American Express has a cell phone protection as a benefit of 15 premium consumer, small business and corporate AmEx cards.

As with any protection offered through a credit card, there are restrictions, limitations and deductibles to keep in mind. Here's what you need to know about how AmEx cell phone protection works.

Which cards have AmEx cell phone protection?

American Express provides cell phone protection on over a dozen premium cards. However, that number is inflated as AmEx lists each variety of The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Personal cards with AmEx cell phone protection include:

Centurion Card from American Express.

The Platinum Card® from American Express — as well as Schwab, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Ameriprise Financial variations.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

Small business cards with AmEx cell phone protection include:

Business Centurion Card from American Express.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card.

Terms apply.

The benefits, limitations and restrictions are the same on each AmEx card offering this benefit. However, AmEx can change the terms of coverage at any time — as long as it provides notice. See AmEx's benefits page for the latest terms and cards offering AmEx cell phone protection. Terms apply.

Learn more: Top credit cards that offer cell phone insurance

How does AmEx cell phone protection work?

AmEx cell phone protection reimburses cardmembers the replacement value of a stolen phone or the actual cost to repair damage to their cell phone. This coverage extends beyond just the primary card member's phone to all cell phones on the plan.

This coverage is complimentary, and no enrollment is required. Instead, you get this coverage automatically just by paying your cell phone bill in full with an eligible AmEx credit card (see a list of those below).

Deductibles and limitations

AmEx cell phone protection reimburses up to $800 per claim for qualifying damage or theft. If your claim is approved, you'll be reimbursed up to the actual cost to repair your phone or the replacement value — which is solely at the discretion of the benefits administrator. Terms apply.

Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. That means the most you'll receive from a claim is $750. Cardmembers are limited to two claims per 12-month period. Terms apply.

Timing is important

Interestingly, your cell phone protection doesn't kick in the day you pay your first cell phone bill with an eligible AmEx card. Instead, coverage begins the first day of the calendar month following your first eligible payment. So, be extra careful not to damage or lose your phone during this waiting period.

For what it's worth, you receive that missing coverage on the backend. If you stop paying your cell phone bill with an eligible AmEx card, your cell phone protection ends at the end of that calendar month — not immediately. However, if you close an eligible card, your coverage ends immediately.

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What's not covered

If you meet the eligibility requirements, AmEx cell phone protection does a good job of protecting your cell phone. However, there are important restrictions on what's covered.

The biggest restriction to keep in mind is that AmEx cell phone protection doesn't cover you if your phone is lost or has another type of "mysterious disappearance." Instead, this protection only covers theft or qualifying damage.

Speaking of qualifying damage, AmEx cell phone protection doesn't cover "cosmetic damage" to your phone. That's defined as minor abrasions, scruffs, scrapes, dints, scratches, chips and other superficial damages to your phone's screen or casing.