Feb 12, 2016, 8:56 am
Last edit by: beltway
This is the general 2016-2019 thread for weighing the relative merits
of keeping, downgrading, or canceling Chase-issued credit cards.
Post-2019 discussion continues in this thread.
of keeping, downgrading, or canceling Chase-issued credit cards.
Post-2019 discussion continues in this thread.
What's the main reason people product change (PC)?
The benefits offered by a particular card, might suit you better than the card you are holding. Many people, unable to qualify for a new Chase Sapphire Reserve application, upgraded from the Sapphire Preferred to the Sapphire Reserve, because the benefits of the CSR's cash reimbursements made the annual fee a nominal difference the first year. And vice versa- the onerous $450 yearly fee of the CSR makes an appealing case to downgrade to the Sapphire Preferred, and eventually to the no-fee Sapphire or a Freedom card.
Many people product change to avoid the annual fees on the premium versions of the card. Keeping the card open, via a product change, keeps the account open. This allows you to retain the seasoned account, and the banking relationship that the older card has established with Chase.
Why not just cancel the card and be done with it?
This may be the right choice for you, but others want some of the card benefits without having to reapply. Also, Chase has become very restrictive for new card applicants. For Chase cards, you must wait 24- 48 months since the last time you received a bonus before reapplying. Please see the threads on the individual cards for updated overlay rules.
An additional (and more stringent) overlay is the infamous 5/24 rule, which Chase instituted in May 2016 as a counter-measure against churning, or, as they refer to it, "Serial Starters." The 5/24 rule is that you won't be eligible for most Chase card products if you've opened more than 5 credit cards in 24 months. For more on this and other application-related issues, see the current "Applying for Chase Credit Cards " Master thread.
Finally, canceling certain cards--those earning Chase Ultimate Rewards--may deprive you of the ability to exchange UR for miles/points in air & hotel programs. See Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, times & rules.
Is there any way I can keep a card without paying the annual fee?
See Chase Retention Bonuses: June 2015-Present
Are there any restrictions on product changes?
Product changes are only allowed within the same card "family," and are not permitted between business and personal cards. Also, Chase cites the federal CARD Act to deny product changes on any account less that one year old.
Will a product change count as a new card?
No, you will keep your same card number, "opened on" date, credit line, automatic payment arrangements, etc. A product change does not count against Chase's 5/24 limitations on new cards.
Will I get a signup bonus when I change?
No, product changes do not result in point bonuses. Signup bonuses are reserved for new applicants only. For the complete list of public sign up offers, check the Chase sitemap here: https://creditcards.chase.com/sitemap
Is there a place I can look to compare cards?
Go here: https://creditcards.chase.com/credit...D=177087865887
Click: All cards
Place a checkmark in the Compare box for up to three cards.
Click: Compare cards...and you should see a side-by-side display.
I've figured out what I want to switch to. How do I product change my card?
Call the number on the back of your card.
Product changes for the Ultimate Reward Business and Personal Card Family
The UR family of cards includes the Chase Ink business cards, the Freedom Unlimited, the Freedom Card, and the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Reserve and Sapphire.
The Slate (personal) card is also available to downgrade to. It has no annual fee and does not earn any type of reward points. It offers a low fee (currently 0% for the first 60 days) balance transfers and APR.
Personal Cards
- Freedom: 5X points in rotating quarterly categories up to $1500 spend per quarter. If you max out the $1500 every quarter, it totals 7500 UR per quarter, or 30,000 UR per year.
- Freedom Unlimited: 1.5X for all spending, no bonus categories. $20,000 in spend would net 30,000 UR per year.
- Sapphire Reserve: $450 annual fee, $300 annual travel credit, 3X points for travel and dining. Books travel through the UR portal for 1.5 per dollar. Lounge access and other goodies. See the thread here for details.
- Sapphire Preferred: $95 annual fee, 2X points for travel & dining
- For discussion specific to the Sapphire Preferred Card, see Chase Sapphire Preferred - Keep, Downgrade, or Cancel?
- Sapphire: Not available to new applicants. Available as a product downgrade/change only, must tier down from the Sapphire Reserve to Sapphire Preferred to Sapphire or Freedom cards. No annual fee. Some Customer Service Reps are citing that the original product (i.e., the CSR), must be held for one year before downgrading. Please provide data points in the thread if this happens to you.
Business Cards
- Ink Plus: $95 annual fee, 5X office supplies, 5X cellular/landline/cable; 2X gas and hotels
- Ink Preferred: 3x on travel, shipping, internet/phone/cable, & some online advertising.
- Ink Cash: No annual fee, 5X office supplies, 5X cellular/landline/cable; 2X gas and restaurants
If you still have a legacy Ink Classic or Ink Bold business card, neither of which is available for new signups, you can product change to one of the other Ink cards.
Considerations for downgrading/upgrading:
Can I combine my UR points?
