Best Credit Cards for Cell Phone Insurance of November 2025
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Written by
Michelle Lambright Black
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Edited by
Emily Gadd
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Reviewed by
Jasmin Baron
Replacing a smartphone can come as a shock to your budget, especially when some of the latest models cost more than laptops. That’s why having a credit card with cell phone insurance can be such a valuable tool. In the event of a lost, stolen or damaged cell phone, the right credit card could reimburse you for repairs or replacement costs (minus a small deductible).
I’ve relied on this perk more than once as a mom, traveler and self-employed writer who often runs her business from her phone. Whether it’s a toddler mishap or a liquid-related disaster, I’ve learned that card-based cell phone protection can save hundreds of dollars (or more) when I need it most.
Here’s what you need to know about credit cards with cell phone insurance, how coverage works, and which cards from a few of our partners stand out.
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Quick Overview: Best Credit Cards for Cell Phone Insurance
| Our Choice For | Credit Range | Annual Fee | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotating Bonus Categories |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Up to 5% cash back on certain categories each quarter 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.
Apply Now
More Details
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| Premium Travel Rewards & Perks |
Excellent
720 – 850*
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$395 |
Very generous bonus and statement credit opportunities plus premium perks.
Apply Now
More Details
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Premium Perks & Benefits |
Good – Excellent
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$895 |
Massive welcome offer opportunity plus several annual statement credits, lounge access and other premium benefits You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Apply Now
More Details
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| Cash Back |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Earn 2% Cash Rewards plus a $200 bonus Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Apply Now
More Details
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| 3x Points On Top Categories |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Earn a welcome bonus and 1X – 3X rewards Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
Apply Now
More Details
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Ultra-Long Intro APR |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Incredible intro APR on purchases and balance transfers0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 24 billing cycles. After that the APR is variable, currently 17.24%-28.24%.
Full Review
More Details
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Detailed Overview: Best Credit Cards With Cell Phone Protection
Top Feature
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, then 18.74% – 28.24% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Cash Back
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.
Card Details From Issuer
- 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 18.74%-28.24%.
- 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
Top Feature
For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening, equal to $1,000 in travel
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
19.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Card Details From Issuer
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening – equal to $1,000 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 locations and 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 Feature
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Purchase APR
See Pay Over Time APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Terms apply.
Card Details From Issuer
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 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.
- More Value! 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 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $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.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $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.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the 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 upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $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: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- 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.
Top Feature
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and on qualifying balance transfers, then a 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% Variable APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Cash Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- Apply Now to take advantage of this 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. 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% 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.
Top Feature
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, followed by a 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% Variable APR. A 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% Variable APR will apply for balance transfers.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- 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. 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% 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.
Top Feature
Low deductible cell phone protection
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 24 billing cycles. After that the APR is variable, currently 17.24%-28.24%.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 24 billing cycles. After that, the APR is variable, currently 17.24%-28.24%.
- 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly directly in the Travel Center when you use your card.
- Earn a $20 annual statement credit for 11 consecutive months of purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Cell Phone Protection: Get up to $600 reimbursed if your cell phone is stolen or damaged when you pay your monthly cellular bill with your card.
- Terms and conditions apply.
How Credit Card Cell Phone Protection Works
Credit card cell phone insurance is a valuable benefit some issuers offer when you use a qualifying card to pay your monthly wireless bill. In the event of cell phone damage or theft, you can file a claim and receive reimbursement (up to a limit) to cover repairs or replacement costs. Lost phones, however, usually aren’t eligible for coverage. Coverage limits vary, but it’s common to receive reimbursement of $600 to $1,200 per eligible claim, after paying a deductible.
Credit card cell phone protection doesn’t require a separate insurance policy. Instead, to qualify for coverage, most card issuers that offer this benefit simply require you to pay your bill with the eligible card. To receive reimbursement, most card issuers will also require you to file a claim within 60 days of a covered incident and provide proof of repair or replacement.
It’s also important to pay your wireless bill with the same card every month. If you miss a payment or switch your autopay to an alternative method, you may become ineligible for coverage. The safest bet is to schedule autopay with a credit card that offers dependable cell phone protection and maintain a consistent payment method.
What Is Typically Covered by Cell Phone Insurance?
Covered events can vary from one policy to another. So, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of your credit card’s cell phone protection plan upfront to understand your benefits. In the meantime, here’s a general look at what’s typically covered and not included in these types of policies (and what isn’t).
Credit cards with cell phone protection often cover:
- Theft with a police report
- Accidental damage, such as cracked screens and liquid damage
- Eligible repairs or replacement costs up to the policy limit (after you pay the deductible)
These policies usually do not cover:
- Lost phones or unexplained disappearances
- Cosmetic damages (e.g., scratches, dents or minor scuffs)
- Losses from weather-related events (e.g., storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods)
- Non-phone devices like smartphones, tablets or cell phone accessories
- Phones purchased for resale or commercial purposes
- Damage caused by negligence, misuse, or pre-existing issues
Each card issuer sets its own coverage rules, including claim limits and deductibles. Review your card’s benefits guide in detail before relying on this coverage.
Do I Need Cell Phone Insurance?
