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Best Credit Cards for Cell Phone Protection
Most people have a cell phone in their pocket, and it is very likely that you are reading this from your wireless device. Cell phones have quickly become a necessity and every year, they also get more and more expensive.
New devices nowadays can easily cost around $1,000. So breaking your cell phone, or losing it, is a costly mistake. Whether replacing it, or trying to fix a smartphone, it will cost you hundreds. Some wireless providers and insurance companies offer cell phone protection. But that would increase your monthly bill.
Luckily you might have a solution for it right in your wallet. You can avoid paying to fix your phone, or replace it, with an eligible credit card that offers a cell phone protection plan. This is a popular benefit that we often see on premium cards and it should be a deciding factor when you choose a card to pay your monthly phone bill.
Cell Phone Protection Coverage
If you buy a new cell phone with a credit card, you may already have purchase protection which is a more common benefit. It allows consumers to file a claim with their issuer to receive replacement, repair or reimbursement for any eligible stolen or damaged items. Claims are accepted within a certain time frame, which often varies between 90 and 120 days. But credit card cell phone protection is different. It gives you long term protection for your device.
When you pay your monthly bill with the card, you’ll get cell phone protection coverage that may reimburse you for certain damages or even theft. The coverage comes with restrictions and varies depending on the card. But normally you’ll have to pay a deductible for every claim. The number of claims is usually limited per year, and up to a certain dollar amount per claim. There are also limitations on what is covered.
Coverage is normally for the primary cardholder’s cell phone bill only. But additional lines on the same bill may be covered as well. Damage and theft are the main things covered by this credit card perks, but losing your phone isn’t. Minor damage that don’t affect affect the phone’s functions are also excluded usually.
So choosing the right card to pay your monthly bill is important if you often have a relatively new device. Earning cash back or getting a small discount will not always be the best credit card choice.
List of Cards
The benefit is now available in more cards, so you will have some options. Mastercard added cell phone insurance to most World and World Elite cards in 2019. American Express added it to some of its premium cards earlier this year. Cell phone protection is also offered on Visa cards. So take a look below at the best options you have when it choosing credit cards for cell phone protection.
| Credit Card | Max per claim/12-months | Claims per 12-months | Deductible |
| Amex Platinum Card (all flavors) | $800 / $1,600 | 2 | $50.00 |
| Amex Delta Platinum (Personal + Biz) | $800 / $1,600 | 2 | $50.00 |
| Amex Delta Reserve (Personal + Biz) | $800 / $1,600 | 2 | $50.00 |
| Chase Freedom Flex | $800 / $1,000 | 2 | $50.00 |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred | $600 / $1,800 | 3 | $100.00 |
| Citi Prestige (no longer available) | $1,000 / $1,500 | N/A | $50.00 |
| Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students | $600 / $1,000 | 2 | $25.00 |
| U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card | $600 / $1,200 | 2 | $25.00 |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | $600 / $1,200 | 2 | $25.00 |
| Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa | $600 / $1,200 | 2 | $25.00 |
| Wells Fargo Platinum Card | $600 / $1,200 | 2 | $25.00 |
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Check out my other lists for best credit cards for:
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- Drugstores/Pharmacy Purchases
- Supermarkets And Grocery Stores
- Restaurants
- Gas Stations
- Travel Purchases
DannyDealGuru has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. DannyDealGuru and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
