The 6 best credit cards for paying your cellphone bill
Editor's Note
At TPG, we’re all about helping readers find ways to maximize every purchase possible, from your daily latte run to your monthly phone bill.
You won’t get “points rich” simply by paying your monthly cellphone bill with a credit card. But it’s still important to use the right card to cover that monthly expense. Some issuers even offer smartphone-related perks, like built-in cellphone protection, for when you damage your phone.
Finding the right card for this purpose isn’t always easy since few personal credit cards offer an explicit rewards category, including cellphone bills. Interestingly, business credit cards often offer the best rewards for paying select monthly bills such as cellphone service.
You can qualify for many of these cards even if you don’t own a traditional business. Otherwise, you could look to cash-back credit cards that don’t restrict their high-dollar rewards to certain spending categories. Here are seven cards that could help you maximize your cellphone monthly bill.
Overview of the best cards for paying your cellphone bill
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees)
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (see rates and fees)
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| Card | Cellphone rewards | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
Cellphone protection, plus 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 on assorted business categories each account anniversary year, including phone services | $95 | |
5% back on the first $25,000 spent on assorted business categories each account anniversary year, including phone services | $0 | |
2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill) | $0 | |
Cellphone protection*, plus 2 miles per dollar on purchases | $395 | |
Cellphone protection*, plus 1 point per dollar on all purchases | $895 (see rates and fees) | |
Cellphone protection, plus 1 point per dollar spent on purchases | $95 |
*Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company, at no-additional-cost to Card Membership. Coverage is subject to certain terms, conditions, and limitations, including limitations on the amount of coverage. Coverage is excess of any other applicable insurance or indemnity available to you. Coverage is limited only to those amounts not covered by any other insurance or indemnity. For more information about the coverage, please see the Guide to Benefits at americanexpress.com/CPPTerms.
Best credit cards for paying your cellphone bill
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Because the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card offers bonus points on office-related spending, it’s a great match for small-business owners.
Earning rewards: The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card earns 3 points per dollar (a 6.15% return based on our valuations) on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in these categories:
- Travel
- Shipping
- Advertising on search engines and social media sites
- Internet, cable and phone services
Notice that last bullet point — that’s where your cellphone service comes in. You’ll earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
As of 2024, the average expense for a cellphone plan stands at $144 per month or $1,728 per year, according to CNBC. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at a hefty 2.05 cents apiece, meaning at 3 points per dollar, you could get about $106 in value annually just by paying your phone bill with this card.
Why it’s a great card to use on your cellphone bill: Aside from the high return on spending, the Ink Business Preferred comes with a nice perk smartphone users may value — protection against theft or damage for up to $1,000 per claim for you and your employees.
To qualify for this benefit, you must pay your monthly phone bill with your Ink Business Preferred card. There’s a limit of three claims in a 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim. Watch out for the long list of things this insurance won’t cover, including cosmetic damage and cellphones stolen from baggage.
Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
Learn more: Ink Business Preferred
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
The Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers substantial rewards for phone bill spending and has no annual fee. If you have another Chase card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can convert your cash back rewards to Ultimate Rewards points.
Earning rewards: The Ink Business Cash Credit Card earns 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year (then 1%).
Why it’s a great card to use on your cellphone bill: If you’re looking for a card that offers more than just opportunities to earn on office spending, the Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers a bit more flexibility.
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year (then 1%) and 1% on all other purchases.
You can significantly boost the redemption rate by turning your cash back into Ultimate Rewards points by pairing this card with a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).
Read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.
Apply here: Ink Business Cash
Citi Double Cash Card
If you’re looking for a no-frills card you can use on all purchases while still getting rewarded, the Citi Double Cash Card is an excellent option.
Earning rewards: You’ll earn up to 2% cash back on your purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay) as long as you make your minimum monthly payment. Based on the average cellphone bill, you’ll earn around $35 in cash back annually using this card to pay your bill.
Why it’s a great card to use on your cellphone bill: The Citi Double Cash Card is a popular choice for people who want rewards but don’t want to think about earning them. The card has no annual fee, and you can convert your cash back earnings to Citi ThankYou points for maximum rewards.
