Best Credit Cards for Cell Phone Insurance of April 2025
Updated: Apr 17, 2025
+ 2 more+ 2 more
When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with certain credit cards, you get insurance coverage that can reimburse you for a damaged or stolen phone. You probably shouldn't choose a card based solely on this feature, and there are some cases where you might want to think twice before taking advantage of the perk. But if you're already paying separately for cell phone insurance, putting your bill on one of these cards can save you some cash each month.
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with certain credit cards, you get insurance coverage that can reimburse you for a damaged or stolen phone. You probably shouldn't choose a card based solely on this feature, and there are some cases where you might want to think twice before taking advantage of the perk. But if you're already paying separately for cell phone insurance, putting your bill on one of these cards can save you some cash each month.
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with certain credit cards, you get insurance coverage that can reimburse you for a damaged or stolen phone. You probably shouldn't choose a card based solely on this feature, and there are some cases where you might want to think twice before taking advantage of the perk. But if you're already paying separately for cell phone insurance, putting your bill on one of these cards can save you some cash each month.
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with certain credit cards, you get insurance coverage that can reimburse you for a damaged or stolen phone. You probably shouldn't choose a card based solely on this feature, and there are some cases where you might want to think twice before taking advantage of the perk. But if you're already paying separately for cell phone insurance, putting your bill on one of these cards can save you some cash each month.
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for Cell Phone Insurance of April 2025
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Simple cash back
Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for Bonus cash back
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Premium travel perks
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for Small business
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®: Best for Hotel rewards
Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®: Best for Hotel rewards + perks
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card: Best for Travel rewards + no annual fee
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Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Our pick for: Travel rewards + no annual fee
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- View Rates & Fees
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card earns bonus rewards across a wide variety of useful everyday categories, including select phone plans. Phone coverage: Up to $600 in secondary coverage if a phone is damaged or stolen when the card is used to pay the monthly bill; $25 deductible; limit of two claims per 12 months.
Earn an unlimited 3 points per $1 spent on restaurants, travel, transit, gas stations (and electric vehicle charging stations), popular streaming services and select phone plans. All other purchases earn 1 point per $1 spent. The sign-up bonus is also generous for a no-annual-fee card, and it makes for an excellent travel companion, as a Visa with broad merchant acceptance and no foreign transaction fees.
If you prefer to travel in style with lounge access, free checked bags or other travel benefits, the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card will fall short. A premium travel credit card that charges an annual fee can offer more high-end travel perks.
Our pick for: Simple cash back
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- View Rates & Fees
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card gives you 2% cash back on every purchase, with no categories to track or spending limits to contend with. Phone coverage: Up to $600 in secondary coverage in the event of damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with the card; $25 deductible; limit of two claims per 12 months.
You'll earn 2% cash back on all purchases, among the best rates on the market for cards in its class. There's a great bonus offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. And you get a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR.
Other cards offer higher cash-back rates in major spending categories, if you're OK with keeping track of reward structures.
Our pick for: Bonus cash back
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99%-28.49%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
The Chase Freedom Flex® is a treat for cash-back maximizers, offering an array of 3% and 5% cash-back categories. Phone coverage: Up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year for damage or theft; applies to phones listed on monthly statement paid with card; $50 deductible per claim; limit of two claims per 12 months.
Rewards include 5% cash back on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending in bonus categories that you activate; 5% back on travel purchased through Chase; 3% back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1% cash back on other spending. New cardholders also get a great bonus offer and a solid APR promotion.
With numerous bonus categories to keep track of — including quarterly categories that require you to opt in — it takes a little work to get the most out of this card.
Our pick for: Hotel rewards
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
- Earn 5X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties.
- Earn 3X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Receive 10 Elite night credits qualifying for at least Gold level status each calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- View Rates & Fees
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® earns rewards on stays booked at participating Choice Privileges hotels and on qualifying everyday purchases, including phone plans. Phone coverage: Up to $800 in secondary coverage in the event of damage or theft of a phone when the monthly bill is paid with the card; $25 deductible; limit of two claims per 12 months.
You’ll earn 5 points per $1 spent on stays at participating Choice Hotels; 3 points per $1 on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plans; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. The sign-up offer can also bring you closer to that next vacation. Limited Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply. Cardholders get automatic Gold elite status in the Choice Privileges program, which comes with some perks.
Unless you’re a Choice loyalist, you won’t get much value from this card. A general travel rewards credit card can offer the flexibility to earn rewards on stays booked with a variety of different hotels.
Our pick for: Hotel rewards + perks
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
- Earn 10X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties.
- Earn 5X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $95 annual fee.
- Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Receive 20 Elite night credits qualifying for at least Platinum level status each calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- View Rates & Fees
The $95-annual-fee Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® earns more rewards at participating Choice hotels than does its no-annual-fee sibling card, and you'll also get good rewards on eligible everyday purchases, including phone plans. Phone coverage: Up to $800 in secondary coverage if a phone is damaged or stolen when the bill is paid with the card; $25 deductible; limit of two claims per 12 months.
