How to claim your free GigSky eSIM with an eligible Visa Signature or Visa Infinite card

How to claim your free GigSky eSIM with an eligible Visa Signature or Visa Infinite cardThe cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.If you have an eligible Visa Signature or Visa Infinite credit card, you may already have access to free international mobile data — and you might not even know it.Through Visa's partnership with GigSky, eligible cardholders can receive a complimentary eSIM data plan for use in more than 175 destinations worldwide. Whether you're using Google Maps in Tokyo, messaging friends in Paris or ordering an Uber in Mexico City, the benefit can help you stay connected without paying your carrier's international roaming fees.Here's how the benefit works, which cards qualify and how to claim your free eSIM before your next trip.What is the Visa GigSky eSIM benefit?GigSky is a global mobile data provider that offers eSIM plans for travelers. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that lets you connect to a local cellular network without swapping out your physical SIM card.Eligible Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders can receive complimentary GigSky data through Visa's partnership with the company.RGSTUDIO/GETTY IMAGESCurrently, the benefit includes:Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletterJoin over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s expertsBy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.Visa Signature1GB of international data valid for 15 days once per calendar year, plus 20% off additional data plansVisa Infinite3GB of international data valid for 15 days once per calendar year, plus 30% off additional data plansThe complimentary data can be used in more than 175 destinations where GigSky offers service, including many popular international travel destinations.Related: How to travel on a budget: Here are our 20 top tipsHow to claim your free GigSky eSIMClaiming the benefit only takes a few minutes.Download the GigSky app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.Create or sign in to your GigSky account.Navigate to the Visa offer within the app.Add and verify your eligible Visa Signature or Visa Infinite card.Claim your complimentary data plan.Install the eSIM on your compatible device.Activate the plan before or during your trip.GIGSKYOnce you redeem the complimentary plan, you'll have up to one year to activate it before it automatically activates, making it easy to claim the benefit even if your next international trip is still months away.Related: TPG's top tips for travelers, from beginners to expertsWhich Visa credit cards are eligible?Many travel and rewards credit cards are issued as either Visa Signature or Visa Infinite cards, meaning you may already qualify.Some popular examples include:Visa InfiniteChase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardU.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card (currently closed to new applicants)The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.Visa SignatureChase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees)Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees)Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees)Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees)Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (see rates and fees)Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees)The easiest way to determine whether your card qualifies is to look for the Visa Signature or Visa Infinite logo on the front or back of your card or verify your eligibility through the GigSky app.Related: Best international phone plans for travelIs GigSky worth using?While the complimentary data may not completely replace your primary mobile plan during an international trip, it can be more than enough for navigation, messaging and other essential travel tasks.TPG lead writer for loyalty programs, Katie Genter, recommends taking advantage of the benefit if you have an eligible Visa card.ASCENTPKS/MEDIA INC/GETTY IMAGES"I've used it, and GigSky does work fine most of the time, so the eSIM benefit is worth trying," Katie says. "And since you can get one for each eligible card, travelers with multiple Visa cards can end up with a ton of data."If you're a heavy data user or plan to stream video frequently, purchasing a larger eSIM plan from GigSky or another provider may still make sense. However, for many travelers, the complimentary Visa benefit provides enough data to avoid paying expensive international roaming charges.Bottom lineThe complimentary GigSky eSIM benefit is one of the lesser-known perks available on many Visa Signature and Visa Infinite credit cards.While the included data allotment won't cover every traveler's needs, it's an easy benefit to claim and can help you stay connected abroad at no additional cost. If you already carry an eligible Visa card, it's worth activating before your next international trip.Related: 6 of our favorite under-the-radar credit card perksFeatured image by OSCAR WONG/GETTY IMAGESEditorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.Frequently Asked QuestionsTo activate your GigSky eSIM benefit, download the GigSky app, create an account, add your eligible Visa Signature or Visa Infinite card and claim your complimentary data plan. Once you've installed the eSIM on your compatible device, you can activate it before or during your trip.No. The GigSky benefit is only available on eligible Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards. The easiest way to check your eligibility is by looking for the Visa Signature or Visa Infinite logo on your card or by verifying your card through the GigSky app.GigSky isn't the only eSIM provider available. Other popular options include Airalo, Nomad, Holafly and Saily. If your complimentary Visa benefit doesn't provide enough data for your trip, comparing prices and coverage across multiple providers may help you find the best option.Yes, most newer smartphones support Dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use your physical SIM for calls and texts while using your GigSky eSIM for mobile data. Check your device's capabilities before traveling.