Questions and Answers

Hello everyone,

I am a travel noob, but I really enjoy reading this blog. I became interested to start the credit card game due to my once a year trip from SFO-SUB round trip to see family. I am a graduate student so 1) I am broke 2) I am really looking forward to the savings enabled by using miles. For that particular trip, my preference is to fly SQ in economy.

Earlier this year I was approved for Citi Premier, and managed to get the 50K Thank You points sign up bonus. I used all of my Thank You points and my meager KrisFlyer miles saved to book a round trip SFO-SUB fare (return trip in premium economy to experience a bit of the glamour I’ve been exposed to from reading too much trip reports in this blog, also I could not find available space in economy). In short, the only reason why I applied for that card is to get the huge signup bonus for that particular trip.

Now that the time to start being charged $95 annual fee for the card is approaching, I am torn if I should keep the card or cancel it, since I do not have enough income to justify paying $95 for a fancy credit card. I do have to fly back to SUB some time in the future though, but I can’t see myself spending to earn 67.5K points annually to pay for that trip with Thank You points (without the signup bonus).

Also if any of you could throw in suggestions for my new primary card: given my current low income and spending lifestyle, I am thinking of getting Citi DoubleCash or Chase Freedom. If I have $95 to spare, I spend most of my money on groceries and dining – so I’m looking into some Amex cards as well.

Thanks for reading, and I am looking forward to hear what you experts think!

No need to cancel the card. I would downgrade to the Preferred. No fees and it will keep your length of credit history intact. This way next year when you hit the two year mark from the opening of your Premier card you should be able to hit the Prestige for another sign up bonus (this is my best estimate, we don’t know exactly how Citi’s new rules will work). I would suggest the Barclays Arrival+ for the increased sign up bonus for a year or the Fidelity Visa 2% for ongoing cash back.

Thank you for your solution! Glad to have the option to downgrade to Citi Preferred and still save on Thank You points for future use (although I will have two identical cards since I also own a Citi Forward – RIP 5x dining).

The Preferred and Forward cards dont carry any annual fees so keep both, especially if you’ve had the forward for a long time. Use whichever card has better rewards for that particular purchase! 🙂

Thanks! I just realized that a week ago I used the Premier instead of the Forward to buy ticket for a music festival and I’m now regretting it T_T Gotta learn from past mistakes to remember bonus categories.

I read reports on reddit that Citi is allowing product change to Costco card as well. The DPs say that many reps are not aware of this and you have to stand your ground to get that taken care of. All in this matters is you 1)Value costco membership and/or 2)appreciate the cash back %s on the costco card.