Credit Card Benefit

You know how I dropped my phone and cracked the screen?

As you probably figured, I couldn't stand seeing my phone like that. And cracks were disrupting functionality including the front facing camera and the proximity and light sensors. So a few weekends ago, I sat down staring at the defaced phone. After calling local repair shops and getting $250 quotes, I decide I would just live with the minor cracks. But after a moments, I realized I bought the phone with my Citi Forward Credit Card! I knew the benefits that come with it including the Purchase Protection for 90 days! Basically if a product was stolen or damaged (even if you are at fault) within 90 days of the date of purchase, I could get reimbursed up to $500.

So, I called Samsung to get my screen replaced which ended up being only $200 (cheaper than the local estimates). Then, I downloaded the paperwork, filled it out, printed a photo of the damage, repair reciept, and purchase receipts, and got a statement saying I don't have any other insurance on the phone notified. Once I did that, I sent in the paperwork and phone to their respective destination and waited patiently.

So the check for the repair from the credit card company came in today so there was about two weeks wait time (which is about right). But the more interesting wait occurred when my phone was being repaired. I was completely phoneless. Yup, I spent a week without a phone. And it was not just a smartphone; it was any phone. It was a blessing and a curse. I felt free yet insecure. The three point check (Phone, Keys, Wallet) turned into a second of extreme worry. There were no more random Wikipedia moments or killing time at a drive-thru with my phone.

The lesson here is that remembering your credit card benefits can save you money. In my case, I saved $200!