Mastercard extended warranty vs AppleCare?

[eoren1]

Wondering if anyone here has used a Mastercard extended warranty in place of AppleCare and how it worked out for things like screen repair, etc.

Planning on getting the X but on the fence on using the upgrade program (which includes/forces use of AppleCare) vs buying with MasterCard and saving that fee.

Appreciate any thoughts on those who have used the former.

Thanks

E

 

[Applejuiced]

I have used credit cards before for the coverage but didnt have a need to use the protection. But I dont think its hard, you just gotta follow their procedure and use their document to get reimbursed.
My Citi card adds another 2 years to the manufacturers warranty.
But lately I started using my Wells Fargo card cause besides damage protection it includes theft beyond only the first 90 days of purchase like other cards.
I just have to pay the cellphone bill every month using that card.
If you buy a $1300+ iPhone and it gets stolen I know this $600 coverage wont be enough but its free so I cant complain

Cellular Telephone Protection

• Pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo Consumer Credit Card and you'll get up to $600 protection (subject to a $25 deductible).

Coverage may include up to four cell phones as listed on your wireless cell phone bill. The cellular telephone is protected against damage or theft, however coverage does not include cell phones that are lost.

Note: Call your cellular provider (or log on to their website) and request to set up automatic payments. Setting up automatic payments is not required to qualify for this cellular telephone protection benefit; however, you need to pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo Consumer Credit Card to get up to $600 protection.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Can't speak to MC's program but I've used AMEX's many times. AMEX's program mirror's the manufacturers warranty as far as what is covered so it will not pay for "wear and tear," or user caused damage like a broken screen unless the screen broke because of a manufacturer defect -- for example the batter swelled and the resulting pressure cracked the glass.

However, AMEX does have a different program that on many of the upper end cards covers any type of loss -- stolen, misplaced, damage as a result of accident, i.e., dropped phone -- for the first 90 days. Visa and MC have similar programs.

I have never bought AC on anything. Probably won't on the X either though if I were to buy AC on anything it would be the X just because the cost to repair the back glass is insane. But AC and the deductible on the X is a bit steep so thinking maybe I'll just get a more rugged case than usual.

 

[haqsha23]

Keep in mind that AC+ does not protect against lost or stolen iPhones. To me, AC+ is for people who want to keep their phone for at least 2 years, plan to not use a case or other protective means, and for those who like to take advantage of the fact that Apple is pretty good about giving you a replacement device quick and fast if you need it (and the threshold really isn't that high in my experience). Credit Card warranties cover some of the above, so its whether the other factors are worth the difference in price (if any).

 

[ranred]

Does AMEX cover the phone bought through ATT next plans?

 

[eoren1]

Thanks everyone.

Interesting benefit with that Wells Fargo card.

If I go with the AUP, this is moot as it is included. I would favor that over ATT's Next I think (don't trust them not to slip in fees or remove my monthly discounts)

On the fence on monthly payments vs buying outright - just don't want to deal with selling phone after 1-2 years if decide to upgrade to the next iteration of the X. Have done that with success previously but currently have a 6 that is on its last legs with flakey GPS, slight scratch in screen and headphone jack that has recently started to spew static. Enough to add up to a device that will be tough to sell at good price. All those have crapped out more than 2 years after purchase which I guess further argues against AC...

 

[noteple]

Does AMEX cover the phone bought through ATT next plans?

Most will not cover products bought with installment payments

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Insurance policies are a bundle of services, and people buy the services they think they'll need.

Defects in workmanship and materials coverage (extension of standard warranty) is the cheapest coverage to provide. Apple's design and quality control effort exist, in part, to assure that Apple's cost for covering that portion of AppleCare+ claims is as low as possible (build it to last at least 2 years without warranty repair). The credit card issuers and phone company-offered plans are therefore hitching a free ride on an already-durable product.

Every other insurance risk - accidental damage, loss, theft - is much more expensive to cover. AppleCare+ is priced to cover accidental damage, but not loss or theft. The coverage plans offered by phone providers generally adds loss and/or theft to the accidental damage coverage, typically at 2-3 times the cost of AppleCare. This is "Know thyself" coverage - a person who rarely loses or breaks their stuff will value this kind of coverage differently than others might.

