In today’s world, a smartphone is essential for staying connected, managing tasks, and managing finances. If you’re a frequent traveler, it also can be used as your room key, boarding pass, and even as your planner if you’re on a cruise like Virgin Voyages, where everything is done on their phone app.
To help safeguard this vital device, many credit cards offer cell phone protection. This benefit covers damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card. However, not all credit cards offer the same level of coverage. In this post, we’ll break down cell phone protection based on three categories of cards: premium, business, and low or no annual fee cards.
Premium Credit Cards with Cell Phone Protection
Premium cards generally offer the best coverage for cell phone protection, with higher claim limits and more generous terms. Frequent travelers may already have one or more of these cards in their wallets, and if so, these cards provide top-tier benefits that cover phone damage or theft.
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Capital One Venture X
- Coverage: Up to $800 per claim for cell phone theft or damage
- Deductible: $50
- Claims: Two claims per 12-month period
- Eligibility: Pay your cell phone bill with the card to qualify for protection.
While the Capital One Venture X doesn’t offer any bonus category for cell phone bills, you earn 2X points for all purchases. Offering up to $800 in cell phone protection, it stands out for those who want solid protection without a significant deductible.
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Coverage: Up to $800 per claim for cell phone theft or damage
- Deductible: $50
- Claims: Two claims per 12-month period
- Eligibility: Pay your cell phone bill with the card to qualify for protection.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is known for its luxury perks, including robust cell phone protection. One negative is that you’ll only earn 1X points on your phone bill when paying with the Platinum Card.
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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Coverage: Up to $800 per claim for cell phone damage or theft
- Deductible: $50
- Claims: Two claims per 12-month period
- Eligibility: Pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card to activate the coverage.
Business Credit Cards with Cell Phone Protection
Business cards also offer coverage for those who need to protect their work phones. Here are a few solid choices for business owners looking for a good deal.
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Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Coverage: Up to $1,000 per claim for cell phone theft or damage
- Deductible: $100
- Claims: Three claims per 12-month period
- Eligibility: Pay your business cell phone bill with the card.
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers high coverage limits and also allows up to three claims per 12 months, which is helpful if you’re paying for several phone lines. This card also provides 3X Ultimate Rewards on cell phone bills, which is the highest return on a card that also offers insurance coverage.
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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Coverage: Up to $800 per claim for cell phone theft or damage
- Deductible: $50
- Claims: Two claims per 12-month period
- Eligibility: Pay your business cell phone bill with the card.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also includes cell phone protection, making it a solid choice for business owners who need more than just travel perks.
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American Express® Delta SkyMiles® Business Platinum Card
- Coverage: Up to $800 per claim for cell phone damage or theft
- Deductible: $50
- Claims: Two claims per 12-month period
- Eligibility: Pay your business cell phone bill with the card.
For Delta SkyMiles® Business Platinum Card holders, in addition to great travel benefits, you’ll enjoy up to $800 in coverage for your business phone.
No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Cell Phone Protection
If you’re looking for a card that offers solid cell phone protection without the hefty annual fee, these cards offer great coverage for an affordable cost.
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Chase Freedom Flex®
- Coverage: Up to $800 per claim for cell phone theft or damage
- Deductible: $50
- Claims: Two claims per 12-month period, $1,000 total benefit
- Eligibility: Pay your cell phone bill with the card to qualify for protection.
The Chase Freedom Flex® offers great coverage on a low-cost card, making it an excellent option for those looking to keep their phone safe without breaking the bank.
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Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
- Coverage: Up to $800 per claim for cell phone damage or theft
- Deductible: $25
- Claims: Two claims per 12-month period
- Eligibility: Pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card.
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® has a lower deductible than other plans. While you’ll only earn 1X points on your bill, there’s a possible hack if you pay your bill on rent day when you’d earn 2X points.
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Wells Fargo Autograph Card
- Coverage: Up to $600 per claim for cell phone theft or damage
- Deductible: $25
- Claims: Two claims per 12-month period
- Eligibility: Pay your cell phone bill with the card to qualify.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is another low-fee card offering solid coverage for your phone, especially if you prefer to earn rewards without a high annual fee. However the card offers a lower coverage of $600 per claim, which isn’t much considering the cost of phones today.
Conclusion: Standout Cards for Cell Phone Protection
When protecting your phone, the right credit card can provide a valuable safety net. After reviewing these options, I found that a few cards stand out as the best choices for both protection and rewards.
The Capital One Venture X offers an ideal balance of cell phone protection and solid earning potential, with 2X miles on all purchases. With up to $800 in coverage per claim and a relatively low deductible, it’s an excellent option for those with a luxury travel card.
For business owners, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is hard to beat. Offering the highest rewards rate—3X points on phone bills—combined with up to $1,000 in protection per claim, this card provides exceptional value for both cell phone protection and as a great travel card.
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® shines in the low-fee category, offering an impressive $800 coverage with the bonus of a $25 deductible, which is one of the lowest available. Though it only earns 1X points on your bill, you can optimize your rewards if you pay during rent day when you’d earn 2X points.
These three cards—Venture X, Ink Preferred, and Bilt World Elite—offer the best combination of rewards and cell phone protection, making them top contenders for anyone looking to keep their device secure while earning points or miles for their purchases. Whether you’re traveling frequently, running a business, or simply looking for reliable coverage on a budget, these cards stand out as the best options available.
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