Beginning on April 1, 2021, American Express is adding cell phone protection on select premium cards. This is a big deal because it was a weakness in the American Express core setup compared to other issuers like Chase and Citi.

Which Amex Cards have Cell Phone Protection?

The following cards have the cell phone protection benefit:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The American Express Platinum Card for Schwab
• The Platinum Card from American Express for Goldman Sachs
• The Platinum Card from American Express for Morgan Stanley
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Centurion Card from American Express
• Business Centurion Card from American Express

What does Amex Cell Phone Protection Cover?

Amex cell phone protection covers theft and damage of your cell phone.

The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period.

Many of the blogs that received the press release mention that screen damage is covered, but I don't see that mentioned in the terms. Cosmetic damage is NOT covered if it doesn't impact the phone’s ability to make or receive phone calls. However, if there is significant damage to the screen and the phone is not functional, it would be covered.

What does Amex Cell Phone Protection NOT Cover?

According to the benefit terms and conditions, the following items are not covered:

• Accessories other than the standard battery and standard antenna provided by the manufacturer;
• Cell phones purchased for resale or for professional or commercial use. Exclusion applies for Consumer card accounts only;
• Lost or Mysterious Disappearance;
• Cell phones under the care and control of a common carrier, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Postal Service, airplanes or delivery service;
• Cell phones which have been rented, leased, borrowed, or Cellular Wireless Telephones that are received as part of a pre-paid plan;
• 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;
• Damage or theft resulting from abuse, intentional acts, fraud, hostilities of any kind (including, but not limited to, war, invasion, rebellion or insurrection), confiscation by the authorities, risks of contraband, illegal activities, normal wear and tear, flood, earthquake, radioactive contamination, or damage from inherent product defects or vermin;
• Damage or theft resulting from misdelivery or voluntary parting from the Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone;
• Replacement Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone(s) purchased from anyone other than a cellular service provider’s retail or internet store that can initiate activation with the cellular service provider;
• Taxes, delivery or transportation charges or any fees associated with the service provided;
• Losses covered under warranty issued by a manufacturer, distributor, or seller

How does Amex Cell Phone Protection Work?

1. The phone needs to be listed on your phone bill
2. You need to pay the prior month's phone bill with the eligible cards, and ideally, future bills

The idea is that you can't just swap this in when your phone breaks. If you don't pay subsequent bills, you will lose coverage.

How to file a claim

To file a claim, you’ll need to contact the benefits administrator within 90 days of the loss or as soon as reasonably possible. Once the claim process is initiated, you’ll have 120 days to submit all necessary paperwork; otherwise, the claim may not be honored.

You’ll need the following documents:

• Your eligible American Express card account statement reflecting that you paid the eligible cellular wireless telephone bill for the month preceding the date the phone was stolen or suffered damage
• A copy of your cell phone bill
• A copy of the original cell phone bill purchase receipt or other sufficient proof of the cell phone model currently linked to your cell phone account
• A copy of the insurance claim to the eligible person’s homeowner’s, renter’s or personal auto insurance or any applicable cell phone insurance, in the event that the claim amount is less than the deductible
• For claims due to damage, you need repair estimates and photos of the damage  
• For claims due to theft, you need a copy of a police report within 48 hours of the theft

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