Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
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.
Insider’s Featured Rewards Credit Cards
Earn unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1x points on other purchases.
Limited time offer of 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (offer expires 01/10/2023)
Earn 3x ThankYou® points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, air travel, and hotel purchases. Earn 1x ThankYou® points on all other purchases.
80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
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
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Intro offer
100,000 points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
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.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Intro offer
100,000 points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
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.
Details
Rewards
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.
Intro offer
100,000 points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 24.74% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
I pay my wireless bill with the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card because it comes with one of the most generous cell phone protection coverage limits of up to $1,000 per claim with a $100 deductible, up to three times per year. That includes the primary line and any additional lines on your bill.
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
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
21.24% – 28.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card, and it’s packed with perks including up to $300 per year in statement credits toward travel booked through Capital One, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One airport lounge access (even for authorized users), a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth $100 in travel), and Visa Infinite travel and purchase benefits***.
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℠
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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.
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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.
Details
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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.
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
18.74% – 27.49% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
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 Chase Freedom Flex℠, which offers up to 5% cash back in certain categories.
Review: Chase Freedom Flex card review
Select American Express cards
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
See Rates and Fees
Show more
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
N/A
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
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:
Wells Fargo cards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
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 Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a cash-back credit card and earns 2% cash rewards on purchases.
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.
Top Offers From Our Partners
Related Post
Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
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.
Insider’s Featured Rewards Credit Cards
Earn unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1x points on other purchases.
Limited time offer of 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (offer expires 01/10/2023)
Earn 3x ThankYou® points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, air travel, and hotel purchases. Earn 1x ThankYou® points on all other purchases.
80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
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
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Intro offer
100,000 points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
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.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Intro offer
100,000 points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
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.
Details
Rewards
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.
Intro offer
100,000 points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 24.74% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
I pay my wireless bill with the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card because it comes with one of the most generous cell phone protection coverage limits of up to $1,000 per claim with a $100 deductible, up to three times per year. That includes the primary line and any additional lines on your bill.
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
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Intro offer
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
21.24% – 28.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card, and it’s packed with perks including up to $300 per year in statement credits toward travel booked through Capital One, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One airport lounge access (even for authorized users), a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth $100 in travel), and Visa Infinite travel and purchase benefits***.
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℠
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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.
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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.
Details
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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.
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
18.74% – 27.49% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
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 Chase Freedom Flex℠, which offers up to 5% cash back in certain categories.
Review: Chase Freedom Flex card review
Select American Express cards
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
See Rates and Fees
Show more
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
N/A
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
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:
Wells Fargo cards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
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 Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a cash-back credit card and earns 2% cash rewards on purchases.
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.
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