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Best cards for phone protection in November 2024

Most of the cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you approve through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our  advertising policy and  product review methodology for more information.

If protecting your cellphone is important to you, consider adding one of the best credit cards for phone protection to your wallet. Smartphones are a central part of our daily lives and they’re also expensive, so it’s important to safeguard these devices from unexpected loss or damage. Replacing a smartphone can easily cost well over $1,000, which is why the risk of damage or theft is a concern.

Choosing a credit card that offers comprehensive protection against phone theft, damage and loss can provide you with peace of mind. We’ve created a list of the best credit cards with phone protection below, ensuring your smartphone and financial wellness remain secured and uncompromised.

At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. Our travel and credit cards experts share their own experiences and give honest analyses to help you make decisions that benefit you the most. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads, and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analysis are entirely our own.

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Best for premium travel benefits

Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4.5 / 5
Go to review
10 Miles10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Open Intro bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn 75,000 miles
$395
19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
740-850Excellent

The Venture X combines high-end benefits like travel credits, mileage bonuses and lounge access with a simple earning formula that’s easy to maximize. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Pros

  • Excellent welcome offer worth 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months
  • $300 in annual credits toward bookings make through Capital One Travel
  • 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 toward travel) each account anniversary

Cons

  • The $395 annual fee might be expensive for some, but this card’s benefits provide much more value than that
  • If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Best for rotating categories

Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3.5 / 5
Go to review
5%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%5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
3%3% cash back on dining and drugstores.
1%1% cash back on all other purchases.
Open Intro bonus
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
$200
$0
19.99% - 28.74% Variable
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
670-850Excellent, Good

The Chase Freedom Flex is a great all-around card for beginners and fans of cash back. It’s easier to be approved for than many top-tier cards from Chase and Amex, and it offers a great array of benefits for a no-annual-fee card. Read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.

Pros

  • For a no-annual-fee credit card, the Chase Freedom Flex does offer additional benefits for cardholders including cellphone protection and food delivery perks
  • The card comes with an intro APR offer

Cons

  • You must remember to activate your bonus categories quarterly or risk not earning 5x on select purchases
  • 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 19.99%-28.74%.
  • 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

Best for cash rewards

Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3.5 / 5
Go to review
2%Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Open Intro bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
$200 cash rewards
$0
19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
670-850Excellent, Good

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card stirs up the cash rewards card market with the ability to earn 2% cash rewards on purchases, with no categories to track or remember. Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.

Pros

  • There’s no annual fee, meaning that you can keep your costs low while focusing on earning rewards
  • Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases — no bonus categories to track or remember
  • Get up to $600 in cellphone protection (with a $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with this card

Cons

  • Don’t take this card abroad with you, as this card incurs a 3% foreign currency conversion fee
  • Other cash rewards cards can offer better welcome bonuses
  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific 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. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% 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.

Best for luxury travelers

Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4.5 / 5
Go to review
5XEarn 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.
5XEarn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Open Intro bonus
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 80,000 points
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
670-850Excellent/Good

The Amex Platinum card is not just a symbol of luxury. It comes with an immense number of travel, entertainment, wellness and retail benefits, making it a versatile card option. Plus, it offers solid phone protection coverage* making it a good choice for those who frequently need to repair a broken device. Read our full review of the American Express Platinum Card.

*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Pros

  • The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600
  • This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, assorted annual statement credits and so much more (Enrollment required for select benefits)
  • The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway

Cons

  • The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost
  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
  • The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
  • 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.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $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 get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $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.¤
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Best for high bonuses

Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4.5 / 5
Go to review
3XEarn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
1XEarn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn
Open Intro bonus
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 90,000 bonus points
$95
20.74% - 26.74% Variable
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
670-850Good, Excellent

This card has a unique set of perks that make it attractive for business owners looking to maximize their earning potential and unlock valuable rewards through the Ultimate Rewards program. And it currently comes with its offer  of— 90,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Card.

Pros

  • Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners for a reasonable $95 annual fee
  • Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement and primary car rental insurance when traveling on business
  • Additional perks including extended warranty, cellphone protection and purchase protection

Cons

  • High spending needed to get 90,000-point sign-up bonus
  • Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications
  • 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

Best for balance transfers

Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review
no offer
no offer
$0
17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
670-850Excellent, Good

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card comes with one of the longest introductory APR offers we’ve seen. The introductory period can be a great way to finance a large purchase or consolidate your debt. Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Reflect Card.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Introductory APR offer of 21 months
  • Cell phone protection

Cons

  • No points or cash rewards earning potential
  • No welcome bonus
  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.

