Capital One Venture X Cell Phone Protection Details

Capital One Venture X Cell Phone Protection Details

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Link: Learn more about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

There’s a lot to understand about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, given just how many awesome benefits it has, and how many people are applying for this card.

This $395 annual fee card marks Capital One’s entry into the premium travel credit card space, and fortunately Capital One did an amazing job. The main reasons you’ll want to get this card are the $300 annual travel credit, 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, Priority Pass membership, Plaza Premium Lounge access, and amazing authorized user perks.

In this post I wanted to take a closer look at the Capital One Venture X cell phone insurance policy, which sets it apart from some other premium credit cards. Let me note up front that you’ll want to consult the full Capital One Visa Infinite benefits guide for all the details, as they’re subject to change, and there are some further restrictions.

How the Venture X cell phone protection works

The Capital One Venture X will reimburse you up to $800 in the event that your cell phone is stolen or damaged. This is hugely valuable, given how expensive cell phones are nowadays, and also given how easily they can be damaged. Let’s go over the basics of this coverage:

  • This benefit applies if you’re a Capital One Venture X cardholder and you charge your monthly cell phone bill to your card for the billing cycle before the month in which the incident occurs; the coverage applies to all lines listed on the bill
  • You can use the cell phone protection benefit up to twice per 12 month period, and you can get up to $800 per claim
  • There’s a $50 deductible per claim
  • The benefit is supplemental coverage, so it applies when there’s not otherwise coverage by another insurance policy; if you do have another insurance policy, the benefit reimburses you for the deductible
  • You can be reimbursed the lesser of the cell phone provider’s suggested retail value of a similar model replacement, or the actual cost to replace the phone
  • If your cell phone is stolen as a result of criminal activity, you must file a police report within 48 hours of the event

When does the Venture X cell phone coverage apply?

What is and isn’t covered with the Capital One Venture X cell phone insurance plan? On the most basic level, cell phone protection covers damage to, theft of, or involuntary and accidental parting of your cell phone (this applies when the phone’s location is known, but recovery is impractical). Cosmetic damage isn’t covered by this perk.

When does the Venture X cell phone protection not apply? There’s no coverage for:

  • Cell phone accessories, other than the standard battery or antenna provided by the manufacturer
  • Cell phones purchased for resale, professional, or commercial use
  • Cell phones that are lost or “mysteriously disappear” (meaning that the phone vanished in an unexplained manner without evidence of a wrongful act)
  • Cell phones stolen from baggage unless hand-carried
  • Cell phones that have been rented, borrowed, or are part of pre-paid type plans
  • Cosmetic damage to the cell phone, or damage that does not impact the cell phone’s capabilities and functionalities

How do you file a Venture X cell phone insurance claim?

What’s the process of filing a claim with the Capital One Venture X cell phone protection feature?

  • Within 60 days of the date of damage or theft, notify the Benefit Administrator at 1-844-288-2140; you’ll be asked some preliminary questions, and you’ll be sent a claim form
  • You’ll have to return the completed, signed claim form and the requested documentation within 90 days of the date of damage or theft
  • You’ll have to submit the completed and signed claim form, a copy of your cell phone bill showing that the payment was made with your card, a copy of the device summary page from your cell phone bill to show that the specific phone is linked to your account, and a police report (assuming the claim is due to theft or criminal action)
  • The Benefit Administrator may choose to repair or replace your cell phone; generally you’ll be reimbursed within 10 business days of approval of your claim

How does the cell phone coverage compare to other credit cards?

The two biggest competitors to the Capital One Venture X are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card (review) and The Platinum Card® from American Express (review). How does the coverage of the two cards compare?

  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn’t offer cell phone protection
  • The Amex Platinum offers cell phone protection, and the terms are virtually identical — you can get $800 per claim, up to $1,600 per 12 month period, there’s a $50 deductible, and cosmetic damage isn’t covered

For the Platinum Card …

Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. 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.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Should you pay your cell phone bill with the Venture X?

