Which Credit Cards Offer Roadside Assistance?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
It’s true: some credit cards can help you get roadside assistance—either by dispatching a provider at a set price or by reimbursing part of the bill on select premium cards.
The catch is that “roadside assistance” can mean very different things depending on your card: some programs are pay-per-use dispatch, while a smaller number of premium cards offer limited reimbursement. If you’re specifically looking for complimentary options, see our guide to free roadside assistance.
- Dispatch vs. Reimbursement Matters: Many cards only dispatch help (you pay), while a smaller set of premium cards reimburses a limited amount per event.
- Visa Is the Most Common Option: Many Visa cards offer Roadside Dispatch with a published flat service-call fee, plus potential add-ons like extra mileage and fuel.
- Mastercard Benefits Depend on Card Tier: Master RoadAssist is typically found on select Mastercard tiers and provides pre-negotiated rates billed to your card.
- Always Verify Your Guide to Benefits: Phone numbers, coverage caps, and exclusions can change—confirm your exact terms before you rely on the perk.
- Roadside Assistance From a Credit Card: What It Really Is
- Quick Comparison: Roadside Benefits by Network and Card Tier
- Visa Roadside Dispatch
- Mastercard Master RoadAssist Roadside Service
- Premium Cards That Reimburse Roadside Costs
- American Express Roadside Options
- Issuer-Specific Notes: Citi and Co-Branded Cards
- Related Perks: Rental Car Coverage Can Matter on Road Trips
- How to Check Whether Your Credit Card Offers Roadside Assistance
- When Credit Card Roadside Assistance May Not Be Enough
- Final Word
- FAQs on Credit Card Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance From a Credit Card: What It Really Is
Most credit card “roadside” perks fall into one of these categories:
- Pay-Per-Use Dispatch: You call a dedicated number, a provider is sent, and you pay a flat service-call fee (plus extras like mileage, fuel, parts, or specialized towing).
- Reimbursement/Allowance (Premium Cards): The card benefit pays up to a set dollar amount per event (for example, up to $50), a limited number of times per year. Anything above that limit is your responsibility.
Either way, the fastest way to confirm what you have is to check your card’s Guide to Benefits or call the number on the back of your card. Benefits can change, and many are only available on certain card tiers.
Quick Comparison: Roadside Benefits by Network and Card Tier
| Program Type | Typical Cost Structure | How to Request Help | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Roadside Dispatch (Pay-Per-Use) | Flat service-call fee plus add-ons (mileage, fuel, parts) | Call 1-800-847-2869 | Occasional emergencies when you want one number to call |
| Mastercard Master RoadAssist (Pay-Per-Use on Select Cards) | Pre-negotiated rates billed to your card (you pay the service provider costs) | Call 1-800-627-8372 | Drivers with eligible World/World Elite-type cards |
| Premium Card Reimbursement (Issuer Benefit) | Benefit pays up to a set amount per event (e.g., $50), limited uses per year | Use the benefit administrator number in your Guide to Benefits | Frequent travelers who want predictable out-of-pocket costs |
| American Express Roadside Hotline (Dispatch/Coordination) | Hotline is typically free to call; you generally pay provider costs | Call 855-431-1156 (or the number on your card) | Finding help quickly when you don’t want to search for a provider |
Quick tip: Save your card’s roadside number as a contact in your phone (and keep a screenshot of your Guide to Benefits). In a real breakdown, you won’t want to dig through email or an app with low signal.
Visa Roadside Dispatch
Many U.S. Visa cards include access to a pay-per-use roadside network called Roadside Dispatch. For a current overview, see our breakdown of Visa roadside assistance.
Current published pricing (subject to change): Visa’s benefit guide lists a $79.95 standard service-call fee, with additional charges possible for mileage beyond included towing and certain winching situations.
To request help: Call 1-800-847-2869.
What Visa Roadside Dispatch Typically Includes
| Service | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Standard towing | Typically includes towing up to a short distance (commonly 5 miles); you pay additional mileage. |
| Tire change | You generally need a good, inflated spare tire with the vehicle. |
| Battery jump start | Jump-start assistance is commonly included as a standard dispatch service. |
| Lockout service | Usually covers unlocking the vehicle; key replacement is typically not included. |
| Fuel delivery | A limited amount may be delivered; you usually pay the cost of the fuel. |
| Standard winching | Often limited to situations close to a maintained roadway; extra charges can apply. |
Visa’s Roadside Dispatch benefit is typically limited to “light duty” vehicles (commonly 10,000 lbs. or less). Availability may be limited in remote areas or during severe weather.
