Back to Top
Follow Us
  • Health
    Discover the plan that covers your Medigap needs
    The coverage you need. The prices you want. See Medicare Supplement quotes now.
    See Prices

    Topics

    • Aging
    • Dementia
    • Heart Disease
    • Medicare
    • Dental Care
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Home
    What would your name be if you were born today?
    And how has the popularity of it changed over time
    Play the name game

    Topics

    • Gardening
    • Gifts
    • Organizing
    • Pets
    • Technology
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Life
    Discover the plan that covers your Medigap needs
    The coverage you need. The prices you want. See Medicare Supplement quotes now.
    See Prices

    Topics

    • Caregiving
    • Divorce
    • Grandkids
    • Marriage
    • Sex
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Entertainment
    What would your name be if you were born today?
    And how has the popularity of it changed over time
    Play the name game

    Topics

    • Card Games
    • Hobbies
    • Retronaut
    • Travel
    • Trivia
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Money
    Discover the plan that covers your Medigap needs
    The coverage you need. The prices you want. See Medicare Supplement quotes now.
    See Prices

    Topics

    • Retirement
    • Budgeting
    • Scams
    • Social Security
    • Taxes
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
Subscribe
Share
Play Your Cards Right

What should you do with your travel credit card right now?

You might be paying for a travel credit card but not reaping any of the benefits.

bySam Kemmis/NerdWallet•May 1, 2020
SHARE TWEET EMAIL

Remember travel? Me neither. But you might be sitting on a wallet full of travel credit cards — bygone relics of a time where “traveling” meant more than driving to Trader Joe’s.

These travel cards involve more than just wistfulness, however. Many carry fees that hit every 12 months regardless of how much you use them. In other words, you might be paying for a travel credit card but not reaping any of the benefits sitting at home, scrolling endlessly through Netflix’s “Recommended For You” carousel.

What should you do? Cancel your travel credit cards? Wait out the pandemic and eat the annual fee? Finally watch the TV series “Fargo?”

Attention: Retention

If you’re considering closing or downgrading a credit card, consider calling the issuer (i.e., bank) and finagling a retention offer. What’s a retention offer? It’s a benefit issuers use to keep you from canceling your card. They come in many forms:

  • Points or miles. Your credit card company might offer a second “bonus” of airline, hotel or travel points.
  • Statement credit. This is simply some amount of cash refunded on your statement.
  • Annual fee reduction or waiver. Similar to the above, this reduces or offsets the annual fee while retaining the benefits of the card.

Keep in mind that retention offers aren’t free passes: They often come with conditions or caveats. For example, you might be offered a $300 statement credit if you spend $3,000 on the card in the next three months. Under normal circumstances that might not be so hard, but consider your current spending before agreeing to any new requirements.

See also

  • 7 credit card ‘rules’ you can break in an emergency

Retention offers are made on a case-by-case basis and sometimes not at all, so don’t go into the conversation expecting anything in particular. Just explain your situation and why it doesn’t make sense for you to keep a card with an annual fee given the pandemic. Then see what they say or offer. Take notes in case you need to call back with a decision.

As with all negotiations, it’s a good idea to try to work together. Indeed, you and the credit card company share similar goals: They don’t want to lose you as a loyal customer, and you don’t want to pay for benefits you’re not using. Don’t say, “What can you give me?” Ask, “How can we make this work?“ And you really do catch more bees with honey (i.e., politeness).

Change or cancel?

Sometimes a retention offer isn’t enough. Maybe the conditions are too difficult to meet, or you just don’t want to have to deal with the annual fee anymore. In this case, it’s probably time to change or cancel the card.

By “change” I mean keep the account open but downgrade to another lower-fee card from the same issuer (like Chase, Bank of America, etc.). There are a few reasons why you might want to change rather than cancel a card:

  • Your credit score might be affected if you close your account, especially if you have had the account for a long time or it represents a large fraction of your available credit.
  • You might lose any credit card travel points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards® or American Express Membership Rewards points) you have accumulated with this program. Generally you will not lose points or miles with a specific airline or hotel program, such as United MileagePlus or Marriott Bonvoy.

