance with an annual fee of $0, and a welcome bonus of an additional 1.5% cash back on top of all purchases' original cash back rate (on up to $20,000) for the first year. You can call 1-800-847-2869 for roadside assistance.
Payment and Billing Options
When you need to use the Discover credit card car tow service, you can rest assured that your billing will be streamlined.
You'll see roadside charges reflected on your account up to 45 days or two billing cycles from the service date, giving you a clear picture of your expenses.
This means you can plan your finances more effectively and avoid any surprise charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tow companies take credit cards?
Towing companies may not universally accept credit cards, but many do offer credit card payments, especially in urban areas
Does credit One have roadside assistance?
Yes, Credit One offers roadside assistance, which can be accessed by calling (800) 847-2869 anytime.
How much does roadside assistance cost?
Roadside assistance costs can range from $5 to over $100 per year, depending on the provider and services included. Annual costs may vary, with some plans offering free perks or additional expenses for specific services.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/roadside-assistance-benefits-from-your-credit-card
- https://johnnyjet.com/credit-cards-with-roadside-assistance/
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/credit-card-roadside-assistance-programs/
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/credit-cards-with-roadside-assistance/
- https://www.wexinc.com/products/fuel-cards-fleet/roadside-services/
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