Your credit card can certainly provide all sorts of vacation-related benefits like bonus points, elite status, upgrades and lounge access. But one of the best and less often discussed perks offered with some cards can improve a major component of your everyday life: your cell phone.

Some of the best credit cards offer a few cell phone-related benefits, including an extended warranty on your new phone, bonus rewards when paying your cell phone bill and phone protection insurance.

It’s always important to be smart about what card you use to pay for cell phone-related purchases. That’s because you’ll generally have to have paid your latest monthly cell phone bill on that credit card and/or purchased the phone on that card in order to take advantage of your credit card’s cell phone benefits, which could amount to hundreds of dollars.

Here’s what you need to know about credit cards to use for cell phone bills and purchases, especially if you're looking for cards that can be part of your travel strategy:

Best credit cards for earning rewards via your cell phone bill

Some credit cards offer bonus points when used to pay your cell phone bill, and it generally doesn’t even matter what cell phone provider you use.

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Ink Business Cash® Credit Card ($0 annual fee)

Earns 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent each year in several categories, including cell phone service. That’s one of the highest payouts on cell phone business rewards you’ll find. Pair this card with a Chase Sapphire product for even greater access to the travel portal and travel transfer partners.

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Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card ($95 annual fee)

Earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and other common business-related spending categories, including cable and phone services. Plus, this card will get you access to the Chase Travel Portal for booking your trips.

You’ll also get cell phone protection of up to $600 per claim, with a $100 deductible. A maximum of three claims can be submitted every 12 months.

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U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® ($0 annual fee)

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on cell phone expenses. This might be your road trip card, as you’ll also earn 3% on eligible gas station purchases. Just don’t take this card on an international trip, as you’ll incur foreign transaction fees. You'll get cell phone protection for damage or theft up to $1,000 per year ($800 max per claim, and two claims per year).

Best credit cards with built-in cell phone protection

Aside from earning rewards for paying your cell phone bill, certain credit cards also offer complimentary cell phone protection in case of cell phone theft or damage. There’s generally a limit specifying how much you’ll be covered for, and you’ll typically have to pay a relatively small deductible. Deductibles vary by card, but usually range from $25 to $100 per claim. After making that payment, you’ll typically be covered for the rest of the cost, often up to hundreds of dollars.

Just remember that if your phone breaks and the bill is still charged to a different card it does no good that you simply hold a card with cell phone protection — you have to actually pay your bill with it.

One more note: What’s covered under cell phone protection varies by provider. For example, American Express’ coverage on most of its high-end travel cards that offer the benefit protects against screen damage — something often excluded from damage coverage on most other cards. Contrast that with the policy on the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, which specifically excludes “cosmetic damage...that does not impact the Cell Phone’s capabilities and functionalities.” Terms apply.

Among other common exclusions: phones that mysteriously go “missing.” For example, while the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card will cover cell phones that vanish by “wrongful act ,” they won’t cover cell phones that are lost or “mysteriously disappear.” In some cases, you’ll need an actual police report to get reimbursed for a missing phone.

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Chase Freedom Flex℠ ($0 annual fee)

Cell phone protection of up to $800 per claim and a total of up to $1,000 per year, with a $50 deductible per claim. A maximum of two claims can be submitted every 12 months. You must pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card to take advantage of this benefit. Plus, you'll earn 5% on rotating categories you activate each quarter, as well as fixed bonus rewards in other categories including 3% on dining and 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

For your travel aspirations, pair this card with one of the Chase Sapphire cards for elevated redemption rates and access to travel transfer partners.

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($250 annual fee)

Cell phone protection includes reimbursement for repair/replacement costs if your cell phone is stolen or damaged, including a cracked screen. Benefit covers up to two approved claims, for a maximum of $800 per claim or $1,600 per 12-month period, when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month’s wireless bill was paid by an eligible account. A $50 deductible applies to each approved claim.

The real draw of this card is the certificate you earn every year upon card renewal that’s good for a companion's round-trip fare in the domestic main cabin. You'll also receive checked-bag benefits and priority boarding on Delta flights.

Terms apply.

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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($550 annual fee)

Cell phone protection comes with reimbursement for repair/replacement costs if your cell phone is stolen or damaged, including a cracked screen. Benefit covers up to two approved claims, for a maximum of $800 per claim or $1,600 per 12-month period, when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month’s wireless bill was paid by an eligible account. A $50 deductible applies to each approved claim.

Hold this card and you'll enjoy a first free checked bag on Delta flights, complimentary Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access when you're traveling on a Delta flight, and an annual companion certificate that can be redeemed for a round-trip domestic first class ticket.