When deciding which credit card to put your cell phone bill on, you should consider:

  • Which card offers the most points per dollar spent on your cell phone bill; since you have to pay your bill with the card to get the coverage, this is a major consideration
  • Which card offers the best protection based on your needs, which could include considering the maximum policy coverage, the deductible, etc.
  • While some people probably use personal and business cards more interchangeably than they should, you’ll want to be sure you use the correct type of card here; for example, when you file a cell phone protection claim with a business card, you’ll have to confirm that everyone on your bill has a business line, and you don’t want to lie

When you consider all of those factors, I think there’s a compelling case for putting your cell phone spending on the Capital One Venture X:

  • While the Venture X doesn’t offer a bonus category for cell phone spending, the card does offer the best return on everyday spending of any card, which I value at a 3.4% return; this is better than the Amex Platinum offering only 1x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent, which I value at a 1.7% return
  • There’s not another personal credit card (at least that I know of — correct me if I’m wrong) that offers a better combination of a good return on cell phone spending and such solid coverage
  • When it comes to business credit cards, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (review) offers up to 3x Ultimate Rewards points on cell phone spending (which I value at a 5.1% return), and the card also offers cell phone protection, with a limit of $1,000 per claim, and a $100 deductible

I’d love to hear what OMAAT readers think here — is the Capital One Venture X the best personal card for paying your cell phone bill in terms of the combination of the points you can earn and the quality of the coverage, or is there another card I’m missing?

Bottom line

The Capital One Venture X offers a cell phone protection plan, which can help if your phone is stolen or damaged. This plan can reimburse you up to $800 per claim, with a $50 deductible. When you combine the card’s great protection with the solid return on everyday spending, it could be worth putting your cell phone bill on this card.

What do you make of the Capital One Venture X cell phone protection? Do you plan on putting your cell phone bill on this card, or which card do you plan on using?

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Conversations (43)
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  1. Jerry G Guest

    This benefit applies if you’re a Capital One Venture X cardholder and you charge your monthly cell phone bill to your card for the billing cycle before the month in which the incident occurs; the coverage applies to all lines listed on the bill

  2. howardbkramer New Member

    How would this work if you have multiple phones on a single bill? Would any of the phones on the bill be covered provided that there isn't more than 2 claims per year? I currently have 4x phones on my ATT bill today.

    Thanks,
    -H

    1. DLC Guest

      Yes they are all covered up to 2 claims in a rolling 12 month window

  3. Chris Webb Guest

    Any idea of how this would work if I was paying for my phone monthly via AT&T? Like, I've got a few hundred left on the bill... would it be that PLUS the new phone price I'd have to pay, then I'd save up to the $800? Sorry, just looking for some clarity!

  4. vacyalltheway Guest

    Just an FYI, I was able to get a reimbursed for a cracked back glass cover for iphone.

  5. 365vacay Guest

    I have been living in Mexico over the last year. My cell phone bill has been paid each month to Telcel. It is not automatically charged to my card and requires me to log on each month to pay. Am I still covered with the Capital One Venture X? If it helps, the phone was also charged to the card.

  6. Will F Guest

    Here's the math equation. On my Verizon account - "Auto Pay & Paper-free billing - You’re getting $70 off your monthly bill for being enrolled in both."

    *Paperless billing is a thing of the past. No need for a paper bill. Table stakes.
    * The Auto Pay feature requires the use of a bank account or ACH. Credit cards cannot be used
    https://www.verizon.com/support/auto-pay-faqs/

    Therefore, I save $70 per mo. by using AutoPay.

    One...

    Here's the math equation. On my Verizon account - "Auto Pay & Paper-free billing - You’re getting $70 off your monthly bill for being enrolled in both."

    *Paperless billing is a thing of the past. No need for a paper bill. Table stakes.
    * The Auto Pay feature requires the use of a bank account or ACH. Credit cards cannot be used
    https://www.verizon.com/support/auto-pay-faqs/

    Therefore, I save $70 per mo. by using AutoPay.

    One year of using my Venture X card would add in $840 worth of additional VZW billing.

    Enrolling in the Venture X feature, I would have to get at least $840 in order to break even...
    You can use the cell phone protection benefit up to twice per 12 month period, and you can get up to $800 per claim
    There’s a $50 deductible per claim

    Now, if you calculate the monthly bill, multiplied by the points earned over that year, who knows, maybe it's a better value?

  7. Jose Guest

    What if i buy a new unlocked cell phone directly from apple/samsung using the venture x. Would my phone be insured?

    1. Tony Guest

      I'm wondering about that too, but my guess is that the coverage would only apply if the phone was purchased from the carrier and the monthly cellular bills include that purchase.

    2. Bastien Guest

      I took advantage of this benefit a few months ago. The smartphone was paid in full and has never been part of any carrier’s installment plan.

    3. DLC Guest

      Doesn’t matter where you buy a phone or how you pay for it. The coverage is for all phones on the monthly bill from the carrier you use. Doesn’t cover some things like prepaid cell plans from what I understand.