Mastercard Master RoadAssist Roadside Service
Mastercard offers a roadside dispatch program called Master RoadAssist on certain card tiers (often World or World Elite products). The key feature is pre-negotiated rates—but you generally pay the emergency road service charges, which are billed to your card.
To request help: Call 1-800-627-8372 (1-800-MASTERCARD). Availability is typically limited to travel within the U.S. (and can vary by benefit guide).
Services commonly include dispatch for towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and tire changes. Always check your issuer’s Guide to Benefits for what’s included and how billing works.
Premium Cards That Reimburse Roadside Costs
A smaller group of premium travel cards include a roadside assistance allowance, where the benefit pays up to a stated maximum per event. This can be materially better than pay-per-use dispatch if you need roadside help more than once every few years.
Example: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase’s published benefit materials for Sapphire Reserve describe coverage for roadside assistance events up to $50 per event, up to four events per year (with additional terms and limitations). The benefit guide lists a dedicated number for service requests: 1-800-350-1697.
Example: Select Chase United Cards
Some Chase-issued United cards list a similar benefit structure: up to $50 per event, up to four events per year. The benefit guide lists the service number as 1-800-350-2919. Notably, published benefits for these cards may include details like limited fuel delivery and EV towing rules—so it’s worth reading your specific guide.
Quick tip: If your card offers a per-event allowance, ask the dispatcher for an estimate and confirm what’s covered before the truck is sent—extra mileage, specialized towing, and key replacement are common add-ons.
American Express Roadside Options
American Express publishes a Roadside Assistance Hotline program described as a 24-hour dispatch hotline that helps coordinate basic emergency roadside services (towing, winching, jumpstarts, limited fuel delivery, lockout service, and flat-tire changes when you have a workable spare). The document also notes that while the hotline is available at no additional charge, the costs of the services are typically the cardmember’s responsibility. You can review the terms here: American Express Roadside Assistance Hotline T&Cs (PDF).
To request help: Call 855-431-1156 or use the number on the back of your card. Eligibility and coverage can vary by product, so verify what applies to your card.
Issuer-Specific Notes: Citi and Co-Branded Cards
Card benefits are not always consistent across a bank’s lineup—especially on co-branded cards. For example, Citi publishes “Roadside Assistance Dispatch Service” as a road trip benefit for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, noting that help can be sent to your location but you are responsible for the costs of any services provided. You can review Citi’s description here: Citi Costco Anywhere Visa travel benefits.
Related Perks: Rental Car Coverage Can Matter on Road Trips
Roadside assistance is only one part of road trip protection. Some cards also include rental car coverage, which can be useful if your vehicle is in the shop after a breakdown or accident. Here’s what to know about Bank of America rental car insurance and Citi credit cards rental car insurance.
How to Check Whether Your Credit Card Offers Roadside Assistance
- Look for the network logo: Visa and Mastercard programs are often network-based, but benefits still vary by card tier and issuer.
- Search your “Guide to Benefits”: Keywords to look for include “Roadside Dispatch,” “Roadside Assistance,” or “Master RoadAssist.”
- Confirm the number and terms: Benefits administrators and phone numbers can change. The back of your card and your online benefits portal are the most reliable sources.
- Ask about caps and add-ons: Confirm towing mileage, EV rules, fuel limits, winching limitations, and what counts as an “event.”
When Credit Card Roadside Assistance May Not Be Enough
If you drive long distances, commute daily, or want higher towing mileage limits, a dedicated roadside membership or an auto insurance roadside endorsement may offer better value. Credit card roadside programs can be great for emergencies, but they’re often designed as a convenience benefit—not full replacement coverage.
Final Word
Visa and some Mastercard products can help you get roadside assistance through pay-per-use dispatch, while certain premium travel cards offer limited reimbursement for covered events. The best “roadside” credit card for you depends on how often you drive, how far you travel, and whether you want dispatch convenience or predictable out-of-pocket costs.
