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Alright AwardTrailblazers, let's talk credit cards! The AwardWallet Blog just dropped a post diving deep into one person's strategy for managing a whopping 23 credit cards with over $5,000 in annual fees. It sounds crazy, right? But the author breaks down exactly why they keep each card and what perks make them worth it.
Basically, this is a peek behind the curtain to see how a rewards pro maximizes their travel benefits. The post highlights the importance of evaluating your own card portfolio. Are you really using all those perks? Are the annual fees paying for themselves in rewards and benefits you actually value? Things like lounge access, free checked bags, and bonus points on everyday spending can really add up, but only if you're using them!
This matters to you because it's a great reminder to take stock of your own credit cards before those annual fees hit. Could you downgrade a card to a no-fee version? Should you cancel one altogether? Are there better cards out there that align with your current travel goals? Now's the time to strategize so you can make sure your wallet is working for you, not against you, in 2026 and beyond!
Why This Matters for Your Strategy
News in the points-and-miles world moves fast, and promotional changes often have a short window. If this announcement affects a card or program you hold, log into your awardtrail dashboard to check your current benefit usage, bonus progress, and whether a transfer or redemption makes sense right now — before terms change.
As a general rule: transfer points only when you have a specific redemption in mind — transfers are almost always one-way and non-reversible. If you're unsure of the value, check our redemption guides before acting.
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