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Credit card management strategies for annual fees and rewards
Research examining 2025 Federal Reserve data indicates that nearly 1 in 5 cardholders pay an annual fee on their primary credit card. Financial experts suggest canceling cards when annual fees exceed the value of the perks provided.
To protect credit scores, it is recommended to close newer credit cards before older ones, as credit scores favor long-standing accounts. Additionally, consumers should cash out rewards, such as points or miles, before closing an account, as these benefits often disappear immediately upon cancellation. It is also advised to pay down any existing balances before closing a card to avoid interest costs.
Entities
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau · Federal Reserve · Motley Fool Money
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Closing newer credit cards before older ones is a recommended strategy to minimize damage to credit scores. pontevedrarecorder.com · www.hcnews.com · republicmonitor.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Americans let billions of dollars in credit card rewards go unused every year. pontevedrarecorder.com · www.hcnews.com · republicmonitor.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nearly 1 in 5 cardholders pay an annual fee on their primary card, based on 2025 Federal Reserve data. pontevedrarecorder.com · www.hcnews.com · republicmonitor.com