Credit Cards With Cellphone Insurance (2024)

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For some of us, our phone is a constant companion. Unfortunately, some of us have a good reason not to have nice things: We’re really, really talented when it comes to breaking them.

When you consider how expensive cellphones can be and how they’re used and abused, insurance against damage or theft to your phone can be a smart move. But before you shell out for a pricey plan, know that you may be able to get coverage at no additional cost—if you have the right credit card.

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Pros & Cons

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Introductory APR period
  • Plentiful reward points categories
  • Protections include cell phone insurance
  • Balance transfer fee
  • No introductory balance transfer APR
  • No travel transfer partners

Card Details

  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific 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. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Credit Cards With Cellphone Insurance

These cards come with protection against theft or damaged phones (but not misplacing or losing them), along with other benefits and features that make the cards stand out. Review the terms and conditions for coverage as they vary by card.

  • Chase Freedom Flex℠*
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card¹ (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card¹ (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express¹ (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  • U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card*
  • U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card*
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Cellphone protection is becoming more common as a card benefit, particularly with World and World Elite Mastercards. If you’re paying your cellphone bill via credit card and it isn’t on one of those we’ve discussed here, check your card benefits guide to see if you might qualify for coverage—and what limitations may apply.

What Is Cellphone Insurance?

Cellphone theft and damage insurance usually provides coverage for a mobile device against theft, loss, defects or damage. Major wireless providers like Verizon or AT&T typically offer insurance policies through a large insurance partner like Asurion. Mobile phone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung also offer protection plans any iPhone or Samsung user can purchase.

Insurance policies from manufacturers or carriers usually offer a small window to activate an insurance plan, like within 30 days of activating or upgrading your device.

Typically, you only need one cellphone insurance policy, so it may be a good idea to shop around for the one that suits your needs best if you’re looking strictly outside of credit card benefit coverage. Consider factors like how many devices need to be covered, deductible cost, and potential discounts before making a final decision. Even within credit card coverage, plans are different.

What To Know About Credit Cards with Cellphone Insurance

Some card issuers offer cellphone insurance as an incentive for customers to use cards for recurring charges. If you’re accident-prone, have many phones on your family plan or always have the latest, greatest flagship phones, the coverage offered through your credit card might not be enough.

Consider these factors before using a cellphone insurance policy with your card issuer:

  • Read the fine print. Cellphone insurance plans on credit cards have limits. Specific terms vary by credit card, but you can expect a deductible, maximum reimbursement amount and a limit on the number of annual claims you can submit.
  • Be ready to pay a deductible. Like most insurance plans, you should expect to submit plenty of documentation to file a claim, which includes paying a deductible before savings kick in. Save the receipt from the purchase of your device and expect to obtain a repair estimate on damages or file a police report if your phone is stolen. The effort is worth it: Some policies will reimburse for up to $800 per claim and $1,600 per year, after any deductibles—usually $25 or $50 per occurrence.
  • Pay every monthly cellphone bill with that credit card. Simply pay your monthly cellphone bill with an eligible credit card and you’ll benefit from a policy similar to what you’d purchase directly from your cell carrier. Be sure to pay with the card, as your phone probably won’t qualify if you don’t.
  • Consider dropping those insurance payments to your cellphone carrier. Usually, there’s no need to have more than one cellphone insurance policy. Having cellphone insurance covered by your card issuer is an added bonus to owning that credit card, but you should go for the policy with the most value to your favor.

How Does Cellphone Protection Work?

Cellphone insurance plans are similar to other types of insurance like auto or home coverage. Whether a phone is lost, stolen or damaged, the policyholder has to file a claim with an insurance provider. A cardholder will usually have to pay a deductible on each claim. Deductible costs are usually much lower than retail value for a new or repaired phone.

To file a claim, you’ll typically need to know your phone make and model and phone carrier and have a card ready to pay a deductible. If protected through your card issuer, file a claim on your online account and pay any necessary deductible to fix or replace a phone. If protected through a card network like Mastercard, you may need to file a claim directly with the payment network rather than the card issuer. Either way, you can call the number on the back of your card to learn the details of the claims process.

What Do Cellphone Insurance Plans Cover?

Cellphone insurance policies vary by provider. Insurance plans may include protection against theft, loss, damage or defects. “Damage” is a loose term not clearly defined across all providers. Some may cover cracked screens, while others will only cover hardware failures.

Benefits vary among different credit card issuers and payment networks (e.g. Visa, Mastercard). Even different credit cards offered by the same issuer might have separate cellphone insurance benefits. The only way to know for sure what’s covered is to read the terms of your agreement with the card issuer or payment network. Look for a maximum number of claims per year, what sort of damage is protected, whether cellphone loss (not just theft) is covered and what the deductible is.

How Do I Know If My Card Has Cellphone Protection?

