Cell phone protection is a perk you don’t know you need until you do. Think of it as insurance on your phone and an alternative to enrolling in expensive coverage through your cell service provider. I’ve made two claims this year saving me $$$$ on phone repairs and the process of making the claims was easy. Thankfully, there are several credit cards that offer this benefit with no additional cost. I’ll highlight some of the best options in this guide.
Cell phone coverage can vary but typically includes accidental damage, water damage and theft. Some policies will even cover the cost to repair cosmetic damages like a cracked screen!
Most policies will require a deductible when you claim the benefit – this ranges from $25-$100 and will be deducted from your reimbursement check.
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Let’s get into the details!
➜ HOW TO QUALIFY:
Cell phone protection is automatically included on your eligible card; however, in order to receive coverage you MUST charge your monthly cell phone bill to your eligible card.
Coverage begins on the first day of the month AFTER you start paying the monthly bill with your card.
If you do not pay your bill in a given month, your coverage will be suspended effective the first day of the following month. Your coverage will be reinstated on the first day of the month following any subsequent cell phone payment.
Most card issuers include ALL phone lines that are on the same cell phone bill so if you have a large family be sure you’re using a card that will cover everyone!
➜ MAKING A CLAIM:
Don’t delay submitting your claim! You have a limited amount of time after the damage/loss occurs to seek reimbursement. In the case of theft you typically must file a police report within 48 hours.
You will start your claim by calling the phone number listed on your cell phone protection benefits guide. They will gather some initial information and then you will be emailed the necessary forms to return to process your claim for reimbursement.
WHAT WILL LIKELY NOT BE COVERED:
- Phone accessories
- Phone purchased for resale
- Mysterious loss
- Phones lost under the control/care of an airline
- Prepaid, rented or pay-as-you-go phones
- Intentional acts or voluntary loss
- Taxes and shipping fees
NOTE: For a complete list of exclusions refer to your card benefits guide
DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS MAY INCLUDE:
- Copy of your monthly cell phone bill showing that you paid for the bill with an eligible card
- Copy of the credit card statement showing the payment was received
- Documentation of the original cost of the device
- An itemized repair estimate
- Receipt for the cost of repair or replacement
- Documentation of any other insurance claim settlement
- Detail regarding the time, place and cause of the damage/theft
- If the claim is for theft, you will need to submit the police report
- Photos of the damage
If you have cell phone protection through your phone carrier or homeowner’s or renter’s insurance the protection offered on your credit card will likely be secondary.
I was told it could take 4 weeks after submitting all the necessary documents for my check to arrive in the mail – I had the reimbursement checks within 25 days of submitting the required documentation.
➜ BEST PERSONAL CREDIT CARDS WITH CELL PHONE PROTECTION
* This is not an all inclusive list but highlights some of the most popular cards that include cell phone protection. Terms and conditions subject to change. Refer to your card benefits guide for more information.
AMERICAN EXPRESS PERSONAL CARDS
“Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.”
 | The Platinum Card® from American Express* $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns 1 point per dollar on cell phone bill |
 | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns 1 point per dollar on cell phone bill |
 | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns 1 point per dollar on cell phone bill |
 | Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card** $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns 3 Hilton Honors points per dollar on cell phone bill |
 | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on cell phone bill |
** All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by On Point with Holly. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
ADDITIONAL PERSONAL CARDS
 | Bilt World Elite Mastercard $800 limit per claim 2 claims annually up to $1,600 total $25 deductible Earns 1 point per dollar on cell phone bill |
 | Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns 2 miles per dollar on cell phone bill |
 | Chase Freedom Flex® – NO annual fee $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,000 total $50 deductible Earns 1 point per dollar on cell phone bill |
➜ BEST BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS WITH CELL PHONE PROTECTION
* This is not an all inclusive list but highlights some of the most popular cards that include cell phone protection. Terms and conditions subject to change. Refer to your card benefits guide for more information.
CHASE INK BUSINESS CARD
 | Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card $1,000 limit per claim 3 claims annually up to $3,000 total $100 deductible Earns 3 points per dollar on cell phone bill |
You can find links to Business Cards here
AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS CARDS
“Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.”
 | The Business Platinum Card® from American Express $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns 1 point per dollar on cell phone bill |
 | The American Express® Business Gold Card $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns up to 4 points per dollar on cell phone bill |
 | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns 1 point per dollar on cell phone bill |
 | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express $800 limit per claim 2 claims per 12 month period up to $1,600 total $50 deductible Earns 1 point per dollar on cell phone bill |
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