Got the Amex Gold last year for a 90k bonus. Was excited to use the card but unfortunately, the increase of annual fee alongside the new credits was not for me.
While I was on the lucky side to have my annual fee this year be $250, I rather get 3x on dining with my CSP and 3x (4.5x) on groceries with my USBAR. My only use of the card was the $10 Uber Credits.
Asked for retention offer but no luck.
So long Amex Gold! Perhaps next time we meet again!
Sounds like you gave the card a chance, gained personal experience, earned a nice SUB, and have decided to move on, especially after no retention offer. I second the good for you - this is what the credit card game is about, earn a nice SUB and try something out, after a year keep it if you like it but if it’s not for you move on.
Gold works well for some, not for others. Open a BBP to keep your MRs safe and sound and cancel the gold if it no longer serves you.
Had mine for 4 years, same.
But I got on the USBAR bandwagon and groceries stores I frequent the most takes Mobile Wallet.
When did you cancel your card? Between my wife and I I’d like to cancel a card each for us for next year (me gold and her Hawaiian) did you do it after the full 12 months right before your AF?
Lmk thanks!
@Charlotte
Hello!
I did it after a year and 1 month. I was debating what to do which is why I took an extra month, plus hoping for a retention offer. But yes, my AF did hit before I canceled it. I heard if you cancel your card before your AF, especially with Amex, it looks bad on you or something about your MR points being removed so I’d say wait until your AF hits then cancel.
@GregoryWilly4
My follow-up question to that then would be- if you paid the annual fee… why not just keep it for the next 11 months? Get some of those multipliers and potential credits and cancel before the NEXT AF.
@Charlotte
I could’ve yes, especially since my AF was still $250 and not the new $325 however it’d be a waste of $250. Even though I get an extra 1x on dining on the Gold compared to my CSP, I value Chase’s transfer partners and point system more than Amex so I’m okay losing the 1x.
With groceries, all the locations I go to (Costco, Safeway, Target) accept Apple Pay, so my USBAR is used there, considering I get 4.5x on travel redemption.
All in all, MR points and Amex’s style of “coupon cards” became irritating to me and while I was getting potential with only the $10 Uber credits, my effective annual fee would then be $130 and that’s not justifiable for me.
It all came down to my credit card strategy plus being “financially” smart lol. That and the fact the USBAR is a banger of a card, so definitely want to pair it with my Chase trifecta.
@GregoryWilly4
“However it’d be a waste of $250”
Just want to clarify this comment. You waited to cancel AFTER you paid the 250, correct? So it wouldn’t have been a waste because you paid for the year?
Unless… you paid the AF and then cancel and then they reimbursed you?
Lmk just want to make sure I’m understanding you, thanks!!
@Charlotte
Never paid it! 
I happened to get a second year for $250 so I’m going to use all the credits and then cancel it. At $250 with the resy credits etc, it actually is a net win for me but I wouldn’t pay $325 for it.
Franklin said:
I happened to get a second year for $250 so I’m going to use all the credits and then cancel it. At $250 with the resy credits etc, it actually is a net win for me but I wouldn’t pay $325 for it.
Agreed. The card at $250 was OK for me to justify but $325? Nah bud, I’ll take my business elsewhere lol.
Good for you.
Do we have to keep getting posts in here about people cancelling cards?
CreditCardExpert1 said:
Do we have to keep getting posts in here about people cancelling cards?
Yes, a learning moment.
CreditCardExpert1 said:
Do we have to keep getting posts in here about people cancelling cards?
Yes exactly, I mainly did it as a learning moment and to open discussion. As long as the admins don’t mind it, then it’s all good.