The simplest way to know if your credit card offers cellphone insurance is to read the terms of your card agreement or call the number on the back of your card. Keep in mind payment networks like Mastercard offer cellphone insurance to anyone who carries a specific type of Mastercard—no matter the issuer—which means you’ll have to read Mastercard’s terms as opposed to your card issuer’s.

Finding details about cellphone coverage may be difficult for some as this small but powerful benefit’s information can be buried deep in the fine print. When in doubt, call the number on the back of your card and ask a representative if the credit card offers cellphone insurance and what the exact benefits and limitations are and where you can find them.

Is Cellphone Insurance Worth It?

If you own an expensive smartphone and expect to break it before its value is completely gone, it’s a good idea to get it insured.

Whether you purchase insurance through a phone carrier, phone manufacturer or receive it as an added bonus from your credit card, insurance is good to have even if only for peace of mind.

According to research by Statista, the average expected lifespan of smartphones in the U.S is a little more than 2.5 years. In two years, a phone can receive plenty of damage or fail unexpectedly. A major benefit to having cellphone insurance is protection from large out-of-pocket expenses when replacing a phone because it fails entirely.

Alternatives to Credit Card Cellphone Insurance

One of the cards already in your wallet may offer cellphone insurance. Perhaps there’s a new card with this benefit along with other rewards, interest rates and perks that make a good fit for your spending habits. If not, this benefit isn’t your only option.

Many American Express cards*, Visa Signature and Infinite, and select Mastercards include purchase protection for devices purchased on your card. This lesser-known credit card benefit covers you against theft and accidental damage for a limited period of time—usually 90 days.

There’s a large caveat, though: You’re only protected if you bought a new (not refurbished) phone and paid in full instead of making installments. For pricier phones, that’s a big upfront commitment in exchange for peace of mind. It also leaves any phones paid for month-to-month off the table. Phones may also not qualify, depending on the purchase protection limits of the specific issuer.

Many homeowners insurance and renters insurance policies cover phone theft but not loss or damage. These policies can also have higher deductibles than a dedicated cellphone policy, but it’s better than nothing.

You can, of course, buy a separate policy through your phone’s manufacturer (e.g. AppleCare) or service provider (e.g. AT&T Device Protection). Examine policies closely because deductibles and coverage limits vary based on the plan you choose and the exact model of your phone. Some of the manufacturer’s policies will also cover loss and/or cosmetic damage—two perks rare on plans offered by a credit card issuer.

Find the Best Credit Cards for 2024

No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.

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Bottom Line

Purchasing cellphone insurance separately isn’t absurdly expensive, but it’s redundant if you can use a credit card to qualify for a policy at no additional cost. Given phones are such an integral part of our world and have significant replacement and repair costs, it makes sense to take advantage of this perk if your credit card offers it.

Of course, you shouldn’t pick a credit card based solely on this feature. Choose the card best in alignment with your spending habits and know any extra perks—like cellphone insurance—are a great money-saving bonus.

To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

¹Eligibility 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.

As an enthusiast and expert in personal finance, credit cards, and insurance, I have a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in maximizing the benefits that credit cards can offer. Over the years, I have explored various credit card offerings, delving into their features, perks, and limitations. My knowledge extends beyond the basics, encompassing the nuances of credit card protection plans, including cellphone insurance, a topic that I find particularly relevant in today's smartphone-centric world.

The article you provided from Forbes Advisor delves into the realm of cellphone insurance provided by credit cards. It emphasizes the potential cost savings and benefits of obtaining coverage through credit cards, specifically mentioning the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card as an example. Allow me to break down the concepts discussed in the article:

  1. Featured Partner Offer - Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card:

    • The article features the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, highlighting its benefits, such as a 3X reward rate on various categories, no annual fee, and cellphone protection coverage.
  2. Credit Cards With Cellphone Insurance:

    • The article lists several credit cards that come with cellphone protection benefits. These include the Chase Freedom Flex℠, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
  3. What Is Cellphone Insurance?:

    • The article defines cellphone insurance, covering aspects such as protection against theft, loss, defects, or damage. It mentions that major wireless providers and phone manufacturers offer insurance plans, often with a limited activation window.
  4. Credit Cards with Cellphone Insurance Considerations:

    • The article advises readers to read the fine print of credit card cellphone insurance plans, emphasizing factors like deductibles, maximum reimbursement amounts, and limitations on the number of claims.
  5. How Does Cellphone Protection Work?:

    • Explains the process of filing a claim for cellphone insurance, including paying a deductible and providing necessary documentation. It mentions the variations in the claims process depending on whether the protection is through the card issuer or a card network like Mastercard.
  6. What Do Cellphone Insurance Plans Cover?:

    • Details the coverage offered by cellphone insurance plans, including protection against theft, loss, damage, or defects. It emphasizes the need to check the terms of the agreement to understand the coverage limits.
  7. How Do I Know If My Card Has Cellphone Protection?:

