Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Keep, Cancel, or Downgrade: My End-of-Year Credit Card Outlook

Ehsan Haque's image
Ehsan Haque
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Stella Shon
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Over the past decade, I’ve opened more than 50 travel rewards cards, and many are valuable enough to justify keeping the accounts open.

However, the value of some cards has faded, and it’s time for me to cancel them, whether because of their benefits, fees, or a bank’s application rules. The annual fees are ultimately my deciding factor, as I currently pay over $2,000 annually to maintain them.

As we approach the end of 2025, I’m evaluating my rewards card lineup to determine which ones offer me value and are no longer worth carrying. Here’s a look at some of the cards I plan to keep open, others I plan to downgrade or cancel — and even some new cards I’m considering.

Advertisement

Cards I’ll Keep In 2026

I have more than 20 cards open now. While that may sound ridiculous, nearly every card gives me enough reasons to keep it open.

Certain cards are absolute no-brainers to keep, offering excellent benefits and a ton of value with little or no downside. If a card does not have an annual fee and provides me with even a little value, I keep it open. Credit cards such as the Chase Freedom® card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, easily fit this category.

Still, some of my keeper cards have annual fees, and I’ll happily pay to keep them open as they provide me with outsized value.

Keeper Transferable Rewards Cards

Many of my transferable rewards cards are keepers because their benefits consistently justify the annual fee, even if I don’t make any purchases.

I also keep several cards open for more redemption options, like transferring to airline and hotel partners. Still, these cards provide additional perks and benefits beyond the ability to transfer points.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

With consistent value, the Capital One Venture X card is arguably my favorite travel rewards card. Although it has a $395 annual fee, it is readily justifiable.

This travel card offers bonus miles on Capital One Travel purchases and a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. It also provides a solid 2x miles on all other eligible purchases you make.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening - equal to $1,000 in travel.
100,000 miles
$1,800
$395
Purchases: 19.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent (740-840)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $395 annual fee
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Card Highlights
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening - equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Additionally, it comes with lounge access, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status for car rentals. The card also provides 10,000 bonus miles awarded on my account anniversary each year.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is among today’s most popular travel rewards cards. It offers excellent earnings on travel purchased through Chase Travel, dining, select streaming services, and online groceries.

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 75,000 points
$1,500
$95
19.74% - 27.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

It also provides benefits, including up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year (for hotel stays through Chase Travel), a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (when you activate by December 31, 2027), and primary auto rental coverage.

The card also allows me to transfer my Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners. This is much needed, as transferring points to transfer partners is the best way to redeem Chase points.

American Express® Gold Card

The Amex Gold card is one of the most valuable cards in my wallet, as it has spearheaded my rewards-earning ability.

NEW OFFER
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $2,200
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
Cons
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

With the Amex Gold card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide on up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases (then 1x) and 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year (then 1x) — my biggest monthly spending categories.

I typically spend over $2,500 monthly at restaurants or grocery shopping at U.S. supermarkets, which earns me over 100,000 American Express Membership Rewards points each year.

The Amex Gold card has a substantial $325 annual fee (rates & fees). Of course, it also has numerous benefits and statement credits (enrollment may be required) that helps me offset the annual fee.

Keeper Hotel Cards

Another major part of my travel rewards strategy comes in the form of co-branded hotel credit cards. Unlike most other cards, deciding whether to keep a hotel credit card comes down to a single factor: a free night certificate.

Metropolis Suites Bangkok room foyer view
Certain hotel credit cards provide perks like elite status, which can help get room upgrades. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

If a hotel card has a free night certificate each card anniversary year, I almost always keep it open. I can redeem the certificate at higher-end hotels, where cash rates for a room are much higher than the annual fee I paid for the certificate.

In addition to the free night certificates, many hotel cards offer perks like elite status, elite night credits, and bonus points or miles on hotel bookings. Each of these hotel cards offers a free night certificate that I believe is more valuable than its annual fee:

Keeper Airline Cards

I have far fewer co-branded airline credit cards than I do hotel cards. I generally don’t prioritize airline elite status and other lesser benefits, so I’ve never found much value beyond the welcome bonus offers. When it comes to purchasing cash fares, I typically book the flight that is the cheapest.

However, I value one airline card because of its unique perks: the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card. It earns 3x points on dining and foreign purchases made overseas. The card offers tremendous potential value, considering I spend more than 6 months abroad each year.

Starlux A359 Business Class seat zero G position
I will redeem Alaska Atmos miles to fly Starlux business class next year. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

It also comes with an annual 25,000-point Global Companion Award, which is a discount of up to 25,000 points on a companion traveler’s award ticket. This benefit is incredibly valuable as my wife joins me on many of my trips.

Cards I May Cancel

A handful of credit cards in my arsenal no longer provide me with much value. That could be due to my desire to simplify my credit card volume, reduced benefits, or higher annual fees.

Canceling a credit card isn’t always straightforward, as it can impact your credit score depending on the account’s age and credit line. In fact, canceling a relatively new card isn’t as significant as canceling an older card, and a card with a low credit limit will have less impact than one with a high credit limit. The more credit you lose, the higher your credit card utilization will be, which in turn lowers your credit score.

Hot Tip:

Many credit cards offer the option of downgrading instead of canceling to a no-annual-fee version, which keeps your account open and preserves your credit history.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

After years in my wallet, I’ll likely cancel the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, a premium hotel rewards card with solid benefits and an annual fee of $650 (rates & fees).

While the card offers a ton of value, many of its perks will no longer be as valuable for me moving forward. As I am almost a Marriott Lifetime Platinum Elite, perks like the complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status and 25 Elite Night Credits will not be very important for me.

Although the card’s 85,000-point free night certificate is valuable, the Ritz-Carlton card already provides me with one — and with a lower annual fee.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

The Citi Strata Premier card is a solid all-around travel rewards card with elevated earnings on bookings through Citi Travel, on air travel and hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas and EV charging stations. It has a $95 annual fee.

The most defining feature is the ability to transfer points to Citi’s transfer partners. However, this card is on the chopping block because I don’t have many Citi ThankYou points and prioritize my spending on other cards, even in categories where the Citi Strata Premier card shines.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

I plan to cancel my AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card with a $0 intro annual fee, then $99 after the first year. Although it has decent mileage earnings at gas stations, restaurants, and eligible American Airlines purchases, its perks are a bit light, and I don’t see myself flying much on American Airlines soon.

Advertisement

Final Thoughts

Although I hold numerous travel cards in my wallet, I’ve started streamlining my rewards strategy by letting go of cards that no longer offer me as much value as they once did. This choice is part of a broader effort to simplify my finances and avoid unnecessary fees.

Rather, I’m keeping cards that justify their place, such as those with transferable rewards, valuable hotel perks, and free night certificates.


Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

Ehsan Haque's image

About Ehsan Haque

Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American Express

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Show more
  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
DMCA.com Protection Status