Comparing the best cards for phone protection

Credit card
Best forIntro offerEarning rateAnnual fee
4.5
Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
at Capital One's secure site
premium travel benefits
Earn 75,000 miles
Open Intro bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
2 - 10X miles
$395
3.5
Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
at Chase's secure site
rotating categories
$200
Open Intro bonus
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
1 - 5% cash-back
$0
3.5
Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
at Wells Fargo's secure site
cash rewards
$200 cash rewards
Open Intro bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
2% cash rewards
$0
4.5
Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
at American Express's secure site
luxury travelers
Earn 80,000 points
Open Intro bonus
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.
5X points
$695
4.5
Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
at Chase's secure site
high bonuses
Earn 90,000 bonus points
Open Intro bonus
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
1 - 3X points
$95
3
Open Editors rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
at Wells Fargo's secure site
balance transfers
N/A
N/A
$0

More details on the best phone protection credit cards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The card offers a $300 annual credit toward Capital One Travel purchases, which essentially brings the $395 annual fee down to $95. Cardholders also receive 10,000 bonus miles every anniversary year, lounge access (for you and two guest) and a steady earning rate on all purchases.

The card is a good choice for travelers, who will have access to Priority Pass lounges worldwide and Capital One’s own lounges in the U.S. The travel credit can greatly help single, coupled and family travelers offset costs while having the ability to transfer Capital One miles to 15-plus airline and hotel partners.

“With an annual fee that is $300 less than that of The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel portal credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year. Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership. Authorized users — you get several of them at no cost — enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership and Hertz President's Circle status*. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return at TPG's valuations) in spending categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile (e.g., auto maintenance, pharmacies, medical bills).” — Kyle Olsen, points and miles expert

*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more extensive airport lounge access and a plethora of benefits and perks that can offset the card's $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). For more information, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.

Chase Freedom Flex®

The card offers 5% cash back on bonus categories that rotate every quarter (activation required each quarter), as well as 5% cash back on purchases through the Chase travel portal. If you’re looking for a card that provides broad bonus-earning categories and no annual fee, this is a good choice.

This card is a good choice for those with changing purchasing habits. Five percent cash back is a great way to build up rewards, and if you hold a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, then you can combine the points for a greater return.

“As a points and miles enthusiast, I’m happy to keep up with the rotating quarterly categories that earn 5% cash back. I get the most value from this card when I can max out the $1,500 quarterly limit on Amazon, Target and PayPal purchases. My top tip for this card is to make sure that you activate the categories every quarter so that you can maximize your points.” — Matt Moffitt, managing editor

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has no annual fee but is perfect for those who want to earn a flat rate of 1.5% cash back without worrying about rotating category bonuses. For more details, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Active Cash provides a solid 2% cash rewards rate on purchases without the fuss of keeping track of different categories or various earning rates. With no annual fee and concierge and luxury hotel benefits, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card is quite rewarding.

Those looking for a simple cash rewards credit card, whether they’re new to the credit card world or looking to complement their current card portfolio.

"This card offers 2% in cash rewards, which I used to pay my daughter’s preschool tuition. With this card, I get 2% cash rewards on a fixed expense. It was a no-brainer for me." — Eileen Sullivan, senior UX researcher

 The Citi Custom Cash® Card (see rates and fees) has no annual fee and gives cardholders 5% cash back on purchases in the top eligible spending category each billing cycle (on up to $500). For more details, read our full review of the Citi Custom Cash.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum offers a wide range of benefits, from lounge access to elite status and statement credits for travel, gym memberships and streaming services. The card also offers a highly competitive 5 points per dollar spent on airfare purchases made directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, on up to $500,000 of these purchases each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar), an amazing way to build up Amex Membership Rewards points.

Those looking for lounge access, hotel elite status and a slew of statement credits for travel and lifestyle purchases. Frequent travelers will be rewarded on airfare purchases made directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com. The card is ideal for booking travel using points, as the points earned with the card can be transferred to more than 20 airline and hotel partners.

“Whilst this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear Plus credits (enrollment required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt, managing editor

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is better for those who want a lower annual fee of $550, with a flexible $300 travel credit, lounge access and some of the best travel protections. For more information, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The card earns points in four bonus categories popular with businesses: travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers. The card offers a wide range of travel and shopping protections while earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Small- and medium-size businesses that spend often on travel will benefit from this card’s points-earning structure. Businesses that purchase goods will also benefit from the card’s shopping protections.

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I've found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter, senior writer

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business provides a simple 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and comes with a low annual fee (see rates and fees). For more information, read our full review of the Capital One Spark Miles card.

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

The card has no annual fee and provides up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible), an amazing feat for a no-annual-fee card.

Those not interested in earning points or rewards and who are looking for a no-fee annual card. Its introductory APR offer is great for those looking to pay off large purchases such as travel or home improvement projects.

This card is a good choice if you need a long-term introductory APR card offer and are not looking to pay an annual fee.

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express also has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and bonus earning categories to earn rewards on purchases. For more information, read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from Amex.

