Do you know that moment when your phone drops and you see it going down in slow-mo kinda-horrified-kinda-not-looking-but-you-can't-stop-looking? Then you pick it up and take a deep breath before you turn it over to see if your phone case did its one job or not... Ugh. We've all been there at least once.
You might be surprised to learn that credit card providers can help you cover your phone repair cost. It will not stop that tiny heart-drop when your phone falls, but it will help with the aftermath.
Let's dig in.
While cell phone insurance or cell phone repair coverage isn't the biggest perk offered by credit card providers, the existence of a phone coverage program adds peace of mind and might tip the scale when selecting a new credit card.
Unlike the usual cell phone insurance programs out there, whether carried by your network provider or a private third party, there's no monthly fee here. Regular phone and tablet insurance will typically cost you around $10 to $20 per month, depending on the model. The coverage you could get from your credit card provider is usually an add-on perk, included in the annual card fee. Considering the fees you're already paying or intending to pay, you may end up finding a better policy with your credit card provider. It is not for everyone though, so let's get to the small print and break it down.
Most credit cards with cell phone repair coverage benefits do not require pre-enrollment for eligibility. This means you don't need to sign up for the coverage in advance and can take advantage of it even if you just found out about it, and your phone is currently broken. No matter the brand or the model (iPhone, Samsung, or the less popular brands), you have the option to take advantage of your provider's perk and use the cell phone repair benefit if offered.
The first step would be to repair the phone. You can use a traditional local shop or get the technician to you for a quick repair on the spot with trufyx.com. After the repair, you will need a sales receipt (or an invoice marked as paid) detailing the repair done and the price.
Some providers ask for a Diagnostic Letter first - to assess the damage, then once approved, you'll be asked to send in the final invoice/receipt.
The basic requirements to qualify for the card's cell phone repair coverage are easy to follow. Some cards require more than others, but the majority of providers will follow those:
In 2019, Mastercard unveiled cell phone protection as an added benefit for "World" and "World Elite" cardholders. Mastercard itself does not issue credit cards directly, only through providers. As such, offering this perk as a rule for all cardholders is also a calling for many startups and fresh players in the field. American Express followed suit in early 2021, announcing the addition of cell phone insurance to many of its premium credit cards, terms apply.
On April 1, 2021, American Express added cell phone protection to a number of its premium consumer and small business cards, including the common Platinum card. What makes Amex’s protection stand out is that it includes screen damage, which is typically excluded from damage coverage. It also covers theft and any other form of damage. Full details are available here.
Here’s the list of cards that will be eligible for cell phone protection:
*The information for these cards has been collected by trufyx.
Let's dive into the small print and discover if this coverage can suit your needs:
As with most protection, more losses are not covered than are covered. Here’s a list of common exclusions for cell phone protection found on your credit card:
Just like every insurance, many conditions can be posted to avoid high payments by the insurance provider or to exhaust you from going through the claim process. Don't give up and don't let it get to you. You can do this!
Be prepared and be aware of the following,
Here's a sample of an invoice/sales receipt you can submit to your credit card provider:
We hope this guide has helped you better understand how phone repair coverage by card providers works. Share this link with friends and spread the knowledge :)
Once a month, stay-in-the-know kind of relationship.