Earn 10 points per $1 spent on stays at participating Choice hotels; 5 points per $1 on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement store and phone plans; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. The hearty sign-up offer can also lengthen your stay at Choice Hotels. Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply. In addition, you'll receive 30,000 bonus points every account anniversary, a pile of perks that come with automatic Platinum elite membership, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years, among other benefits.
The $95 annual fee may be unappealing, and you’ll have to be strategic in extracting enough value from this card to offset the cost. You'll also encounter some restrictions. For instance, you can’t book an award stay more than 100 days in advance for travel.
Our pick for: Premium travel perks
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- With American Express Global Lounge Collection® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes loaded with perks for those who crave the VIP lifestyle. Phone Coverage: Up to $800 to repair or replace a damaged or stolen phone when bill is paid with card; $50 deductible per claim; up to two claims per 12 months; terms apply.
The benefits on this card are too numerous to list here (see our review for a rundown). But highlights include airport lounge access, elite hotel status, hundreds of dollars a year in credits for travel, shopping and entertainment; a jumbo bonus offer for new cardholders; and 5X rewards on certain travel purchases. Terms apply.
The $695 annual fee is among the highest in the industry. Some perks on the card are highly specific, requiring spending with certain merchants or services, and many cardholders may struggle to use them.
Our pick for: Small business
- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has one of the richest bonus offers on any credit card, anywhere, and it pays handsome rewards in a variety of business categories. Phone coverage: Up to $1,000 per claim for damage or theft when bill is paid with card; $100 deductible per claim; limit of three claims and $3,000 in reimbursement per 12 months; coverage is secondary; employees are included if they are listed on the monthly bill.
You earn 3 points per dollar on up to $150,000 a year in spending on travel, telecommunications (internet, phone and cable), shipping, and advertising on social media and search engines; all other spending earns 1 point per dollar. The sign-up bonus is especially generous if you redeem points for travel booked through Chase, where they're worth 25% more. You can also transfer points to a dozen or so airline and hotel programs.
The bonus categories aren't a good fit for all businesses. The deductible on the phone coverage is fairly high.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR CELL PHONE INSURANCE
Verify details on issuer's website before applying
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Simple cash back
Among flat-rate cash-back cards, you'll be hard-pressed to beat the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It earns an unlimited 2% back on all purchases, which is excellent. But in addition, the card offers a rich sign-up bonus and a decent intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers. That's an impressive, hard-to-find combination of features on a card with a $0 annual fee. Read our review.
Cell phone coverage is standard on Wells Fargo's consumer cards. In addition to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, you'll also get the benefit with the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, which is a top choice for a long 0% intro APR period, and the issuer's "Autograph" rewards cards. See other Wells Fargo cards.
Chase Freedom Flex®
Our pick for: Bonus cash back
The Chase Freedom Flex® offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and an intro APR offer, too. Read our review.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards
Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee (see rates and fees). Read our review.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Our pick for: Luxury travel perks
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.
In 2021, American Express added cell phone protection on a variety of premium cards, in addition to The Platinum Card® from American Express. Terms apply.
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards + no annual fee
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
Our pick for: Hotel rewards
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® earns a fairly high rate on stays at Choice Hotels, as well as on major everyday spending categories. It's a solid choice if you're a Choice loyalist, but a general-purpose travel card offers more flexibility. Read our review.
Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
Our pick for: Hotel rewards + perks
The $95-annual-fee Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® earns a rich rewards rate at eligible Choice Hotels, plus a good rate on spending at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement store and on phone plans. Where it really shines, though, is with its perks, including automatic Platinum elite status and credits that can help offset the cost of its annual fee. Read our review.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Our pick for: Small business
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply.
• • •
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
Insurance Benefit: Cell Phone Protection
Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period.
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.
Last updated on April 17, 2025
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
If a credit card offers cell phone coverage, you must pay your monthly wireless bill with the card in order to enjoy the protection. If your phone is damaged or stolen, you'll file a claim with the company that administers the cell phone benefit, and you'll be reimbursed. (The company administering the benefit will usually be different from the bank that actually issued the card.)
In most cases, a deductible will apply. That means there's a certain amount you have to pay first before the coverage kicks in. For example, say you have a $50 deductible and $800 in coverage per claim. If your $600 phone gets smashed, your coverage would pay you only $550, since the first $50 is your responsibility. Learn more about credit card cell phone coverage.
Most cell phone coverage offered by credit cards applies only to phones listed on the monthly bill paid with the card offering the benefit.
Coverage generally applies only to instances of damage or theft. Simply losing your phone is not covered. Wells Fargo, for example, says on its website: "This benefit does not cover cell phones that are lost (i.e., mysteriously disappear)."
In order to get reimbursed, you may be required to obtain an estimate for a repair, send in the damaged phone if you're getting paid for a replacement, or provide a police report for an instance of theft.
If the cell phone coverage on your credit card is identified as "secondary," it means your benefit applies only after any other coverage has kicked in.
If you have coverage from your wireless carrier, for example, you're expected to make a claim there first, then use your credit card's coverage on whatever is left over. If your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers mobile phones, secondary coverage would require you to file a claim under that policy first.
About the author
Melissa Lambarena
Senior Writer & Content StrategistAbout the reviewer
Caitlin Mims
Editor & Content StrategistAbout the editor
