【05/23 Update】Previously, reloading Google Fi and Google Voice would unexpectedly trigger the streaming credit instead (Streaming). However, several recent DPs suggest that AMEX may have fixed this bug, and Google Fi / Google Voice charges have started triggering the wireless phone credit instead (Wireless). More DPs are welcome.

Whether Fi/GV gets reimbursed as a wireless charge depends on how the purchase is categorized. For details, see this 101 news post:

Google Fi reimbursement and manual payment link:

  • DP1: Manually reloaded Google Fi with $100 on 05/07; triggered the wireless credit on 05/22 (HT: WeChat reader Y)
  • DP2: Manually reloaded Google Fi with $20 on 05/09; triggered the wireless credit on 05/22 (HT: WeChat reader Xin)
Image from WeChat readers Y and Xin

Google Voice reimbursement, YMMV:

Previously, GV would automatically trigger the streaming credit, so many people reloaded it but did not receive reimbursement right away. Over the past two days, those charges have started being reimbursed as wireless charges instead. Note that GV reimbursement is still somewhat inconsistent, so YMMV.

  • DP1: Manually reloaded Google Voice with $10 on 05/11; triggered the wireless credit on 05/22 (HT: reader Chris)
  • DP2: Manually reloaded Google Voice; same situation as DP1, and it "unexpectedly" triggered the Wireless credit (HT: reader HQlu)

These data points all show reimbursements suddenly starting on May 22, so AMEX likely just fixed it. For readers who actually use Fi, this is a very positive change. You're also welcome to visit our Google Fi review to share your experience and referral link!

About the wireless phone service credit

On May 1, AMEX announced a major update: the following cards would receive a wireless phone service credit benefit. From May 1 through December 31, there is a monthly Wireless Telephone Services credit of $20/$10, for a total of $160/$80. The eligible cards are:

Some common questions:

  • This benefit is available as long as you hold the card, whether it is an existing card or a newly approved one.
  • The credit is tracked separately for each card. If you have multiple eligible cards, each card can receive its own monthly credit.
  • Authorized user cards and the primary card share the same credit limit.
  • This benefit does not require enrollment; just make an eligible purchase.
  • The $20 is a total monthly amount and does not need to come from a single provider. For example, if you pay $10 to AT&T and $15 to T-Mobile, you can still receive $20 back.
  • AMEX reimbursement FAQ and terms

What qualifies

In AMEX's description of this benefit, it states that the credit only applies to wireless telephone services purchased directly from service providers. Orders placed through third parties, or third-party service bundles, do not qualify.

From May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 you can earn up to $20 in statement credits each month when you use your American Express Platinum Card to pay for monthly wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers. The following purchases are excluded: purchases of hardware or repair services; purchases from authorized retailers, resellers or third-party sellers; purchases of bundled services offered by wireless companies for TV, Internet and VoIP; and purchases of VoIP services. For additional details, visit

Using the AMEX link, we can find the Wireless Telephone Services list. The table lists only four carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Of course, AMEX also says that the above is only a partial list. Based on currently reported online data points, here is a summary of merchants currently known to trigger the credit (source: Reddit, WeChat groups, and US Credit Card Guide):

  • AT&T: monthly bills (either actual plan charges or installment phone payments), prepaid phone service
  • Sprint: monthly bills
  • T-Mobile: monthly bills (either actual plan charges or installment phone payments), prepaid phone service
  • Verizon: monthly bills (either actual plan charges or installment phone payments), prepaid phone service, accessories such as headphones purchased on the official website, Verizon gift cards
  • Other companies: PagePlus, Pure Talk USA, Tello, Cricket, Ultra Mobile, H2O wireless, Metro, TracFone, Mint Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Visible, Xfinity Mobile (these are generally MVNOs riding on the big four networks and often have lower phone bills; see: MVNO introduction)

One important caution: if you buy items that AMEX terms explicitly exclude from reimbursement, such as accessories or gift cards, there is a possibility of a future clawback.

Currently known charges that code as Wireless but do not or may not currently get reimbursed include:

  • Google Fi temporarily did not receive reimbursement, though some people were able to get it via chat with customer service. Some readers also reported that Fi could trigger the AMEX streaming credit.
  • CTExcel China Telecom Americas SIM temporarily does not get reimbursed; it may also be possible to ask customer service for a manual adjustment.

How to get the credit

If you use any of the providers above, you just need to switch your payment method to an eligible AMEX card. If the provider allows you to choose the payment amount, ideally you can maximize the monthly credit across all your cards. Reimbursement posts quickly; generally, once the transaction posts, the credit appears within 2 days.

Note that payments made through Apple Pay (there are already DPs) or Samsung Pay generally do not seem to affect reimbursement, but PayPal and similar methods probably will not work.

Some tips

  • Visible has some good deals, and both buying a phone and paying its phone bill seem to work. See: Hot deal! Get the latest iPhone SE2 (unlocked) from Visible for as low as $140
  • If you have friends with an AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon plan, you could consider having them finance a phone for you. Then you pay them monthly and use that payment to trigger the AMEX credit. In effect, you are turning the credit into a phone.
  • Many carriers allow overpay. If you cannot fully use your monthly credit, you can prepay extra into the account.
  • Be careful when making manual payments, because they may affect any existing autopay discount on the account.

If you have any new DPs or come across any interesting ones, feel free to share them in the comments~