If you already use a credit card with cell phone insurance to pay your wireless bill, you might not need additional cell phone insurance through your carrier. Major wireless providers often charge between $7 and $25 per device per month for cell phone insurance. Carrier-based plans may also feature separate deductibles that could reach $300 or more per claim.
While credit card cell phone protection does typically come with a few more exclusions, many people find this coverage sufficient. It can also be a lot more affordable. For example, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card provides up to $600 in protection with a $25 deductible when you pay your wireless bill with the card. Over a year, that benefit could save you as much as $300 compared to carrier-based cell phone insurance.
Carrier-based cell phone insurance may still appeal to some people, including those who frequently damage or lose their phones, since this type of coverage has fewer exclusions and may cover more incidents per year. It’s wise to compare both options to find the best solution for your lifestyle and budget.
Pros and Cons of Credit Card Cell Phone Insurance
Pros
- Built-in benefit on certain credit cards with no extra monthly fee
- Can save you money on cell phone repair or replacement costs
- Often covers multiple cell phones on the same mobile plan
- May feature lower deductibles than carrier-based cell phone insurance
Cons
- Coverage only applies when you pay your wireless bill with the credit card
- Typically no coverage for loss or cosmetic damage
- Deductible and claim limits apply
- Some cell phone carriers remove autopay discounts when you pay with a credit card
How To Choose a Card With Cell Phone Insurance
Cell phone insurance is but one of many credit card perks offered by some of the best rewards credit cards. To choose the right credit card for your lifestyle, consider your spending habits, rewards preferences, other benefits you’ll use, and willingness to pay an annual fee.
For example, the Chase Freedom Flex may not be famous for its cell phone protection, but the coverage is a nice added benefit (especially for a no-annual-fee credit card). The card also remains one of my favorites for everyday spending thanks to features like rotating bonus categories (which I love), purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
Similarly, the Amex Platinum is another option that offers cell phone protection to cardholders. I personally keep this premium rewards card, despite its recent annual fee hike, thanks to valuable perks like this one.
As a frequent traveler, I’m able to redeem plenty of benefits from my American Express Platinum Card that help justify its $895 annual fee. Some of the perks I most enjoy each year are an annual hotel credit worth up to $600, up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, and up to $200 in Uber Cash each year. I also make use of the up to $300 annual digital entertainment credit, Walmart+ monthly membership credit and plenty of other valuable benefits (enrollment required).
Alternatives To Consider
If the cards above don’t fit your spending style, there are still some strong credit cards with cell phone protection worth exploring as alternatives.
- Other Wells Fargo credit cards: Wells Fargo credit cards stand out when it comes to phone protection benefits. In addition to the Active Cash Card and Autograph Card, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card cards also include up to $600 in cell phone protection ($1,000 for the Autograph Journey Card) when you pay your monthly bill with your card. These cards also feature solid rewards programs and low (or no) annual fees, making them excellent options for families and frequent travelers alike.
- Delta credit cards: Loyal Delta frequent flyers might be interested in our advertising partners, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Both of these travel credit cards include cell phone protection when you pay your wireless bill with your card. The co-branded cards can also help you earn valuable SkyMiles for travel, an annual companion certificate, free checked baggage on Delta flights, and more. These premium perks add extra peace of mind between flights and upgrades.
- TD Bank cards: The TD Cash Credit Card and TD Double Up℠ Credit Card offer straightforward rewards and valuable protection benefits. Both cards provide cardholders with up to $500 in cell phone coverage per claim (up to twice per 12-month period) when you pay your wireless bill with your card. The cards also feature no annual fee and simple cash-back rewards that work well for everyday spending.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
** Information for the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for these products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Cards That Offer Cell Phone Insurance or Protection
Which credit cards cover cell phone damage or theft?
American Express, Capital One, Chase, U.S. Bank, TD Bank and Wells Fargo all offer credit cards with this valuable benefit. So, it’s smart to shop around and compare your options. Whichever you choose, you must pay your monthly wireless bill with the card that features the perk to be eligible for coverage.
Does credit card cell phone insurance cover lost phones?
In general, credit card cell phone insurance policies do not cover loss or mysterious disappearances. Protection typically only applies to theft with a police report or accidental damage.
How much coverage can I receive with credit card cell phone insurance?
Credit card cell phone insurance coverage limits can vary, but they often range from $500 to $1,200 per claim. And annual claim limits may apply as well. It’s common for a small deductible to apply when you file a claim.
How do I file a credit card cell phone insurance claim?
Contact your card issuer’s benefits administrator for specific instructions on how to file a cell phone insurance claim. In general, you’ll need proof of payment for cell phone repairs or replacement. You may also need to provide repair estimates and a police report in the event of a stolen phone.
Do I have to use autopay to be eligible for credit card cell phone insurance?
You’ll need to pay your cell phone bill with the appropriate card each month to enjoy credit card cell phone protection. Autopay is typically a good idea, but it’s usually not a requirement.
How Do Our Critics Evaluate the Cards?
All of the credit cards featured on CardCritics™ are assessed using the same criteria. Our critics evaluate fees, interest rates, balance transfer options, introductory bonuses, rewards, additional benefits and the average credit score required for approval.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.