Maximizing phone protection credit cards

Understand the terms

Cellphone protection benefits vary according to which credit card you have. This includes limits on how much a cardholder will be reimbursed and whether the protection covers devices that are damaged or stolen — or both. Another item to be mindful of is how many insurance claims are allowed in a year and whether or not there is a deductible, a common practice for insurance claims. 

How to be eligible

To maximize credit cards with phone protection, you need to know if you’re eligible for this type of insurance. The majority of cards require that the bill associated with the cellphone should be paid for using the card that offers cellphone protection insurance. 

Insurance alternatives

In some instances, your phone carrier, device manufacturer or personal insurance provider may offer superior coverage, such as a higher limit, lower deductible or no deductible at all. You may be better off using another insurance policy to cover a more expensive phone and using your card’s cellphone protection for a loved one’s device.

How we rate

We rated the best phone protection credit cards based on several factors, including reward earning rates, benefits that come with each card and the overall value each card delivers to you. To learn about how TPG evaluates and chooses cards for our roundups, check out our methodology here.
Welcome bonusWe included cards that featured solid welcome bonuses with varying minimum spend thresholds to fit different budgets.
Annual feeOur top picks feature varying annual fees that provide a range of benefits.
Earning ratesWe chose phone protection cards that feature advantageous earning rates to get the most out of your purchases.
Redemption optionsOur selections provide various options for reward redemptions.
Added benefitsIn addition to offering phone protection, our picks also come with multiple other benefits.

What is credit card cellphone protection?

Cellphone protection is a benefit typically offered by credit cards to cover the cost of a new cellphone in the event of damage or theft. The amount that is covered, the extent of what is covered and the deductible will vary from card to card. 

Cellphone protection for credit cards varies by issuer, but the majority of the time, the protection includes compensation up to the issuer’s limit for phones that are damaged or stolen. For damaged phones, this can include costs for replacing a broken screen, bad battery or other items. Conversely, for a stolen phone, there must be a police report and/or a filing with the cellphone company that proves the device is no longer in your possession.

To file a claim, contact your credit card issuer by phone, online or via its app. It will most likely provide a link to a third-party insurance provider. Make sure to keep all relevant documentation to successfully submit your claim.

How to choose a credit card with cellphone protection

Ideally, you want to choose a card that offers the highest protection. For example, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card covers up to $600 per claim, whereas the Platinum Card from American Express covers up to $800 per claim. It’s also worth noting the difference in annual fees. It may not be worth paying a high annual fee when you can get slightly less coverage from a credit card with a lower or no annual fee.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing a card for phone protection:
  • 1
    Sign-up bonus
    Select a card that comes with a decent sign-up bonus since you can use that reward for future travel plans or to pay down your balance in the case of a cash-back card. Pick the option with a reachable spend threshold in a rewards currency that will be valuable to you.
  • 2
    Annual fee
    Our list of cards with phone protection come at various annual fee levels, from cards with no annual fee to more premium cards that come with higher annual fees. Pick a card with a fee level that makes sense for your budget.
  • 3
    Bonus categories
    Many credit cards for cellphone protection also come with various bonus categories, which can be leveraged to earn more rewards on your most frequent purchases.
Ensure credit card cellphone protection by setting up autopay - The Points Guy
Link a credit card with cellphone protection to your mobile bill

Ask our experts

What's your favorite phone protection card — and why?

Pros + cons of phone protection cards

Pros

  • Using phone protection cards responsibly can help you build your credit score
  • Cards with phone protection can give smartphone users peace of mind
  • You can use your credit card to ensure you're protected if you were to damage, lose or have your phone stolen
  • Many cards with cellphone protection also come with other perks and benefits

Cons

  • Credit cards for phone protection can encourage overspending
  • Carrying a balance and using your card for cellphone protection irresponsibly can damage your credit score
  • Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
  • The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans

Frequently asked questions

There is a wide range of credit cards that offer cellphone protection. Travel cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer cellphone insurance. Cash-back credit cards, such as the Chase Freedom Flex®, and cobranded cards, including the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, also provide cellphone insurance. If you want free cellphone insurance, check a card’s benefits on the issuer’s website before applying. 

Most protection plans offered by credit cards cover damage and theft. Protection amounts for the cards listed on this page vary from $600 to $1,000. In order to be eligible for the protection, most companies require that you pay for your phone bill with their credit card. 

Knowing you have your phone protected could really pay big dividends if your expensive smartphone is damaged or stolen. Make sure to set up automatic payment for your monthly cellphone bill with a credit card that offers cellphone protection.

The best cellphone protection credit card is one that offers additional benefits you can utilize, such as statement credits, or has an annual fee you are comfortable paying year after year. If a card earns you rewards, provides benefits apart from cellphone protection and has an annual fee worth paying, then that’s the best card for you.