Credit Card Nerfs - July 2026
Several credit cards are getting updates… but they aren’t good updates.
First, the Chase Freedom Flex® is changing its Cell Phone Protection benefit.
This card's terms now say that “cell phone protection will cover eligible losses incurred through 09/19/26 and will be discontinued 09/20/26.”
For current cell phone protection coverage, you must charge the monthly cellular service provider bill to the card.
Doing that gets you covered for things like damage and theft up to $800 per claim with only a $50 deductible.
We’re sad to see the Chase Freedom Flex® discontinue a strong and useful benefit.
Luckily, this card also includes cell phone protection - so simply changing your billing information can ensure you have no gaps in coverage.
Second, the American Express Platinum Card® has updated its terms for the $300 Digital Entertainment credit:
Effective August 1, 2026, Peacock bundled service subscriptions, add-on services, or services subscriptions purchased through a third-party will be ineligible for the Digital Entertainment Credit benefit.
Many users have been purchasing Apple TV inside of a bundled subscription through Peacock - a workaround to get a 2-for-1 type of deal to help maximize this monthly $25 credit.
But it looks like this workaround will no longer be possible starting next month.
Good news though, you can actually get Peacock (or Paramount+) for free through the $155 Walmart+ credit offered by the Amex Platinum.
Then you can opt to use the digital entertainment credit on a different service like Hulu, Disney+, or YouTube TV.
We have a full breakdown on the Walmart+ hidden benefit in my Amex Platinum Card Benefits Guide video if you want to check that out!