AppleCare also includes tech support for the length of the policy. That's not covered by credit card insurance, and may not be covered by the $10-$15/month coverage offered by telephone providers. If you're the type that likes to call for support, that's worth paying for. If you don't... (few discussions on these boards mention the availability of tech support... "We don't need no steenkin' tech support!").

 

[noteple]

apple care + | Credit Card Extended warranty
2 yr phone support | No
2 Yr Express Replacement | No
2 Screen Replacement Events | If Regular warranty wouldn't cover it No
2 Phone Replacement events | If Regular warranty wouldn't cover it. No
Also some extended warranties like staples, square trade, some cards, etc once you exercise the warranty its ends even if there is time left.
Other card companies are wise to broken phone scams and may ask you to return the phone to their authorized agent for repair, which could take weeks.

 

[Applejuiced]

Thanks everyone.

Interesting benefit with that Wells Fargo card.

If I go with the AUP, this is moot as it is included. I would favor that over ATT's Next I think (don't trust them not to slip in fees or remove my monthly discounts)

On the fence on monthly payments vs buying outright - just don't want to deal with selling phone after 1-2 years if decide to upgrade to the next iteration of the X. Have done that with success previously but currently have a 6 that is on its last legs with flakey GPS, slight scratch in screen and headphone jack that has recently started to spew static. Enough to add up to a device that will be tough to sell at good price. All those have crapped out more than 2 years after purchase which I guess further argues against AC...

Yes, those Wells Fargo Cellphone protection benefits are great and free.
Im never wasting money on Applecare Plus again or other insurance.
Im pretty careful with my phone in general so a few times in the past that I got Applecare Plus it was just a waste of money since I didnt need it at all.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Does AMEX cover the phone bought through ATT next plans?

No. Purchases made though 3rd party installment plans are not covered even if you make the payments with your AMEX. So you have to decide if the extended warranty is more valuable than the 0% financing and easy trade-in or vice-versa.

 

[Applejuiced]

apple care + | Credit Card Extended warranty
2 yr phone support | No
2 Yr Express Replacement | No
2 Screen Replacement Events | If Regular warranty wouldn't cover it No
2 Phone Replacement events | If Regular warranty wouldn't cover it. No
Also some extended warranties like staples, square trade, some cards, etc once you exercise the warranty its ends even if there is time left.
Other card companies are wise to broken phone scams and may ask you to return the phone to their authorized agent for repair, which could take weeks.

Every different credit card has different coverage and benefits so all you're doing in the 2nd column is assuming all credit companies and banks offer the same exact terms. They dont.
You did not bother mentioning the main difference of the comparison though.

Apple care + Price: $129-$199 | Credit Card Extended warranty price: Free!

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Cellular Telephone Protection

• Pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo Consumer Credit Card and you'll get up to $600 protection (subject to a $25 deductible).

Coverage may include up to four cell phones as listed on your wireless cell phone bill. The cellular telephone is protected against damage or theft, however coverage does not include cell phones that are lost.

Thanks for posting that tip. I wasn't aware of this protection -- from a quick Google search I think WF might be one of the very few offering this protection. I don't really need another CC but I might have to get this one just to pay my monthly bill given how expensive the X is to repair and my history of clumsiness resulting in a broken screen every year or two. With the X I'm more concerned about the breaking the back than the front.

 

[Applejuiced]

Thanks for posting that tip. I wasn't aware of this protection -- from a quick Google search I think WF might be one of the very few offering this protection. I don't really need another CC but I might have to get this one just to pay my monthly bill given how expensive the X is to repair and my history of clumsiness resulting in a broken screen every year or two. With the X I'm more concerned about the breaking the back than the front.

I hear you, I didnt need another credit card either but once I saw that cellphone coverage that includes all 4 phones in my family plan for free I went for it. And I also got the $200 bonus credit they're offering now so it was a win win situation
https://slickdeals.net/f/10076220-wells-fargo-cash-wise-visa-card-200-bonus-learn-more

 

[noteple]

Every different credit card has different coverage and benefits so all you're doing in the 2nd column is assuming all credit companies and banks offer the same exact terms. They dont.
You did not bother mentioning the main difference of the comparison though.

Apple care + Price: $129-$199 | Credit Card Extended warranty price: Free!

Yes no coverage is also Free
And the response was an industry wide in general not meant as an exhaustive compare and contrast.

