Amex Cell Phone Protection – How It Works & Which Premium Cards Have It

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Amex Cell Phone Protection – How It Works & Which Premium Cards Have It

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Key Takeaways

According to the Pew Research Center, 97% of the U.S. population owns a cell phone and 85% own a smartphone. Purchasing a mobile phone can also be a major expense, so having coverage if you accidentally damage your phone or have it stolen could provide a welcome economic benefit.

Several credit cards come with complimentary cell phone protection, including American Express, one of the world’s largest card issuers. While coverage is reserved for its more premium cards, you’ll still find over a dozen cards that offer the coverage.

Today we’re going to look closely at how Amex cell phone protection works, how to activate and utilize the coverage, and which Amex cards offer this complementary protection.

Overview

Before we get into the details of how Amex cell phone protection works and look at specific card options, here’s an overview of which cards have the protection. Each card has coverage of $800 per claim with a limit of 2 claims per card account each 12-month period, and a $50 deductible applied to each claim

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Amex Personal Cards That Offer Cell Phone Protection

Amex Business Cards That Offer Cell Phone Protection

* All information about these cards has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Bottom Line: You’ll find complimentary Amex cell phone protection coverage on over a dozen premium American Express cards. As mentioned in the section above, you may receive up to $800 per claim, and each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. There’s a limit of 2 claims per eligible card account in each 12-month period.

How Amex Cell Phone Protection Works

Hand pointing at cellphone

While cell phone protection is automatically included on your eligible card, some requirements must be met before coverage kicks in; only certain losses are covered, and specific exclusions apply.

How To Activate the Coverage

To receive coverage, you must meet certain requirements. Here’s how coverage activation is triggered and how you receive ongoing coverage:

  1. Charge your monthly cell phone bill to your eligible card
  2. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following the initial cell phone bill payment made with your card

If you do not pay your cell phone bill in any given month, your coverage is suspended effective the first day of the following month. Your coverage will be reinstated on the first day of the month following any subsequent cell phone bill payment.

Eligible cell phones include those associated with the primary phone line of the cardmember and any additional or supplemental lines listed on the monthly bill and paid for with the eligible card.

Also, based on our conversation with Amex, authorized users are eligible for the cell phone protection benefit.

What’s Covered

You’ll have coverage for the following losses:

You can expect to receive reimbursement for the cost to repair or replace a stolen or damaged eligible cell phone up to the coverage limits.

Cell Phone Coverage Limits

You may receive up to $800 per claim. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible, with a limit of 2 claims per eligible card account in each 12-month period.

What’s Not Covered

As with all insurance, there are exclusions to coverage. Here is an overview of the list of losses that won’t be covered under Amex’s cell phone protection:

Remember that this list of exclusions is abbreviated, and some additional terms and conditions will apply. You can find complete descriptions in your card’s specific guide to benefits.

Bottom Line: To activate Amex cell phone protection, you must pay your monthly wireless bill with your eligible card. The coverage begins the first day of the month after you pay your first wireless bill. Coverage is up to $800 per claim for damage and theft, a maximum of 2 claims per 12-month period, and each claim has a $50 deductible. Terms and conditions apply.

How To File a Claim with Amex

Cell phone e-signature

If you have a covered loss, you’ll need to report the claim as soon as possible, gather and submit supporting documentation, and meet certain deadlines for your claim to be handled effectively.

The first step is to report the claim by calling 833-784-1467 as soon as possible, but no later than 90 days after the incident. You will then be provided the needed forms to submit for your claim to be processed.

You could be asked to submit the following:

You will have 120 days from the date of loss to submit the required information.

Amex Personal Cards With Cell Phone Protection

Amex offers cell phone protection on its most premium cards. Let’s look at our favorite personal consumer cards that offer this complimentary coverage.

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points UP's Bonus Valuation*: Annual Fee See Pay Over Time APR Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO ® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850) Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons Card Highlights Financial Snapshot Rewards Center

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Cell phone protection is just one additional and useful benefit added to the long list of premium travel benefits and protections that come with the Amex Platinum card. With worldwide lounge access, hundreds of dollars in statement credits, and good-value flexible redemption options, it’s no wonder the card retains its popularity year after year.

Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 Bonus Miles UP's Bonus Valuation*: Annual Fee 20.99%-29.99% Variable Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO ® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850) Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros & Cons Card Highlights Financial Snapshot Rewards Center

Frequent flyers of Delta Air Lines who value lounge access, a faster path to Medallion elite status, Delta-centric benefits, and a first class companion ticket each year will find value with the Delta Reserve card.

Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

50,000 Bonus Miles UP's Bonus Valuation*: Annual Fee 20.99%-29.99% Variable Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO ® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850) Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

Pros & Cons Card Highlights Financial Snapshot Rewards Center

The Delta Platinum card also offers a shortcut to elite status when spending on the card, priority boarding and security, a free checked bag, and an annual companion ticket for just the cost of taxes/fees.

Learn more in our overview of the best Amex Delta credit cards.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

185,000 points UP's Bonus Valuation*: Annual Fee 20.99%-29.99% Variable Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO ® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850) Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons Card Highlights Financial Snapshot Rewards Center

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with statement credits for Marriott purchases, a Priority Pass Select membership for worldwide airport lounge access upon enrollment, a valuable free night certificate, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, and much more.

Amex Business Cards With Cell Phone Protection

While Amex consumer cards exclude cellular wireless telephones that are for resale, professional, or commercial use, these exclusions do not apply to the cell phone protection on Amex business credit cards.

Here are just a few popular Amex business cards offering this expanded coverage:

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points UP's Bonus Valuation*: Annual Fee 19.49% - 28.49% Variable Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO ® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850) Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons Card Highlights Financial Snapshot Rewards Center

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

With a generous welcome bonus, elevated earnings on everyday business expenses (first 3 months after card approval), statement credits for specific purchases, and a 35% rebate when purchasing flights with points, you’ll find plenty of value for your business with the Amex Business Platinum card.

Hot Tip: Enroll your Amex Business Platinum card via the benefits section of your online card account and receive up to $10 each month, up to $120 each year, when you make purchases from a U.S. wireless provider with your card.

American Express ® Business Gold Card

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*

100,000 Points UP's Bonus Valuation*: Annual Fee 19.49% - 28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO ® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850) Why We Like This Card

The American Express ® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Pros & Cons