Ask for the credit card annual fee waiver before it posts.

Annual fees are charged automatically. Waivers often exist but are not automatic.

Pay it. Or notice it three months later.

Check your card's published fee schedule for waiver conditions. If you meet them, the waiver may be automatic. If not, call and ask. Issuers often waive to retain the account.

1. STEP 1Find your card's annual fee date on last year's statement.
2. STEP 2Read the published fee schedule for waiver conditions.
3. STEP 3If a fee has posted, call the card hotline and request a waiver.
4. STEP 4If declined, ask whether a no-fee card is available.

You’ll need: Your card hotline number · Ten minutes

• ✓Any card with an annual fee.

• ✗Cards where the fee buys benefits you actually use more than the fee costs.

• !Waivers are discretionary and vary by issuer, card, and your spend.
• !Never share your full card number or PIN over the phone beyond the bank's own verification process.