Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Dropping your phone is never a pleasant experience. Having it stolen is even worse. But you can avoid paying to repair or replace your phone if you pay your phone bill with a card that includes complimentary cell phone protection.
While this benefit has become increasingly popular among card issuers, it's still uncommon. To help, CNBC Select has picked the best cards for phone insurance in a variety of categories.
Best credit cards for cell phone protection
- Best for low deductible: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Best for business owners: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Best for covering screen damage: American Express Platinum Card®
- Best for high coverage limit: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Best for no annual fee: Chase Freedom Flex®
Best for low deductible
Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card is another great option if you're in the market for a travel rewards credit card with no annual fee. It comes with a sizable welcome bonus for new cardholders and makes it easy to earn rewards by using broad spending categories such as travel and transit.
As long as you use this card to pay for your monthly bill, you'll be covered for up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft and only have to pay a modest $25 deductible. You're allowed a maximum of two claims per 12-month period.
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card offers generous bonus spending categories and lets you transfer points to airline and hotel partners, which is rare for a credit card with no annual fee.
- Excellent bonus rewards across travel and everyday categories
- Get access to all Wells Fargo transfer partners, including Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) and Virgin Red
- Features an intro APR on purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Doesn't include travel credits or other valuable travel perks
- Lacks key travel protections, such as trip delay reimbursement and trip cancellation/interruption coverage
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- 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. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% 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.
Balance transfer fee
3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5
Foreign transaction fee
None
Best for business owners
Who's this for? The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is ideal for business owners who want to earn elevated rewards on common business expenses (including phone services), take advantage of a large welcome bonus and get a suite of protections. In addition to cell phone protection, cardholders are covered by purchase protection, extended warranty protection, primary car rental coverage and trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance.
The cell phone protection offered by the Ink Business Preferred covers up to $1,000 per claim against covered theft or damage for you and your employees listed on your monthly cell phone bill when you pay with your card. There's a maximum of three claims per 12-month period and a $100 deductible per claim.
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is an excellent business card with useful benefits, valuable rewards and a generous welcome bonus.
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 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
- Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- 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
- Go further when you book with Chase TravelSM. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Best for screen damage
Who's this for? The American Express Platinum Card is one of the few cards that cover screen damage. Your cell phone line must be listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's bill must be paid with your eligible card. You can be reimbursed for the repair or replacement costs for up to two approved claims, with a maximum of $800 per claim or $1,600 per 12-month period. There is a $50 deductible per approved claim.
The card has an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees), but there are lots of other perks that help offset it, with over $3,500 in annual value. Get extensive airport lounge access and statement credits toward dining, travel, rideshares, entertainment and more.
Alternatively, you can get the same level of cell phone protection* with some other premium American Express cards, such as The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
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.
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits (subject to visit limitations) when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass™ membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 01/2026
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
- $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM late check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Best for high coverage limit
Who's this for? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great travel rewards credit card that lets you earn transferable rewards you can redeem for flights, hotels, rental cars and other travel-related activities. Aside from a large welcome bonus and high return on Capital One Travel bookings, this card offers an above-average 2X miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases, including cell phone bills.
Paying your cell phone bill with this card entitles you to coverage of up to $800 per approved claim or the full retail value of your phone, whichever is less. You're allowed two claims within a rolling 12-month period, with a $50 deductible.
Although the Venture X Rewards has a $395 annual fee, it comes with $300 worth of statement credits for purchases made through Capital One Travel, complimentary access to more than 1,300 airport lounges and more.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card with a myriad of benefits and a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features.
Highlights
- 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
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- 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®
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fees
$0
Best for no annual fee
Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Flex® is a solid cash-back credit card for consumers who want to save money on their everyday purchases. It has no annual fee and offers a generous cash-back program and an industry-leading welcome bonus.
As an eligible World Elite Mastercard, when you use the Chase Freedom Flex to pay for your cell phone bill, your phone will automatically be covered up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year against damage or theft. There's a maximum of two claims per 12-month period and a $50 deductible per claim.
The Chase Freedom Flex® is an excellent cash-back card for maximizing your spending in a variety of categories.
Rewards
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%)
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
How credit card cell phone protection works
If you use a credit card with cell phone protection to pay your monthly bill, any phones under your plan should automatically be covered for accidental damage or theft. (Misplacing your phone or cosmetic damage is typically not included.)
You'll typically need to visit your credit card customer portal to begin the claims process, but your claim will likely be processed by a third-party vendor. For example, if you have a qualifying American Express card, your claim would be processed through the New Hampshire Insurance Company.
You'll need to submit the necessary documentation, such as a bill for repairs or, in the case of a stolen phone, a police report. If your claim is approved, the insurance company will contact you about reimbursement.
You will still be responsible for paying a deductible, which will vary by credit card issuer.
FAQs
How do I get credit card cell phone protection?
If you pay for your monthly cell phone bill with an eligible card, you should receive automatic coverage for your phone.
What's covered by credit card cell phone protection?
Credit card cell phone protection covers accidental damage that causes your phone to be less functional (such as dropping your phone) and theft. Lost phones, cosmetic damage (such as a scratch or damage that doesn't impact the phone's ability to operate), electronic issues (such as inability to charge), cell phone accessories, mechanical, software or battery failure and prepaid phones are typically not covered, though the coverage varies by the credit card issuer.
Is there an out-of-pocket cost for cell-phone protection through my credit card?
Most protection plans require you to pay a deductible of about $25 to $100 before your card's insurance takes effect. The insurance is also secondary to any other cell phone insurance you already pay for.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed financial decisions. Every credit card list is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards for cell phone protection.
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Our methodology
To determine which cards are the best value for cell phone insurance, CNBC Select analyzed major credit cards issued by U.S. banks and credit unions.
We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. When choosing the best cards, we focused on those that feature a cell phone protection benefit.
We considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections, the application process and how easy it is to redeem points. We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
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Read more
For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
