Back in October, Citi announced numerous changes to their Prestige card, some positive and some negative. One positive change mentioned then was cell phone protection, slated to begin on May 1, 2019.
We didn’t have many details until today when Citi PR sent out the information. Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Cell phone protection will be valid on up to $1,000 per claim for damage or theft of cell phone.
- Valid on up to five eligible cell phones when the monthly cell phone bill is paid with the Prestige card.
- Max $1,500 per year.
- $50 deductible per phone.
- Cardmembers will be able to easily file claims online.
This is quite good coverage as all other cell phone insurances are only valid up to $600 per claim. In today’s day and age, that often only covers half the value of the phone. The $50 deductible is slightly higher than some others who have a $25 deductible, but overall I’d say this is solid protection when compared to the alternatives.
We have a full comparison post on cell phone coverages in this dedicated post, along with a table to easily compare the various options. We’ll have to add the Citi Prestige to that table as well.
The downside to using Prestige on your cellular bill is that only earns 1x points whereas the INK Preferred earns 3x. On the other hand, INK Preferred has $100 deductible and a $600 max, so overall I’d think it’s worth it for expensive cell phones, especially if you know you are prone to damaging the phone.
Through Citi’s research, cell phone protection resonated strongly with customers, with 20% of affluent Americans having dropped their cell phone in a toilet, 11% having had it stolen, and 8% even putting it through the washing machine! As such, cell phone protection can be an immensely valuable benefit for cardmembers.
Citi is really looking forward to launching this added benefit for Prestige cardmembers. Citi sees the benefit as a strong complement to the existing reward structure, which features 5X ThankYou Points for every $1 spent on air travel and restaurant purchases, 3X ThankYou Points for every $1 spent on hotels and cruise lines, 1X ThankYou Points for every $1 spent on all other purchases, a $250 travel credit…
Just got off of the phone with a rep. It covers theft but apparently as far as damages, it has to be that the phone cannot receive an incoming call at all. Stuff like shattered screen/water damage won’t be covered if the phone is called and it rings. Pretty useless I would say. So if you are going to break it, break it REALLY REALLY hard.
Worth noting that an out of warranty replacement for the iPhone XS Max (most expensive) is $600, so all the $600 protections are still good enough for apple replacement cost. Can’t speak to other device makers though.
I’m thinking they’ll pay to replace it with a new phone, so a phone which costs $1k will get $1k payout.
Sounds like a money maker. Sell your $1k citi replacement, then go take your broken iphone to apple, get a new or refurbished one from them for $599.
Depends upon what safeguards they have in place. First off I think they’ll simply pay out a replacement cost. That or they’ll have you take it someplace for repairs and they’ll reimburse the repair bill. If it’s a replacement, I imagine they’ll have you ship them the old phone. For the repairs, they’ll have some restrictions about where you can take it. But who knows until May 1 how many hoops they’ll have people jump through. Guessing it will be enough to make it difficult for people to work the system without outright filing fraudulent claims.
“with 20% of affluent Americans having dropped their cell phone in a toilet…”
Why the “affluent” qualifier?
I suppose because the card is targeted to them with the hefty annual fee and all.
I’ve had my cell phone for two years and paid $800 for it. I’m sure it’s not even worth $600 now so the ink is fine for this.
i have google Fi. i had a pixel 1 and upgraded to pixel 3. i gave pixel 1 to a family member and it apparently is now broken (stuck on boot loop, motherboard issue). family member has since got a different phone to use. pixel 1 is paperweight. i should be able to get the pixel 1 repaired on may 1st, correct?
If you’ve been paying your bill with the Prestige card since before it got broken, there is a chance it’s covered, but I’m not sure about that.
Many others such as WF does not cover electronic or software issues. Check to make sure.
Wow, this is a welcome change/update! $1,000 coverage/limit should be a standard in today’s day and age where phones cost > $1k!
Yes, definitely sounds like a great protection offer that most people could potentially benefit from. But, companies shouldn’t start something that they cannot finish. It’s starting to get really annoying – seeing these so called benefits come and go year after year.
This will last no more than a year, tops. Seeing how often value is being taken away from cards, the only guarantee here is that this won’t last forever.
I long for the days when things were grandfathered, and you could keep it, so long as you kept the card.
Which is why we have so many gamers in the marketplace. Since these big organizations keep pulling the rug out… people largely have less and less incentive to be loyal, as well.
I have a ATT Bill Due in next 2 Days . I spilled some water on my Iphone and visited the Apple store it sayst they would charge $550 for Repair. So If i Pay my bill on ATT and this phone is on ATT ( Fully Paid) can i claim this Cell phone Protection?
I am well past my First year warranty on my IPhone X
It doesn’t take effect until May
The other consideration about the CIP (moreso the 2nd years the $95AF and the $100 deductible = net $405 coverage when dealing with a theft).
Replaced a Note 9 front screen module last Dec. (glass, LCD and new battery) was $215 ($249 on website but ubreakIfix price matches).
Now I pay cell on CIC for 5X – which @ $200/mo with EIP and 7 lines is 12k UR worth $180-240+ vs $108-$144 on CIP).
Way I figure it is Deductible plus CIP AF is about same a single screen repair.
So to clear things…you will be eligible if you pay monthly bill for any phone you have and any carrier OR you have to buy phone also with your prestige card? Do you have to register the phone with citi?
I don’t think you have to buy the phone with the Prestige, just pay the monthly bill. I don’t think you have to register.
Yes, I believe it does cover paid off phones.