If you do decide to go ahead and cancel, make sure to use or transfer any points with the program beforehand. Once you close the account, those points might be lost forever.

Use nontravel benefits

Some travel cards offer perks that can be used even during the shelter-in-place era. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card includes a subscription to, and credit for, the food delivery service DoorDash. A few udon bowls hardly makes up for the card’s enormous annual fee, but it’s at least usable.

Other travel cards are scrambling to offer new benefits that can be used now. Capital One recently made a change to its Venture miles program, allowing cardholders to pay for food delivery and video streaming services using miles. I expect more travel cards will follow suit, introducing spending categories and redemptions applicable to the homebound.

(I personally advocate for “slippers” and “whole wheels of cheese” redemption policies.)

Card truths

To summarize:

  • If you’re paying an annual fee for a travel credit card, call the company and try to get a retention offer.
  • If you decide not to take the offer, either change the card to a no-fee alternative or cancel it — but don’t lose those points.
  • Keep an eye on nontravel benefits your card might offer.
  • Do watch “Fargo.” It lives up to the hype.

More from NerdWallet

  • What to Consider Before Closing Your Credit Card During the COVID-19 Crisis
  • 4 Types of Retention Offers We’re Seeing From Premium Travel Credit Cards Right Now
  • Why Flexible Points Are Critical for Your Rewards Portfolio, Especially in Uncertain Times

Sam Kemmis is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: skemmis@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @samsambutdif. This article originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Watch this

Share This Article

Popular on Considerable

Sponsored Content

Maybe it’s not old age. Maybe it’s aortic stenosis

As you get older, you might not be able to do the things you used to. Maybe your knees give you trouble. Maybe you just can’t stay up late anymore. Maybe your back gets stiff on long car rides. But don’t assume every change is something you need to live with as you age. Do you feel like you can’t do as much as you should be able to do? Do you get fatigued or winded easily? Do you feel like you don’t have any ambition? 

Continue Reading
Sponsored Content

Maybe it’s not old age. Maybe it’s aortic stenosis

Feel like you’re slowing down? Don’t chalk it up to aging. It could be a sign of a heart valve disease.

Health

This one simple move could lower your blood pressure by 10% without medication

In popular culture, a firm grip has long been associated with a macho image, but it turns out that an increased handgrip strength can help both women and men reduce the dangers associated with high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, over 100 million Americans have high blood pressure, which it defines as being above 130/80. High blood pressure, known as hypertension, increases the risk of stroke and usually increases as

Continue Reading
Health

This one simple move could lower your blood pressure by 10% without medication

Getting a grip on your health is easier than you think.

Health

7 surprising early symptoms of Alzheimer’s that don’t involve memory

The average Alzheimer’s patient is not "Still Alice,” the 50-something linguistics expert from the Academy Award-winning movie who faces a devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The average Alzheimer’s patient is in her late 70s, whose disease comes on more slowly than depicted in that film, says George Perry, Ph.D., Professor of Biology at The University of Texas at San Antonio and editor-in-chief of the 

Continue Reading
Health

7 surprising early symptoms of Alzheimer’s that don’t involve memory

These behavioral changes may warn of Alzheimer's — and they have nothing to do with memory problems.

A new media brand for people who are redefining what it means to grow older and are looking forward to what’s next
copyright 2021 considerable.com

Follow Us

Follow Us Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Company Info

About ConsiderableContact UsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
copyright 2021 considerable.com
  • Health
    Discover the plan that covers your Medigap needs
    The coverage you need. The prices you want. See Medicare Supplement quotes now.
    See Prices

    Topics

    • Aging
    • Dementia
    • Heart Disease
    • Medicare
    • Dental Care
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Home
    What would your name be if you were born today?
    And how has the popularity of it changed over time
    Play the name game

    Topics

    • Gardening
    • Gifts
    • Organizing
    • Pets
    • Technology
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Life
    Discover the plan that covers your Medigap needs
    The coverage you need. The prices you want. See Medicare Supplement quotes now.
    See Prices

    Topics

    • Caregiving
    • Divorce
    • Grandkids
    • Marriage
    • Sex
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Entertainment
    What would your name be if you were born today?
    And how has the popularity of it changed over time
    Play the name game