Yes, UR can be combined freely across the cardholder's own personal and business accounts.
What about transfering my UR to another person's Chase UR account? To their air/hotel partner account?
With restrictions, UR from a personal card can be transferred to a person living at the same address. Business cards allow transfer to owners of the company listed as authorized users.
However, be warned that there are transfer restrictions. Unauthorized transfers have resulted in shut-downs. Review the Chase T&C for details before planning a transfer. For discussion, see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...-accounts.html.
The Freedom cards, no-fee Ink Cash, and no-fee Sapphire cards do not allow UR transfer to airline/hotel partners. If you are downgrading from a premium UR card and will only have no-fee cards left, it may be prudent to transfer your points to the partner of your choice beforehand.
I know I can use UR to pay for travel directly (as opposed to transfering points into a travel partner program). Do the Chase UR cards differ on this?
Only the Sapphire Reserve books travel on the UR portal for 1.5. So you can stack your card bonus opportunities when your UR points are combined into your CSR account and used for booking travel. If, for instance, you earned 5x on your Ink Plus on your phone bill, and combine those 5x Ink earned points into your CSR's UR account, you'll now get an additional .5 in value when you redeem them on the travel portal.
Product Changes for United Airlines Cards
There are options to downgrade or upgrade UA cards.
- United Mileage Plus Card- no annual fee, 1 UA mile per $2 in spend
- United Mileage Plus Explorer Card- $95 annual fee, 1 mile per dollar earning, additional award inventory on UA, free checked bag, 25% bonus on the shopping portal.
- United Plus Club Card- $450 annual fee, 1.5 miles per $1, many additional premium card benefits
- Business Cards for the Mileage Plus and Club Card give you a choice to upgrade or downgrade between those two.
Southwest Airlines Cards
The difference here is a nominal $30/3000 points per year.
Personal cards
- Plus Card- $69 annual fee, 3000 bonus points upon renewal
- Premiere Card- $99 annual fee, 6000 bonus points upon renewal
Chase Product Change/Card Conversion: Downgrade, Upgrade, Keep or Cancel? (2016-2019)
Apr 26, 2018, 5:58 pm
#736
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Lincoln, CA
Programs: HHonors/Marriott/Starwood/SWA Rapid Rewards
Posts: 240
Just cancelled my husband's CSR card and we'll figure out where to transfer the 76k UR points soon (before the 30 day mark). We got the $450 fee refunded and were able to get our 2nd $300 travel credit in January! Sweet! Our goal is to have him get a CSP card soon because it's been 3 years since he got his bonus on that but I'm thinking he'll be turned down because of 5/24.. I'm just having trouble figuring out where to send the 76k points (Southwest, Hyatt, Marriott?). Decisions Decisions! Seriously, this travel hacking game often gives me analysis paralysis! Lately, I'm using the Barclay Arrival + card because I can get the credit for any hotel or airline (kind of easier for planning purposes).
Last edited by T Q; Apr 26, 2018 at 6:00 pm Reason: clarification
Apr 27, 2018, 5:41 am
#737
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,857
Just cancelled my husband's CSR card and we'll figure out where to transfer the 76k UR points soon (before the 30 day mark). We got the $450 fee refunded and were able to get our 2nd $300 travel credit in January! Sweet! Our goal is to have him get a CSP card soon because it's been 3 years since he got his bonus on that but I'm thinking he'll be turned down because of 5/24.. I'm just having trouble figuring out where to send the 76k points (Southwest, Hyatt, Marriott?). Decisions Decisions! Seriously, this travel hacking game often gives me analysis paralysis! Lately, I'm using the Barclay Arrival + card because I can get the credit for any hotel or airline (kind of easier for planning purposes).
Apr 27, 2018, 10:08 am
#738
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Lincoln, CA
Programs: HHonors/Marriott/Starwood/SWA Rapid Rewards
Posts: 240
Seriously? I thought that he can't hold 2 sapphires at the same time but there was no 24 month requirement between Sapphire bonuses. I know there's a 24 month requirement for same card bonuses. Hmmm
Apr 27, 2018, 11:01 am
#739
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Lincoln, CA
Programs: HHonors/Marriott/Starwood/SWA Rapid Rewards
Posts: 240
Plus I have to cancel my CSR by tomorrow for the same reasons above. I thought about downgrading to the Chase Freedom or Freedom Unlimited but not sure I want to go there. I know that without the Sapphire card active, we can just hold the points in the account unless we want cash back (nope). Then I guess once one of us gets a Sapphire product again, we could transfer the points back in and start wheeling and dealing. We have 76k in his account and about 7k in mine. I think I'd also like to get the 15k points bonus if I apply separately for the CF or CFU card.
Apr 27, 2018, 11:34 am
#740
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: Marriott - Titanium, AA - Lifetime Gold
Posts: 333
Advise Please?
I have a Freedom Unlimited from a PC of a Sapphire card. Did not receive any bonus.
