How can I get my Blue Cash Preferred annual fee waived?

The only surefire way to get the $550 Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee waived is if you’re an active servicemember and you check that box on the application. As long as Chase can confirm your active duty status, they won’t charge you any fees. Otherwise, your odds of getting a Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee waiver are next to none. … read full answerChase Sapphire Preferred Card also has a $95 annual fee. But it’s not like Chase will penalize you for asking for a fee waiver, so why not give it a shot?

There are a few details you should be aware of before calling and asking for a fee waiver, though. And in the likely event that you don’t get one, you’ll need to know what perks are available to determine whether Sapphire Reserve is worth it.

Here’s what you should know about Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee waivers:

• If you’re in the armed forces full-time, you’re eligible to have all Sapphire Reserve fees waived, except for the returned check fee. You can get this benefit by indicating your service on the application (there’s a box to check off) or by calling Chase customer service at 1-800-432-3117. Chase will have to verify your status.
• If you want to try for a fee waiver or reduction, you can call the number on the back of your card or the general Chase customer service line: 1-800-432-3117.
• According to people who’ve had luck with fee waivers on other credit cards, having a high income and spending a lot can help. Since the issuer is already making a lot of money from the fees it charges merchants when you make purchases, the thinking goes, they might be more willing to give you a break.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve initial bonus is worth $750, which covers more than a year and a half of annual fees. And if you’re a frequent traveler, you should always get more than $450 in value per year, between the $300 annual travel credit, free airport lounge access, 3 points per $1 spent on travel and more benefits.

While it’s unlikely that you’ll get the Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee waived, you might as well try. The worst that can happen is Chase will say “no.” But if you do have to pay $550 every year, just make sure you take advantage of the card’s huge list of benefits in order to get your money’s worth. That or get one of the many credit cards with no annual fee.

You might get your American Express Platinum card annual fee waived if you are calling the Amex retention line at (800) 452-3945, but it is not guaranteed that it will work. Alternatively, you should consider applying for the Amex financial relief program.

Here’s how to get the American Express Platinum card annual fee waived:… read full answer

• Call the retention line: You can ask Amex to waive the annual fee by calling (800) 452-3945. However, it’s important to understand that this approach may not be successful. American Express typically does not waive annual fees entirely, but it may offer a side benefit to offset the Platinum card’s $695 annual fee. Retention offers traditionally include statement credits, bonus points or spending bonuses. But make sure your account is in good standing before calling.
• Apply for the Amex financial relief program: If you’re having difficulty paying your annual fee due to unforeseen financial difficulty, apply for the financial relief program online or call Amex at (866) 703-4169. You could potentially have your annual fee waived. Or you might receive other assistance such as lower monthly payments or lower interest rates. If you decide to enroll in a financial relief program, though, your spending ability will likely be greatly reduced for the duration. Your credit score may be impacted by the reduction in credit limit. And if you don’t comply with the terms of the program, that will appear as a negative on your credit report.
• Other options: You might be able to get your American Express Platinum card annual fee waived if you’re an active member in the military. Downgrading to an American Express card with a lower annual fee is also an option.

However, if you don’t end up getting the $695 annual fee waived, you should consider keeping the card for its rewards. With the American Express Platinum card, you’ll earn 5 points per $1 on flights booked with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 spent per year), 5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked through Amex, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

If you spend a lot on these categories, the rewards you’ll get will more than make up for the cost. But if you can’t take advantage of its travel-focused perks, you’ll end up overpaying.

The easiest way of getting your credit card annual fee waived would be to pick a credit card that waives the annual fee during the first year as a promotion, or one with no annual fee at all. Alternatively, you can call the issuer’s retention line, but it is not guaranteed that it will work. Beyond that, you’re unlikely to get your credit card’s annual fee waived unless you’re an active-duty member of the military. Still, it never hurts to ask, even if success is a long shot.… read full answer

Being well-informed about your rights and alternative credit card options definitely will help your chances. And you can find the most important info below.

Here’s how to get a credit card annual fee waived:

• If you’re employed full-time by the U.S. military, call your issuer and tell them you’d like your SCRA benefits. Exactly how the process works differs by company, but they will ask you to prove your active military status. For example, you might provide a copy of your active duty orders. Once you send the issuer proof, they should waive your annual fee as well as reduce your interest rate. When applying for a card, there’s sometimes a box you can check to indicate your military status, too.
• Call the retention line and ask your card’s issuer to waive or lower its annual fee. Long-time customers and high-spenders with great credit who always pay in full likely have the best chance.
• It’s a common credit card promotion to waive the annual fee for the first year your account is open. This will be noted on the offer when you apply, though. It’s not something you have to ask for.
• If you really want to avoid fees, get a no annual fee credit card. Hundreds are available, including cards with rewards and 0% APRs. You might be able to get a better deal overall by paying an annual fee for more rewards.
• If you’re having difficulty paying your annual fee due to unforeseen financial difficulty, you might be able to apply for a financial relief/ hardship program with the issuer. This way, you could potentially have your annual fee waived. Or you might receive other assistance such as lower monthly payments or lower interest rates.

Since annual fees help pay for the benefits credit cards provide, issuers aren’t eager to waive them. But there’s no penalty for asking. And if you’re in the military, you should definitely take advantage of the waiver you’ve earned with your service.