  8. Joe Guest

    @Ben - There is one MAJOR difference between the cell phone insurance offered by American Express Platinum and all other cards that I know of: American Express insurance specifically includes cracked screens.

    Also, for those considering any World Elite MasterCard: there has been a lot of buzz on the internet in 2022 suggesting that they are dropping / have already dropped cell phone protection, so I would be wary of any MasterCard if cell phone...

    @Ben - There is one MAJOR difference between the cell phone insurance offered by American Express Platinum and all other cards that I know of: American Express insurance specifically includes cracked screens.

    Also, for those considering any World Elite MasterCard: there has been a lot of buzz on the internet in 2022 suggesting that they are dropping / have already dropped cell phone protection, so I would be wary of any MasterCard if cell phone protection is important to you.

  9. Bill Guest

    Does Verizon allow you to charge your cell phone bill?

  10. Eric Guest

    Does the entire cell phone bill have to be paid with the card? Trying to figure out if benefits apply if part of the bill was paid with Amex for the Amex credits but the majority was paid with the venture x.

  11. Kyle Guest

    What about Chase Freedom Flex? That also offers up to $800/claim with $50 deductible, though limited to $1k/year. And it's a no annual fee card

    1. Pb Guest

      Agree - the freedom flex has no AF and great cell phone protection (I've used it)

  12. bhcompy Member

    FWIW Wells Fargo's credit card coverage is $600($25 deductible) and doesn't have an annual fee

  13. Mr H Guest

    I think the point that people are making is that the blog did not have broad appeal this week, it was heavily focused on the card and its benefits. That’s ok, everyone has to make a living. Next week will not be the same, no stress.

  14. Robert Spengler Guest

    Added our cell phone bill to the Venture X card last night. It had been on the American Express Platinum card before. As you say, the coverage is the same but the points are a little better. Plus, got to get to that $10,000 in six months.

  15. Matt Guest

    I used to always pay my ~$200/month cell phone bill on my Chase Ink (5X) but moved it to Biz Plat for cell phone protection, +$10 monthly recurring credit, which comes out to ~5%, essentially matching Ink 5X. Without that monthly credit, I am not aware of any CC offering both insurance + multiplier or recurring credit.

  16. RR Ray Guest

    The IHG cards from Chase JUST removed the protection from cell phones. BUT it seems like all World Elite Mastercards give it to you for free. So that would be the Citi Premier for one.

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ RR Ray -- I believe the Citi Premier is explicitly excluded from the cell phone coverage for World Elite Mastercards.

    2. GBOAC Diamond

      @Bill
      I'm confused. The IHG Premier card is a World Elite MC so wouldn't cell phones still be covered????

    3. Stavros Guest

      Chase just announced to Ihg cardholders that the cell phone coverage benefit is ending this calender year. I believe it is up to the issuers discretion if they offer it so it is not guaranteed for all world elite mastercards.

    4. khatl Guest

      I have mine thru a world elite Mastercard and recently had to use the benefit. No deductible. Very straight forward process and quick reimbursement

  17. Dogtor Guest

    "Cosmetic damage to the cell phone, or damage that does not impact the cell phone’s capabilities and functionalities"

    I'm not putting my cell phone bill on the card because of this sentence. To me that says the insurance doesn't cover glass/screen damage.

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Dogtor -- I'm still working on figuring out with 100% certainty if a cracked screen would count. Interestingly the Amex Platinum cell phone terms have the same verbiage, but a cracked screen is included.

    2. Eskimo Guest

      @Dogtor

      What is your point? Are you trying to claim on minor dents or scratches to the screen?
      To me, I don't think they will deny unreasonable claims.

      Besides, accidents happen all the time, especially on a balcony or near a water source.

    3. Dogtor Guest

      The problem is that they are an insurance company and they have vague language about screen damage. Do you think they will cover any screen damages that don't affect the functions of the phone? I've had friends that have spider web screens and still somehow they are using their phones - fully functional. There's no motivation for the insurance to cover a spider web screen with the language as it is.

    4. vector Guest

      As Uncle Rob used to say, "hammers do fall from the sky!"

    5. David Guest

      I saw this too and was wondering the same thing regarding cracked screen.

