DH's Aviator Red annual fee posted. He's had the card since 2013 and of the 6 previous renewals he has had the fee waived 4 times (2015-2018). This was also the card with the 10K anniversary bonus that has now been discontinued. In the last few years he hasn't put spend on the card except when a bonus was offered. DH absolutely dislikes making retention calls and it takes me days to get him to do it. Couldn't get him to do it during US business hours. Called after dinner tonight and got person who was likely a non-US rep. Gave all the reasons for not wanting to pay the fee - COVID, not traveling, no foreseeable travel due to being high risk, loss of 10K anniversary bonus, increase in fee, having the no fee CITI card. Asked for fee waiver or reduction - NO. Asked for retention/spend bonus - NO offer. Asked to downgrade to a no-fee card (knew this was unlikely) - no option. Closed the card.

I have this card myself and have used mine overseas at unmanned kiosks with PIN feature, so I may keep mine when fee is due.