Do All Visa Cards Come with Roadside Assistance?
Last Updated on February 15, 2026
Many U.S.-issued Visa credit and debit cards include access to Visa Roadside Dispatch®—a pay-per-use dispatch line that can send help for common breakdown problems like towing, lockouts, and jump starts. If you’re comparing options, start with this overview of roadside assistance coverage and then confirm what your specific card includes.
Quick tip: Save the Visa Roadside Dispatch number in your phone now: 1-800-847-2869. It’s easier to find before you’re stuck on the shoulder.
- Roadside Dispatch Is Usually Pay-Per-Use: Visa’s published terms list a $79.95 standard service-call fee, and pricing can change over time.
- The Basics Are Straightforward: Common dispatch services include towing (up to 5 miles), jump starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, tire changes, and standard winching.
- Eligibility Can Vary by Card Issuer: Many U.S.-issued Visa cards include Roadside Dispatch, but the safest move is to check your “Guide to Benefits” or call your issuer.
- Compare Against Other Coverage: If you want lower out-of-pocket costs for frequent breakdowns, an insurance add-on, automaker program, or motor club membership may fit better.
- Quick Answer
- Visa Roadside Dispatch Explained
- What Visa Roadside Dispatch Covers
- Costs, Limits, and Common Add-On Charges
- How to Use Visa Roadside Dispatch
- Do All Visa Cards Include Roadside Assistance?
- Can Visa Roadside Assistance Be Free?
- Alternatives to Consider
- Official Program Terms
- Bottom Line
- FAQs on Visa Roadside Assistance
Quick Answer
Visa’s Roadside Dispatch® is generally a pay-per-use benefit (not a free membership plan). Visa’s official terms list a $79.95 fee for a standard service call, and the program is available 24/7 in the United States. Benefits can vary by issuer and card program, so it’s smart to confirm eligibility using your card’s “Guide to Benefits.”
Visa Roadside Dispatch Explained
Visa Roadside Dispatch® is designed for “I need help right now” situations. You make one call, describe your location and issue, and dispatch arranges a tow operator or locksmith. There’s no membership to buy and no pre-enrollment required.
According to Visa’s published benefit terms, 24-hour roadside services are provided by Cross Country Motor Club, Inc. (d/b/a Agero) and Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc. Service providers are independent contractors.
Quick tip: If you feel unsafe where your car is stopped, hang up and dial 911 first. Roadside services can wait—your safety can’t.
What Visa Roadside Dispatch Covers
A standard Roadside Dispatch call typically includes the services below, with some important limits and conditions.
| Service | What’s Typically Included | Common Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard towing | Up to 5 miles | You pay extra mileage beyond 5 miles (rate varies by provider/location) |
| Tire changing | Help swapping to your spare | You must have a good, inflated, drivable spare tire |
| Jump starting | Battery jump/boost | May not resolve underlying battery/charging problems |
| Lockout service | Entry assistance | Key replacement is not included |
| Fuel delivery | Delivery of up to 5 gallons | You pay for the fuel itself |
| Standard winching | Winching within a limited distance | Typically applies within 100 feet of a paved or county-maintained road |
Costs, Limits, and Common Add-On Charges
Visa lists a $79.95 fee for a standard Roadside Dispatch service call, and the terms note that service call fees are subject to change. You should be told the price before any dispatch is sent.
| Situation | What It Usually Means for You |
|---|---|
| Tow needed beyond 5 miles | You typically pay mileage charges for the portion beyond 5 miles |
| Fuel delivery | The dispatch fee covers delivery; you usually pay for the fuel itself |
| Winching outside standard limits | Extra charges may apply based on location/access and the recovery needed |
| Off-road or hard-to-access locations | Service may be limited or unavailable (and pricing can be higher if help is available) |
| Vehicle is not “light duty” | Only “light duty” vehicles (typically 10,000 lbs or less) are covered under the program |
How to Use Visa Roadside Dispatch
- Call 1-800-847-2869.
- Share your location and explain what’s wrong (tow, lockout, dead battery, flat tire, etc.).
- Confirm pricing and any additional charges before dispatch.
- Follow safety guidance (move to a safer area if possible; call 911 if you’re in danger).
- Work directly with the service provider on any extra mileage, fuel, or special recovery fees.
Important: Visa’s terms state that roadside providers are independent contractors and that neither Visa nor your financial institution is responsible for the services performed. Availability can also depend on weather, time of day, and local provider coverage.
Do All Visa Cards Include Roadside Assistance?
In practice, many Visa cards issued in the United States list Roadside Dispatch® as an available pay-per-use benefit. However, Visa benefits can differ based on your card issuer, your specific card program, and where the card was issued.
To avoid surprises, confirm eligibility using at least one of these methods:
- Check your card’s “Guide to Benefits” (look specifically for “Roadside Dispatch®”).
- Call the number on the back of your card and ask if Roadside Dispatch is included.
- If you’re already in a breakdown situation, call 1-800-847-2869 and confirm pricing and eligibility before dispatch.
Can Visa Roadside Assistance Be Free?
Visa’s Roadside Dispatch® is generally structured as a pay-per-use service—not a “free towing” membership. If you see free roadside assistance, it’s often coming from a different source (your automaker, a separate card issuer perk, a warranty, or an insurance add-on) rather than the standard Visa dispatch terms.
Alternatives to Consider
Roadside Dispatch can be convenient when you don’t want to pay for an annual plan—but it’s not the only option. If you want a deeper overview of how cards compare, see our guide to credit card roadside assistance.
| Option | Best For | Things to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Roadside Dispatch (pay-per-use) | Occasional emergencies without an annual fee | Per-call charge plus potential add-ons (extra miles, fuel cost, special recovery) |
| Auto insurance towing/roadside add-on | Drivers who want coverage tied to their policy and claims process | Coverage limits vary by insurer/state; claim handling and reimbursements differ |
| Automaker roadside assistance | Newer vehicles still under warranty or roadside programs | Time limits, mileage limits, and eligible repairs can vary |
| Motor club membership | Frequent travelers or households with older vehicles | Annual cost, plan tiers, and towing mileage limits vary by club and plan |
Official Program Terms
Bottom Line
Visa Roadside Dispatch® can be a useful fallback for towing (up to 5 miles), lockouts, jump starts, fuel delivery, tire changes, and standard winching—without paying for a yearly membership. Just remember it’s typically pay-per-use: Visa’s published terms list a $79.95 standard service call fee (subject to change), and extra charges can apply depending on mileage, fuel, access, and vehicle type.
