Do You Earn Rewards on Computer and Phone Repair?

The short answer: Yes, at your base rate. Computer, phone, and electronics repair shops code as a repair service, which is not a bonus category, so a flat-rate card earns the most. Repairs done at a manufacturer or big-box store may code as that retailer instead, and a card’s cell-phone protection benefit can matter more than rewards.

How repair shops code

A computer or phone repair shop rings up under an electronics-repair or general-repair category code, outside the usual bonus buckets, so most cards earn their base rate. A repair handled through a manufacturer like Apple, or a big-box electronics store, may code as that retailer instead, which occasionally carries its own offer. The framework is in merchant category codes explained.

Protection benefits may matter more

Before paying to repair a phone, check whether a card benefit already covers it. Some cards include cell-phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card, which can reimburse a cracked screen or damage, as covered in credit card cell phone protection. That coverage is often worth far more than any rewards on the repair.

The best card for repairs

Since repairs have no bonus category, a strong flat-rate card earns the most when you pay out of pocket. Value points at a flat 1 cent and see the flat-rate earners in best cash back cards.

Frequently asked questions

Does computer or phone repair earn rewards?
Yes, at your base rate. Repair shops code as an electronics or general repair service, which is not a bonus category, so most cards earn the base rate.
Could a card benefit cover my phone repair?
Possibly. Some cards include cell-phone protection when you pay the phone bill with the card, which can reimburse damage, often worth more than any rewards on the repair.
What card is best for electronics repair?
A strong flat-rate card, since repairs have no bonus. Check any cell-phone protection benefit first, as it can outweigh the rewards.

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Bryce Casson

Written by Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. About the author and how we rank cards.