Of course, I wasn't planning on keeping the Arrival after my AF kicks in. I'll probably either close it and transfer line over to SM -- which I doubt, or I'll PC it to Barclay Rewards which will be good for 2% on my utilities. I'll take it.
Glad to see someone displaying some math 
I never understand why people get annual fee cards unless they have outrageous spending - I suppose for the sign-up bonuses? I mean, spending a few thousand per month may be reasonable at certain incomes, but this is assuming you have other 5% cards for certain categories and this is just on non-category purchases.
@gh17 wrote:Glad to see someone displaying some math
I never understand why people get annual fee cards unless they have outrageous spending - I suppose for the sign-up bonuses? I mean, spending a few thousand per month may be reasonable at certain incomes, but this is assuming you have other 5% cards for certain categories and this is just on non-category purchases.
It's not tht complicated. Everyone has different spending needs. For us, the AF on the BCP is well worth it because the card works for our spending needs. And we don't have outrageous soending. But for others, the AF might not be worth it. It's something everyone has to figure out for themselves.
@gh17 wrote:Glad to see someone displaying some math
I never understand why people get annual fee cards unless they have outrageous spending - I suppose for the sign-up bonuses? I mean, spending a few thousand per month may be reasonable at certain incomes, but this is assuming you have other 5% cards for certain categories and this is just on non-category purchases.
There's nothing wrong per se with an annual fee. If you are looking long term, all that matters is whether the total rewards of the card (benefits - AF) are better than other cards you could reasonably get. The problem with the Arrival is that there are other free cards with similar (or better) reward structures, pushing the point when Arrival wins very high.
But in other cases, if a card gives you elite status, lounge access, or transfer to partners, the AF may very well be worth it, although you will need to constantly reevaluate (e.g. with reduction of access for American Express, the creation of a free MR card etc).
@gh17 wrote:Glad to see someone displaying some math
I never understand why people get annual fee cards unless they have outrageous spending - I suppose for the sign-up bonuses? I mean, spending a few thousand per month may be reasonable at certain incomes, but this is assuming you have other 5% cards for certain categories and this is just on non-category purchases.
For strictly personal spending I probably wouldn't have an AF card (except maybe a Chase Sapphire Preferred for being able to earn miles at a rate that would exceed the AF but I would have to do the math to see if my personal spending would even cover the AF) and then maybe a hotel card where the annual bonus of a free room outweighs the cost of the AF (and gives additional benefits like room upgrades and what not) - i.e. a Hyatt or Marriott card.
The reason why it is beneficial for me to have two AF cards is the amount of business spending I put on them - which far outweighs my personal spending.