 

[eoren1]

Have owned 3-4 iPhones going back to 3Gs

Never called Apple phone support
Never lost or had iPhone stolen
Never cracked screen
Always keep in case

And yeah, I just jinxed the crap out of my shiny new X...

 

[Applejuiced]

Lol
Yes if you dont purchase Applecare coverage obviously you get nothing.
But by using a card with many added benefits you get all that for free. You're still not getting it or you think paying $200 that you might not need to use is better?

Yes no coverage is also Free
And the response was an industry wide in general not meant as an exhaustive compare and contrast.

 

[EDH667]

I usually purchase my new iPhones at full price with an American Express and have used them before for an iPhone problem during the second year and they were great to work with. For the last year, I have also been using a Wells Fargo credit card for my monthly cell phone bill for the additional theft and damage insurance. I never purchase AppleCare plus and I am way ahead by using the credit cards and self insuring.

 

[noteple]

I hear you, I didnt need another credit card either but once I saw that cellphone coverage that includes all 4 phones in my family plan for free I went for it. And I also got the $200 bonus credit they're offering now so it was a win win situation
https://slickdeals.net/f/10076220-wells-fargo-cash-wise-visa-card-200-bonus-learn-more

Not a win win

https://www08.wellsfargomedia.com/a...ents/cell-phone-protection-guide-benefits.pdf

Only kicks in after After all insurance or indemnity has been exhausted
Subject to two claims a year
Doesn't cover battery or antenna
Dosent cover phones used for business
Doesn't cover phones that mysteriously disappear (police report)
Doesn't cover phones stolen from baggage, postal or air travel
Doesn't cover phones rented, borrowed or that are received as part of a pre - paid plan.
Doesn't cover cosmetic damage or damage that does not impact the ability to make calls (ie camera etc)
Doesn't cover Damage or theft from abuse, intentional acts, fraud, confiscation by the authorities, risks of contraband, illegal activities, normal wear and tear, flood, etc
Doesn't cover Damage or theft resulting from mis-delivery or voluntary parting with the Cellular Wireless Telephone..

Doesn't cover Replacement Cellular Wireless Telephone not purchased from a cellular service provider’s retail or Internet store or other authorized cell phone retailer ebay, craig's list, etc

How will you be Reimbursed ? The benefit administrator,, at its sole discretion,, may choose to repair or replace the Cellular Wireless Telephone or reimburse the Cardholder (coverage minus deductible

When ?
Reimbursement will take place within ten (10)) business days of receipt and approval of claim form and all required documents

But hey its free

If you don't want too mess with insurance but want a working phone get a warranty that will guaranty that.

 

[haqsha23]

Have owned 3-4 iPhones going back to 3Gs

Never called Apple phone support
Never lost or had iPhone stolen
Never cracked screen
Always keep in case

And yeah, I just jinxed the crap out of my shiny new X...

The only reason I even considered AC+ for this device is that the phone itself is so beautiful, you really don't want to use a case or screen protector with it. The AC+ vs out of warranty cost difference is significant. At the end of the day though, i decided to get a clear minimalist case and a full cover glass screen protector instead (total of $65). I'm hoping that's enough to keep it protected from physical damage but also staying true to the phones design.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Not a win win

https://www08.wellsfargomedia.com/a...ents/cell-phone-protection-guide-benefits.pdf

Only kicks in after After all insurance or indemnity has been exhausted
Subject to two claims a year
Doesn't cover battery or antenna
Dosent cover phones used for business
Doesn't cover phones that mysteriously disappear (police report)
Doesn't cover phones stolen from baggage, postal or air travel
Doesn't cover phones rented, borrowed or that are received as part of a pre - paid plan.
Doesn't cover cosmetic damage or damage that does not impact the ability to make calls (ie camera etc)
Doesn't cover Damage or theft from abuse, intentional acts, fraud, confiscation by the authorities, risks of contraband, illegal activities, normal wear and tear, flood, etc
Doesn't cover Damage or theft resulting from mis-delivery or voluntary parting with the Cellular Wireless Telephone..

Doesn't cover Replacement Cellular Wireless Telephone not purchased from a cellular service provider’s retail or Internet store or other authorized cell phone retailer ebay, craig's list, etc

How will you be Reimbursed ? The benefit administrator,, at its sole discretion,, may choose to repair or replace the Cellular Wireless Telephone or reimburse the Cardholder (coverage minus deductible

When ?
Reimbursement will take place within ten (10)) business days of receipt and approval of claim form and all required documents

But hey its free

If you don't want too mess with insurance but want a working phone get a warranty that will guaranty that.

