GUWonder

This may turn out to be yet another Amex benefit for which I won't find any good use for myself, but I am still hoping to see if I can get any value out of it.

If I were to put a phone plan on an applicable Amex card for this coverage and had a phone with a cracked screen whose crack i could feel with my nail scratch, I would push back on any claim that such damage is merely "cosmetic damage".

When the cracked screen damage on a device can cause a wound -- no matter how minor the wound -- I would argue that it's not cosmetic damage at that point. Even the smallest of cracked screens on phones can cause injuries, as the glass cracks can lead to the shedding of very tiny shards of glass during phone use. And those tiny shards of glass may lead to wounds that are annoying even if not all that easily noticeable at quick glance from an unaided eye.

Would it depend on the type of prepaid plan?

Chris2013

Debating whether or not to switch my billing from direct debit from my checking to the Platinum. I currently get a $10/ month discount by direct debit so I'd be paying an extra $120/ year for the benefit of having protection plus a $50 deductible so say $170/ yr. Not sure if it is worth it to me as I've never cracked a phone or damaged one in any way that affected the usability. Might have to pass but I definitely see the appeal to those who have had bad experiences.

diesteldorf

If I was in your position, I wouldn't do it unless your phone is brand new and you are guaranteed to hit the top of that $800 limit. Phones depreciate quickly. You can always go to sites like www.swappa.com to get a ballpark estimate of what your current phone is worth.

You are guaranteed to lose $120.00 a year on the chance that your phone may break. I don't know what kind of phone you have, but you could take that $120 per year and use it to self-insure.

Regardless, everyone is different. Good luck!!

Chris2013

I have the iPhone 12 so I probably would him the limit. But I agree, I feel the likelihood of me breaking my phone isn't great. I doubt I will change my billing method as it'll cost me more than what I value it at.

Nevsky

It appears that the devil will be in the details and actual practice. I am trying to decide which is better coverage in practice, and am especially concerned about cracked screens: Citi Prestige (Max per claim $1,000) or the Platinum Card (Max per claim $800).

The Citi Prestige terms say:
"Cosmetic damage to the Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone or damage that does not impact the Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone’s ability to make or receive phone calls (including minor screen cracks and fractures less than 2 inches in length that do not prevent the ability to make or receive phone calls or to use other features related to making or receiving phone calls)." This clearly does not cover small cracks.

The key for Amex will be how it interprets the exclusions, which include: "Cosmetic damage (i.e. superficial abrasions or scuffs) to the Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone or damage that does not impact the Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone’s ability to make or receive phone calls;...."

Small cracks are definitely excluded from Citi, but Amex does not (so far as I know) give further information as to "damage that does not impact the Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone’s ability to make or receive phone calls".

Boraxo

This is tempting but the deductible is only $25 with my no-AF Wells Fargo card. However the Wells card only earns 1% cash back and I value the Amex points at 2%+ The Amex claims experience is definitely superior.

Decisions, decisions...

dszrew

browsing some of my cards and saw this new benefit:
Cell Phone Protection1
Effective April 1, 2021, you can be reimbursed for your costs to repair or replace your damaged or Stolen cell phone up to $800, subject to a $50 deductible, for 2 approved claims per 12-month period when your prior month's wireless bill was paid utilizing an Eligible Card Account. Terms and conditions apply.‡

https://global.americanexpress.com/c...one-protection

dayone

Amex USA (Centurion, Platinum, DL Reserve) Cell Phone Protection benefit added 4/1/21 - FlyerTalk Forums

Dr Jabadski

Suggest checking (other) AmEx offers. Some of the cards offering Cell Phone Protection are also offering a monthly credit for cell phone charges:

“Spend $15+ on monthly U.S. wireless telephone services, earn $15 back each month
Earn up to $165 in statement credits through 12/31/21”

Gig103

​​​​​​
I get why you'd feel that way and was poised to agree. I didn't even realize this was a perk until now. But I looked it up and a SquareTrade warranty is now $20/mo for a family plan and $75 deductible... The last ST plan I bought was a flat $99 for two years and a $50 deductible. So based on the research, it is a perk with some value

Meanwhile I was just about to move my cell plan from my platinum (put there for the 2020 credit) back to my other card, but now I'll stick it out. Just in case

dhuey

I'll get it that, but compare it to the $50 x 2 free money offers from Best Buy and Home Depot. That's $200 just sitting there, and it gets barely any attention. Something about free insurance for cell phone damage/theft captures the imagination.

profpeabody

I have two phones with Google Fi. When AMEX Plat had the promotion giving rebates on wireless charges, the Google Fi bill did not trigger the rebate. I called and was told that Google is not categorized as wireless service. So does this mean that the cell protection would not apply? If it did, I would happily make the switch from Ink to one of the Amex cards but if not, may as well take the 5 points per dollar that post with Chase.
Any insights appreciated.

fbcooper

How do you guys get around the $10 autopay discount removal if u pay by cc at verizon. I would be paying $50 extra if i used my platinum business card

jphripjah

I'm about to buy my wife an unlocked iPhone and then I'll take the AT&T SIM card out of her current phone and put it in the new phone.

Her phone line is on my account. If I use my AMEX Platinum to pay the bill, and her phone is lost or damaged, is it covered?

Asked another way, how does AMEX know that the phone that gets lost or stolen is the one on the phone plan that you're paying with the AMEX?

Do I need to call AT&T and "register" unlocked phones with them when I start using the AT&T SIM cards in the phones?

SpaethCo

It seems like this line under Section D What is NOT covered is going to be a problem here:

It's to keep people from doing things like signing up for the cheapest single line plan and phone they can find, and then buying broken flagship phones, popping in the SIM, making claims and reselling the now-functional phone.

Only covering carrier-activated devices seems to be one of their key fraud mitigation tactics with this coverage.