    Topics

    • Card Games
    • Hobbies
    • Retronaut
    • Travel
    • Trivia
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Money
    Discover the plan that covers your Medigap needs
    The coverage you need. The prices you want. See Medicare Supplement quotes now.
    See Prices

    Topics

    • Retirement
    • Budgeting
    • Scams
    • Social Security
    • Taxes
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
About ConsiderableContact UsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
Follow Us
  • Health
    Discover the plan that covers your Medigap needs
    The coverage you need. The prices you want. See Medicare Supplement quotes now.
    See Prices

    Topics

    • Aging
    • Dementia
    • Heart Disease
    • Medicare
    • Dental Care
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Home
    What would your name be if you were born today?
    And how has the popularity of it changed over time
    Play the name game

    Topics

    • Gardening
    • Gifts
    • Organizing
    • Pets
    • Technology
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Life
    Discover the plan that covers your Medigap needs
    The coverage you need. The prices you want. See Medicare Supplement quotes now.
    See Prices

    Topics

    • Caregiving
    • Divorce
    • Grandkids
    • Marriage
    • Sex
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Entertainment
    What would your name be if you were born today?
    And how has the popularity of it changed over time
    Play the name game

    Topics

    • Card Games
    • Hobbies
    • Retronaut
    • Travel
    • Trivia
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
  • Money
    Discover the plan that covers your Medigap needs
    The coverage you need. The prices you want. See Medicare Supplement quotes now.
    See Prices

    Topics

    • Retirement
    • Budgeting
    • Scams
    • Social Security
    • Taxes
    • All Stories

    Popular Reads

    • 6 simple ways to cut your dementia risk
    • The dangers of Medicare Part B excess charges
    • The 5 worst things to say after someone dies

    Resources

    • Our Mission
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Medigap Quotes
    • Medicare Quiz
    • Shop Dental Insurance
More
  • Company Info
    About ConsiderableContact UsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy

Tell Us About Yourself

Help us send the best of Considerable to you.
A valid email is required
Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Birth month required!
Birth day required!
Birth year required!
Zip code required
Sorry, it looks like you were previously unsubscribed. Click here to sign up again.
You can unsubscribe at any time, for more info read our Privacy Policy

Success!

This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Close this window
179k Likes Like Us
10.7k Followers Follow Us

Sign In

Get started by entering your email address
Sorry, we don't recognize that email A valid email is required
Questions about our Premium Membership? Read our FAQ

Welcome back!

We sent you an email to create a new password. After creating a password, please click the link below to login.
Sign In
How did we recognize you? Grandparents.com is now Considerable.com. Use your Grandparents.com login info to manage your account details

Welcome Back

{{member.email}}
Please enter your password
Forgot my Password
Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Forgot Password

Get started by entering your email address
A valid email is required
Already a member? Sign in

Check Your Email

We sent you an email to reset your password
Sign In

Create an Account

Get started by entering your email address
A valid email is required
Already a member? Sign in

You're Almost Done!

Just enter some information for us
A valid email is required
Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Birth month needed!
Birth day needed!
Birth year needed!
Please enter a better zip than that...
Password must be at least 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, and a number.
Password needs to be stronger...
Passwords should match.
Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Thanks For Joining

User generated content in real-time will have multiple touchpoints for offshoring.
Ok, got it. Close this window
179k Likes Like Us
10.7k Followers Follow Us
Close
My Account

{{member.firstname}}

Premium Member
My Account Settings
Edit Profile Manage Subscriptions Billing Details Member Benefits Sign Out
Change my password Send Reset Link

Let's make sure you're eligible and we'll show you plans

It's that simple, we won't try to sell you anything. We won't even ask for your phone number. We promise.

{{ validation.zip.message }}
{{ user.tobacco.value }} edit
{{ confirmTobacco }}
{{ user.gender.value }} edit
{{ validation.birthdate.message }}
{{ confirmBirthdate }}
{{ user.addtl_medicare.value }} edit
{{ confirmMedicare }}
{{ user.partb.value }} edit
{{ confirmPartb }}

Answer the questions above to see plans