Here are the best credit cards for cell phone protection of May 2024

Dropping your phone is never a pleasant experience, especially if you lack a case, screen protector and/or phone insurance.

Phones already cost so much — newer Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models cost upwards of $1,000 — making repairs an expense you don't want to deal with. However, Americans spend billions of dollars each year on phone repairs, namely replacing cracked smartphone screens, according to a ZAGG study.

The cost to replace a screen is steep, especially if you opted out of insurance with your phone provider. For instance, it costs $379 to replace the screen on an iPhone 14 Pro Max that's not covered by AppleCare+.

But there's a way you can avoid paying steep costs for damage to or theft of your phone — simply pay for your monthly cell phone bill with an eligible credit card that offers a complimentary cell phone protection plan. While this benefit has become increasingly popular among card issuers, it's still not common, making it something to look for when you choose your next card.

Below, CNBC Select reviews how credit card cell phone protection works and what credit cards offer it.

Everyone who has a cell phone must pay for their cellular service on a monthly basis. By simply using a credit card that includes cell phone protection as a benefit to paying your monthly bill, you will get automatic coverage for your phone and any other phones under your plan.

Coverage is typically limited to accidental damage that causes your phone to be less functional and not things like lost phones or cosmetic damage, though this varies by issuer.

You'll need to visit your credit card customer portal to begin the claims process, or in some cases, you can also call in to make a claim. It's important to note, however, that your credit card company is likely not the one that'll be processing your claim, but rather 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 would then need to submit the necessary documents, such as a bill for repairs or a police report in the case of theft, online or by mail. If your claim is approved, the insurance company will contact you about how you want to be paid, whether through direct deposit or with a mailed check. Note that you will still be responsible for paying a deductible, which varies by the credit card issuer.

Card issuers and card networks continue to join the trend of including cell phone protection with their credit cards, but it's still not widespread. Mastercard started offering coverage on World and World Elite cards (which are its mid- and top-tier cards with premium perks), but it's still up to the issuer to decide if the card provides it.

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 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.

Who's this for? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) 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 be covered up to $800 per approved claim — or the full retail value of your phone, though the lesser amount applies. You're allowed two claims within a rolling 12-month period and have to pay a $50 deductible for each one.

Although the card has a $395 annual fee, there are lots of benefits that make up for it including, up to $300 worth of statement credits for purchases made through Capital One Travel, a bonus of 10,000 miles each year to celebrate your card anniversary, a statement credit of up to $100 to use for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership and complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges. (see rates and fees)

Who's this for? If you're someone that frequently drops their phone, you may want to consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. It stands out for being one of the few cards that cover screen damage, whereas most competitors exclude that from coverage. Amex's *cell phone protection plan also offers coverage if your cell phone is damaged in another way or stolen.

In order to benefit from coverage, your cell phone line must be listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless 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 does come with a steep $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), but there are lots of other perks that help offset it, including up to $200 annual hotel credit (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay), up to $200 annual airline fee credit, up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit, up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit, worldwide airport lounge access and much more. In addition to cell phone protection, you can also benefit from other shopping-related perks like *purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty coverage. Terms Apply.

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.

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 sizeable 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.

Who's this for? The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card stands out for offering a special introductory 0% APR offer for the first 18 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers (after, it's a 18.74% - 28.74%, variable). Balances must be transferred within 60 days from account opening. Using a 0% interest credit card to finance a large purchase like a new smartphone can be a great way to secure payment flexibility. Better yet, there's no annual fee for this card.

Thanks to the introductory 0% APR offer, you could very well go out and buy yourself a new iPhone and have nearly two years to pay it off. And when you use this card to pay your monthly bill, you'll have included cell phone protection of up to $600 per claim and only have to pay a $25 deductible per claim. You're allowed up to two claims every 12 months.

Keep in mind, however, that you won't earn any rewards points or miles for making purchases with this card.

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.

We've rounded up six specific cards and the two types of Mastercards that offer cell phone protection and list the key terms below.

• How do I get credit card cell phone protection?
• Who's covered by credit card cell phone protection?
• What's covered by credit card cell phone protection?
• Is there an out-of-pocket cost for coverage?

Pay for your monthly cell phone bill with an eligible card and you will get automatic coverage for your phone.

As long as you pay with an eligible card, typically the primary cell phone line and any additional lines on the same plan are covered by the 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.

Many cell phone protection plans require you to pay a fee (aka deductible) of around $25 to $100 before your card's insurance takes effect. Your card's insurance is also secondary to any other cell phone insurance you already pay for.

While cell phones are now a necessary part of today's society, expensive insurance policies don't have to be. By using the right credit card to pay your monthly phone bill, you can rest easy knowing you have included cell phone coverage in case something happens to your precious device.

Before you spend several hundred dollars on a new cell phone, be sure to shop around for the best deal and carrier to suit your everyday needs. Also, check to see if the new purchase is in line with your current budget. It might make sense to buy an older model phone and pair it with a discount carrier to ensure you're saving the most money possible each month.

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For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, 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