    6. khatl Guest

      Cracked screens are included IF it results in a functionality issue eg part of the screen is no longer responsive. If it's cosmetic only and everything else works then it's not covered

  18. mo Guest

    Shameless pumping todays version: Out of 12 "articles">
    4/10 40% referencing (aka: pumping) CO VentureX
    2/10 20% mentioning (aka: less direct pumping) other misc cc
    2/10 20% normal articles

    Lucky, you/new site have turned into THE #1 shameless cc pumper. Easily surpassing TPG, VFTW, DD, et al. I'm sure much of your "old" audience would agree... what happened??

    1. Niklas Guest

      I agree - this is next level and makes me considering to move to other blogs (even though I like the writing, the style, the content outside of these CC spam entries, …).
      I do understand that cost of running the site need to be recovered but do hope there would have been other ways to do so!

    2. Bryan Guest

      How is this comment helpful or constructive at all?

    3. rrapynot Guest

      This blog is not a charity or public service. The purpose of the site is to generate income and referral bonuses. Don’t visit the blog if you don’t like it.

    4. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ mo -- Correct, for a period of five days, the blog content has largely focused on the launch of the most exciting new credit card we've seen in over five years. That's not what the content on the blog will be about in the long run. Cut me some slack for a few days as I try to cover as much as possible about this new card, which many people are excited about. And...

      @ mo -- Correct, for a period of five days, the blog content has largely focused on the launch of the most exciting new credit card we've seen in over five years. That's not what the content on the blog will be about in the long run. Cut me some slack for a few days as I try to cover as much as possible about this new card, which many people are excited about. And I totally understand this won't be for everyone, but surely you can appreciate that others do find this content to be useful.

    5. Niklas Guest

      Thanks, Lucky!
      Appreciate the reply and I am of course accepting your point.
      What is causing further frustration (at least on my end - I am sure there are others in a similar situation): I have yet to come across any of the major/good credit card offerings that are available for people in Western Europe. This is nothing anyone here is responsible for but frustrating.
      For that reason this week every morning...

      Thanks, Lucky!
      Appreciate the reply and I am of course accepting your point.
      What is causing further frustration (at least on my end - I am sure there are others in a similar situation): I have yet to come across any of the major/good credit card offerings that are available for people in Western Europe. This is nothing anyone here is responsible for but frustrating.
      For that reason this week every morning when checking the blog I was disappointed to see either nothing new or nothing of relevance.

    6. Sosie Guest

      I really love ben's credit card reviews, everytime I'm looking to apply for a new card, I can come to the site and enjoy reading a fully explained review. Thanks ben

  19. Jeff Guest

    There are some details that need to be included. First, who is the insurance provider? Second, in comparing cards there are key differences. Some cards exclude month-to-month plans while others do not. I use an MVNO (H2O Wireless) so some cards exclude the non-contract plans of MVNOs. My AAviator Red card offers cell protection but excludes prepaid plans. Finally, there are more cards that offer cell protection that you don't mention (and which have differences...

    There are some details that need to be included. First, who is the insurance provider? Second, in comparing cards there are key differences. Some cards exclude month-to-month plans while others do not. I use an MVNO (H2O Wireless) so some cards exclude the non-contract plans of MVNOs. My AAviator Red card offers cell protection but excludes prepaid plans. Finally, there are more cards that offer cell protection that you don't mention (and which have differences between them): AAviator Red, Chase Freedom Flex, Chase IHG cards (both), Ink Business Preferred. REI card used to have it but has been cancelled. Not sure if other Mastercards also lost insurance (all the cards mentioned except Ink Preferred) but would be good for you to have a more complete list and note recent changes.

  20. Geoff Guest

    Received new C1 cards yesterday and immediately updated ATT billing to use this card. 2X on spend on cell service is good enough and I already plowed thru two claims with my AMEX Plat this year. Teenagers. I prepaid next month's ATT bill with the new card to get the clock running, so to speak.
    Works for me.
    BTW. annual $395 fee already posted:( That was fast.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Dogtor Guest

"Cosmetic damage to the cell phone, or damage that does not impact the cell phone’s capabilities and functionalities" I'm not putting my cell phone bill on the card because of this sentence. To me that says the insurance doesn't cover glass/screen damage.

1
mo Guest

Shameless pumping todays version: Out of 12 "articles"> 4/10 40% referencing (aka: pumping) CO VentureX 2/10 20% mentioning (aka: less direct pumping) other misc cc 2/10 20% normal articles Lucky, you/new site have turned into THE #1 shameless cc pumper. Easily surpassing TPG, VFTW, DD, et al. I'm sure much of your "old" audience would agree... what happened??

1
Pb Guest

Agree - the freedom flex has no AF and great cell phone protection (I've used it)

0
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