Best cards for phone protection in September 2024
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.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for premium travel benefits
- Chase Freedom Flex?: Best for rotating categories
- Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card: Best for cash rewards
- The Platinum Card? from American Express: Best for luxury travelers
- Ink Business Preferred? Credit Card: Best for high bonuses
- Wells Fargo Reflect? Card: Best for balance transfers
10 Miles | 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
5 Miles | 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel |
2 Miles | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
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 $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
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. |
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 20.49%-29.24%.
- 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
2% | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases |
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. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
5X | 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. |
5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards? Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
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 that boasts more than $1,400 in potential value. 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, at least $500 in 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. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- 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: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
- $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 $100 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
3X | Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year |
1X | Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn |
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
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. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% 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 for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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
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 the upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. 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.
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.
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 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, 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) 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.
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.
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
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
- 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.1Sign-up bonus
- 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.2Annual fee
- 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.3Bonus categories
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.