If a phone is stolen or damaged, eligible cardholders who have charged their cellphone bill to their cards can be reimbursed for qualifying repair or replacement costs (up to $800 per claim minus a $50 deductible), American Express said Monday. The benefit, which doesn’t cover pay-as-you-go phones or lost devices, will be available beginning April 1. Despite the popularity of top-dollar smartphones, cellphone insurance isn’t a ubiquitous credit card benefit. Excluding the Amex cards, only about 20 out of more than 300 cards tracked by the Balance offer this perk, and coverage terms vary. Amex’s Platinum Card, Centurion Card, Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card are among those getting the new benefit. To qualify, eligible cardholders must have used their card to pay for their bill the month before a claim is submitted. The benefit will cover up to two approved claims per 12-month period, for up to $1,600 for that year. To confirm whether or not your American Express card will get this feature, call the number on the back of your card or see the Amex benefit guides posted online. Cards that will offer this perk on April 1 include:
Platinum Card from American Express (and the versions issued exclusively for Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Charles Schwab)Business Platinum Card from American ExpressCenturion Card from American Express (and the version issued exclusively for Goldman Sachs)Business Centurion CardDelta SkyMiles Platinum American Express CardDelta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express CardDelta SkyMiles Reserve American Express CardDelta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