While this certainly isn’t the flashiest card on the list, it’s simple to use across purchases — including your monthly cellphone bill.
Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
Apply here: Citi Double Cash
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best premium travel cards on the market, bar none, and also one of the best cards for paying your cellphone bill.
Earning rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, including your monthly cellphone bill.
Why it’s a great card to use on your cellphone bill: Like the Citi Double Cash, the Venture X offers simplicity in a travel rewards credit card. You’ll get rewards across all purchases, no matter what those purchases are. You can redeem your miles for a fixed value or transfer to partners for more value. And you'll also get cellphone protection when you pay your phone bill with your card, with a $50 deductible applying per occurrence.*
*For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Amex Platinum is one of a number of Amex cards that offers cellphone protection and is one of the most lucrative premium cards on the market.
Earning rewards: 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar); 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, including cellphone bill.
Why it’s a great card to use on your cellphone bill: TPG values Amex points at 2 cents apiece, meaning you’ll be getting 2% back when you pay your bill with this card. It also offers $800 worth of cellphone protection,* subject to a $50 deductible, when you pay your monthly phone bill with your card — and that's just one of the great perks of this top-of-the-line card.
*Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company, at no-additional-cost to Card Membership. Coverage is subject to certain terms, conditions, and limitations, including limitations on the amount of coverage. Coverage is excess of any other applicable insurance or indemnity available to you. Coverage is limited only to those amounts not covered by any other insurance or indemnity. For more information about the coverage, please see the Guide to Benefits at americanexpress.com/CPPTerms.
Read our full review of the Amex Platinum.
Apply here: Amex Platinum
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card
Those who want a rewards-earning travel card that offers cellphone protection might enjoy the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey. The card doesn’t have the highest earning rate on this list, but the cellphone protection benefit could save you more in the long run than the rewards you’d earn with other cards.
Earning rewards: Earn 1 point per dollar back on purchases, including your cellphone bill. This isn't a great return by any means, but the rewards rate on this card isn’t the only reason to consider using it to pay your bill.
Why this is a great card to use for your cellphone bill: The Autograph Journey comes with up to $1,000 of protection for your cellphone (subject to a $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly phone bill with your card. Other Wells Fargo cards also offer this benefit.
Read our full review of the Autograph Journey.
Related: Don’t overlook Wells Fargo credit cards
Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
Another option: Cards with cellphone coverage
There are several other credit cards that don’t offer a bonus category for cellphone bills but do offer cellphone coverage in case of damage or theft. While you may not earn bonus rewards on these purchases, putting your bill on these cards might still make sense because of the potential money you can save in an emergency if something happens to your phone.
Here’s a quick list of some other cards with cellphone protection:
- Citi Prestige® Card
- Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees)
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express*
- Centurion® Card from American Express
You can check out more details on these cards and their coverage in our full list of cards that offer cellphone protection.
The information for the Citi Prestige and Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
How can you earn rewards on your cellphone bill?
Just like any other purchase, you’ll earn rewards on your monthly cellphone bill by using a rewards credit card to cover your bill. If you know which card to use, you can get up to 5% back on your cellphone bill each month, and those rewards can add up over time.
Of course, the rewards earned on your monthly cellphone aren’t going to be enough to completely offset the cost of an annual fee on a card. You should consider using a card that will also earn rewards on other purchase categories you frequently spend in.
Do these cards offer an extended warranty on my cellphone purchase?
The cellphone protection offered by some of these cards differs from the extended warranty coverage some cards offer.
Extended warranty extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible products. It mirrors the manufacturer’s protection, which means the coverage details will vary from purchase to purchase. While extended warranty will cover your cellphone if the issuer lists it as an eligible purchase, it will only cover you for a certain period of time. In contrast, cellphone protection is generally available so long as you pay your bill with your card each month.
Bottom line
If you want to earn more than 1% by paying your cellphone bill with a credit card, your best bet is one of the cards above. But that isn't the only reason to pay your bill with a credit card.
Several credit cards on the market also offer cellphone protection if you pay your bill with your card, including all of the Wells Fargo card offerings. If you're looking to protect yourself against cellphone loss or damage, one of these cards could be the pick for you.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.