The best credit cards with cell phone protection of 2023
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Breaking your cell phone — or having it stolen — is a horrible experience, especially since repair or replacement costs can be exorbitant. While some wireless providers and insurance companies offer cell phone protection, the premiums can be pricey.
Fortunately, there's another solution if you want to protect your phone without shelling out a lot of cash. A number of credit cards offer cell phone protection at no cost when you use the card to pay your monthly bill — and some of these even offer bonus rewards for wireless spending.
We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Compare the best credit cards with cell phone coverage
There are dozens of credit cards that now offer cell phone protection when you use them to pay your phone bill. Here are some of the best options.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
I pay my wireless bill with the
It saves me money — before getting the card, I'd been paying AT&T about $9 per month for coverage — and when I had to file a claim for a shattered screen, the process was relatively simple. And, as a bonus, the card earns 3x points on phone, internet, cable, travel, shipping, and search engine or social media advertising purchases (up to $150,000 per year in combined purchases, then 1x).
Review: Ink Business Preferred card review
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The
It also offers cell phone protection*** of up to $800 per claim (with a $50 deductible) and $1,600 per year. What's unique about the card is that you can add up to four authorized users for free, and they'll also receive the same cell phone insurance benefit.
Review: Capital One Venture X credit card reviewx
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Select cards with World Elite Mastercard branding offer cell phone protection, with coverage of up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year, with a $50 deductible. This includes the no-annual-fee
Review: Chase Freedom Flex card review
Select American Express cards
Amex added cell phone protection to several of its premium cards in early 2021, and all of them have the same coverage limit of $800 per claim and $1,600 per year, with a $50 deductible.
You'll find cell phone insurance on the following Amex cards:
The Platinum Card® from American Express The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card - The Platinum Card® Exclusively for Charles Schwab
- The Platinum Card® Exclusively for Morgan Stanley
- The Platinum Card® Exclusively for Goldman Sachs
- The Centurion® Card Exclusively for Goldman Sachs
- Centurion® Card from American Express
- Business Centurion Card®
Wells Fargo cards
Wells Fargo is unique in that it offers cell phone insurance as a standard benefit on all of its personal credit cards. Coverage is up to $600 per claim with a $25 deductible, with up to two claims every 12 months.
For example, the $0-annual-fee
Review: The best Wells Fargo credit cards
What is credit card cell phone protection?
If you've purchased a phone brand new with your credit card, you may already have purchase protection that covers damage or theft for up to 120 days from the date of purchase.
Credit card cell phone protection is different. When you pay your monthly bill with the card, you'll get complimentary coverage that may reimburse you for certain types of damage or theft. Restrictions vary depending on the card, but typically you'll pay a deductible and be covered up to a certain amount per claim and per year.
How does credit card cell phone insurance work?
Every card has different policies and conditions for cell phone protection, so read your benefits guide for full details and exclusions.
Be sure to note these terms:
- You must pay your phone bill with the card that offers coverage — Typically, you're required to pay your bill in full with the card, and some policies only kick in after you've paid the previous month's bill
- Coverage is usually for the primary cardholder's cell phone bill only — However, additional lines on the same bill may be covered
- Damage and theft are generally covered, but losing your phone isn't — Most cards won't provide coverage if your phone is lost or "mysteriously disappears", or for minor damage that doesn't affect its function
- You'll pay a deductible — There's usually a small deductible ($25 to $100, depending on the card) that you'll need to pay before the coverage kicks in
- Coverage is usually secondary to other insurance — If you have another policy — such as homeowner's or renter's insurance — that will cover your loss, you'll have to submit your claim with that policy first; the credit card insurance will only kick in for what's not covered by your primary policy
How to use credit card cell phone coverage
If you need to file a claim, the process usually involves either calling the number on the back of your card or the benefits administrator (check your card's guide to benefits for the details). Some banks, like Chase, allow you to file your claim online.