Updated July 2026. Free, no signup, nothing leaves your browser.
When an annual fee posts, the question is always the same: keep the card, downgrade it, or cancel it. This calculator answers it from the numbers that matter, the value of the credits and perks you actually use, any retention offer you expect, and whether the account is helping your credit age or mix. It suggests card types and moves only, never specific offers. For a Delta Platinum or Reserve, the companion certificate is usually the biggest number; price it with the Delta companion certificate value calculator.
One reason to keep a card is the airport-security rebate, so weigh the cards that refund TSA PreCheck or Global Entry before you cancel.
The logic is simple and honest. If the value you use plus any retention offer covers the fee, keep the card. If it does not but the account is one of your older or rarer lines, downgrade to a no-fee version so you keep the history without paying. If it does not and the card does nothing for your profile, cancelling is fine, after one quick retention call.
FAQ
Should I keep a credit card with an annual fee?
Keep it when the credits and perks you actually use, plus any retention offer, are worth at least the fee. If they fall short but the account helps your credit history, downgrade instead of closing. If they fall short and it does not help your credit, cancelling is reasonable.
What is a downgrade and why use it?
A downgrade, or product change, moves your card to a no-fee version in the same family. You stop paying the fee but keep the account open, which preserves your credit age and your available credit. It is usually better than closing a long-held card.
Should I ask for a retention offer before cancelling?
Yes. A short call can produce points or a statement credit that offsets the fee, which may turn a cancel into a keep. Always ask before you close a card.