Here is how I see the WF vs AC comparison and why WF is a win:

Sure it only kicks in after other insurance but if you don't have cell phone insurance then it kicks in first. So don't buy other cell phone insurance and it won't be a problem. Regular home/renter insurance shouldn't be a barrier if you have a high-ish deductible. Mine is $1500, so more than any iPhone.

Two claims a year -- yes, but that is similar to AppleCare regards to accidental damage but with lower deductible. Actually AC is two in a two year period so AC is actually less coverage.

Doesn't cover regular warranty issues like AC -- OK, but the WF card also doesn't require you to buy the phone with the card, just to make the monthly service payments with it. Buy the phone with a credit card that does double the factory warranty. Use WF for accidental damage and the other card for warranty issues.

Apple care does not cover loss or theft so same as WF in that aspect.

So I really can't see what advantage AC has over using the WF card other than having a bad battery. Is that alone worth the cost of AC? For me it's not if WF covers my accidental damage.

 

[EDH667]

Here is how I see the WF vs AC comparison and why WF is a win:
Apple care does not cover loss or theft so same as WF in that aspect.

Wells Fargo does cover theft, just not loss.

 

[Applejuiced]

I don't think you're getting it.
ITS FREE.
It covers plenty of things again for free not for $150-$200.
You ever heard the saying Don't look a gift horse in the mouth?

Not a win win

https://www08.wellsfargomedia.com/a...ents/cell-phone-protection-guide-benefits.pdf

Only kicks in after After all insurance or indemnity has been exhausted
Subject to two claims a year
Doesn't cover battery or antenna
Dosent cover phones used for business
Doesn't cover phones that mysteriously disappear (police report)
Doesn't cover phones stolen from baggage, postal or air travel
Doesn't cover phones rented, borrowed or that are received as part of a pre - paid plan.
Doesn't cover cosmetic damage or damage that does not impact the ability to make calls (ie camera etc)
Doesn't cover Damage or theft from abuse, intentional acts, fraud, confiscation by the authorities, risks of contraband, illegal activities, normal wear and tear, flood, etc
Doesn't cover Damage or theft resulting from mis-delivery or voluntary parting with the Cellular Wireless Telephone..

Doesn't cover Replacement Cellular Wireless Telephone not purchased from a cellular service provider’s retail or Internet store or other authorized cell phone retailer ebay, craig's list, etc

How will you be Reimbursed ? The benefit administrator,, at its sole discretion,, may choose to repair or replace the Cellular Wireless Telephone or reimburse the Cardholder (coverage minus deductible

When ?
Reimbursement will take place within ten (10)) business days of receipt and approval of claim form and all required documents

But hey its free

If you don't want too mess with insurance but want a working phone get a warranty that will guaranty that.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

I don't think you're getting it.
ITS FREE.
It covers plenty of things again for free not for $150-$200.
You ever heard the saying Don't look a gift horse in the mouth?

Free is meaningless if it doesn't happen to include the kind of coverage that you do want/need.

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" effectively means, "If you're getting something for free, don't get picky." The thing is, if you need a horse to pull a plow, it had better be capable of pulling a plow. Otherwise, all you may have is a method for converting expensive feed into fertilizer.

Similarly, if it turned out you needed theft coverage but the free policy didn't cover theft, "free" just cost you the full price of a replacement.

 

[Applejuiced]

It provides plenty of coverage that I need and want. Again for free.
I wasted plenty of money on Applecare plus before over the years on multiple devices and the Apple coverage doesnt even include theft.
This credit card added feature does.
Its a great option to have available and I will take advantage of the offer
You can go and spend $200 on Applecare plus if you'd like.

Free is meaningless if it doesn't happen to include the kind of coverage that you do want/need.

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" effectively means, "If you're getting something for free, don't get picky." The thing is, if you need a horse to pull a plow, it had better be capable of pulling a plow. Otherwise, all you may have is a method for converting expensive feed into fertilizer.

Similarly, if it turned out you needed theft coverage but the free policy didn't cover theft, "free" just cost you the full price of a replacement.