    • Provides guidance on determining if a credit card offers cellphone insurance, suggesting reading the terms of the card agreement or contacting the card issuer. It notes that payment networks like Mastercard may offer cellphone insurance independently of the card issuer.
  8. Is Cellphone Insurance Worth It?:

    • Discusses the value of cellphone insurance, especially for expensive smartphones, and highlights the peace of mind it provides. It cites research on the average lifespan of smartphones in the U.S. and emphasizes the protection against significant out-of-pocket expenses.
  9. Alternatives to Credit Card Cellphone Insurance:

    • Explores alternative options for cellphone insurance, including purchase protection offered by some credit cards, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and separate policies from phone manufacturers or service providers.
  10. Bottom Line:

    • Concludes by emphasizing the potential cost savings of using credit card cellphone insurance and advises readers to choose a credit card based on their overall needs and spending habits.

In summary, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking information on cellphone insurance provided by credit cards, offering insights into the benefits, considerations, and alternatives associated with this type of coverage.

Credit Cards With Cellphone Insurance (2024)

FAQs

Does Capital One offer cell phone insurance? ›

Yes, Capital One does offer cell phone insurance on one of its credit cards – the Capital One Venture X card (for Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product.

Which Chase card has phone insurance? ›

Notable Chase Credit Cards with Phone Insurance

The Chase Freedom Flex cell phone protection covers you up to $1,000 per year against theft or damage. Cell phone protection coverage applies when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your Chase Freedom Flex.

Does Visa offer cell phone insurance? ›

Cell Phone Protection

When you pay your monthly wireless bill with your covered Visa Signature®card, your cell phone can be protected for the next calendar month.

Can you put a phone plan on a credit card? ›

You can, but there are potential benefits and drawbacks to consider, depending on your mobile provider.

Does Chase have cell phone protection? ›

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ has the following built-in protections for eligible purchases you make with it: Cellphone protection: Protects against covered theft or damage for phones listed on your monthly cellphone bill if you pay it with your eligible Chase card.

Does Chase Sapphire have cell phone insurance? ›

Chase Sapphire Preferred does not offer cell phone insurance. It's not a common benefit, but it's a valuable perk on credit cards that do offer it. Some cards will reimburse cardholders up to $1,000 if a covered cell phone is lost or damaged.

Does American Express cover lost phones? ›

With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed for your repair or replacement costs following damage or theft up to $800 per claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account.

How do I claim my Chase cell phone protection? ›

You can file a claim on your Chase cell phone insurance by calling 1 (800) 627-8372 for Chase Freedom Flex and 1 (888) 320-9956 for Chase Ink Preferred. You will be notified as soon as your claim has been processed.

Is Chase Freedom Flex hard to get? ›

You'll need a good to excellent credit score (a FICO score of 670 or higher) to qualify for the Freedom Flex. Luckily, you can check if you prequalify for the Freedom Flex and other Chase cards via the issuer's website or Bankrate's CardMatch tool.

Which banks offer phone insurance? ›

Can you get phone insurance through your bank? Banks such as Barclays, Halifax, Nationwide, Natwest and Bank of Scotland provide us with more than just bank accounts. Most banks offer a variety of different services including business banking, mortgages, and insurance.

Does Citi Double Cash have cell phone insurance? ›

Citi Double Cash cons

Lack of benefits: You won't get perks such as cellphone protection, extended warranty protection or rental car insurance, which can be had on some other no-annual-fee credit cards.

Do you really need insurance on your cell phone? ›

If you are prone to losing or damaging your phone, or if you simply want peace of mind, it may be worth the investment,” Hawrylack says. “However, if you are careful with your phone and don't mind paying for repairs or replacements out of pocket, you may not need it.”

Which credit card to pay a Verizon bill with? ›

Up to 6 credit, debit or ATM cards - Verizon Visa® Card, Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, American Express®, PULSE®, NYCE®, or STAR®. Online Banking - Easily link your bank account.

Which credit card to use for AT&T? ›

Citi partnered with AT&T to offer a co-branded credit card called the AT&T Points Plus Card from Citi. It lets you earn ThankYou® Points for your everyday spending, including spending at gas stations, grocery stores and even the latest AT&T phone deals.

What does cellphone insurance cover? ›

Cell phone insurance covers you financially for the possible loss or damage of your cell phone. In other words, if you're worried someone will steal or drop your phone, you need this kind of insurance. The insurance provider agrees to replace your mobile phone if certain insured events occur.

Does Capital One credit card cover phone damage? ›

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, and $1,000 per covered card per 12 month period. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible.

Does Capital One Savor have cell phone protection? ›

The Capital One SavorOne card does not offer cell phone insurance. Cell phone insurance on other cards reimburses the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged or stolen phone if a cardholder regularly pays the phone bill with the card, though it's not a benefit commonly offered by credit card issuers.

How much does Capital One insure? ›

Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category at Capital One.

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