I found that I have too many active Chase, Citi & Capital One cards that I rarely use. Some of them have annual fees and I will be getting over the honeymoon period with them all and fees will be charged from the anniversary date onwards.

Since this is the season for pruning, I was wondering what is the best way to prune these cards so that I can launch an apporama when the next bazooka deal comes along (pardon the metaphors, 'tis the season to be drunk). The objective is (a) to not hurt the credit score (b) massage the credit score if at all possible and (c) to save money

1. Should I close accounts outright?
2. Should I call the CC companies to switch the fee payable cards to free versions (without bennies)?
3. Should I do (2) above AND request that the credit limit be reduced?
4. Any other course of action?

Thanks for any advice you may have.