I also have an old Freedom card for the 5X catagories.
I want to get the new Freedom Unlimited with the 3X.
Since you can only have one FU and I don't need another Freedom IS there any reason not to just cancel the current FU and move the credit line to the old Freedom card and then apply for the new FU 3X card?
What is difference from PC FU to new Freedom if I don't need another Freedom card?
Please advise if any downside to just cancel current FU?
Thanks
I have a Freedom Unlimited from a PC of a Sapphire card. Did not receive any bonus.
I also have an old Freedom card for the 5X catagories.
I want to get the new Freedom Unlimited with the 3X.
Since you can only have one FU and I don't need another Freedom IS there any reason not to just cancel the current FU and move the credit line to the old Freedom card and then apply for the new FU 3X card?
What is difference from PC FU to new Freedom if I don't need another Freedom card?
Please advise if any downside to just cancel current FU?
Thanks
Apr 27, 2018, 2:01 pm
#741
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 2
How often can you product change a Chase card? I downgraded my CSP to the Freedom a couple months ago to avoid the annual fee, but now I might need to upgrade it again to transfer my current UR points to airline miles. After transferring the points I would probably consider product changing back down to the Freedom so I don't pay the annual fee. Has anyone gone through this situation?
Thanks
Thanks
Apr 27, 2018, 3:44 pm
#742
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,857
Seriously
There is
Why not? It's a better option from a credit perspective, it leaves you with one additional Chase option going forward, gives you more time to get your annual fee refunded, and you're not under the gun to do anything with your points. It's win-win with zero downside.
Why not? It's a better option from a credit perspective, it leaves you with one additional Chase option going forward, gives you more time to get your annual fee refunded, and you're not under the gun to do anything with your points. It's win-win with zero downside.
Apr 27, 2018, 3:48 pm
#743
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,857
Advise Please?
I have a Freedom Unlimited from a PC of a Sapphire card. Did not receive any bonus.
I also have an old Freedom card for the 5X catagories.
I want to get the new Freedom Unlimited with the 3X.
Since you can only have one FU and I don't need another Freedom IS there any reason not to just cancel the current FU and move the credit line to the old Freedom card and then apply for the new FU 3X card?
What is difference from PC FU to new Freedom if I don't need another Freedom card?
Please advise if any downside to just cancel current FU?
Thanks
I have a Freedom Unlimited from a PC of a Sapphire card. Did not receive any bonus.
I also have an old Freedom card for the 5X catagories.
I want to get the new Freedom Unlimited with the 3X.
Since you can only have one FU and I don't need another Freedom IS there any reason not to just cancel the current FU and move the credit line to the old Freedom card and then apply for the new FU 3X card?
What is difference from PC FU to new Freedom if I don't need another Freedom card?
Please advise if any downside to just cancel current FU?
Thanks
Who knows what the future holds with Chase rules? In a year, you might be extremely happy you have an extra Chase card to work with. You can thank me then.
Apr 30, 2018, 11:25 am
#745
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Western NY
Posts: 13
PC from CSP to CSR, then CSR to CFU, then apply for CSR
I was recommended the following on another site, but I'll be honest, it sounds a bit too good to be true... Can someone please point out the issues with this plan:
Background: I currently have CSP (opened 04/2017), CIP (opened 03/2018,) and a Citicard Dividend card that has been open for about 15 years. My CS is ~775 +/- 5 pts.
Here's the plan I was recommended:
1. PC from CSP to CSR. CSP AF should be refunded, and CSR AF will be charged.
2. Use $300 travel credit before CSR anniversary, then use it again immediately once anniversary hits (total $600 of TCs.)
3. Wait for the CSR AF to hit, then PC to CF or CFU. CSR AF will be refunded.
4. Wait about 1.5 months and apply for CSR. I will be eligible for the bonus since 24 months will have passed since opening the CSP.
What am I missing here?
Are they likely to claw back the second CSR $300 travel credit?
Will they not issue me another CSR so soon after downgrading the PCed CSR?
Any other considerations?
Background: I currently have CSP (opened 04/2017), CIP (opened 03/2018,) and a Citicard Dividend card that has been open for about 15 years. My CS is ~775 +/- 5 pts.
Here's the plan I was recommended:
1. PC from CSP to CSR. CSP AF should be refunded, and CSR AF will be charged.
2. Use $300 travel credit before CSR anniversary, then use it again immediately once anniversary hits (total $600 of TCs.)
3. Wait for the CSR AF to hit, then PC to CF or CFU. CSR AF will be refunded.
4. Wait about 1.5 months and apply for CSR. I will be eligible for the bonus since 24 months will have passed since opening the CSP.
What am I missing here?
Are they likely to claw back the second CSR $300 travel credit?
Will they not issue me another CSR so soon after downgrading the PCed CSR?
Any other considerations?
Apr 30, 2018, 11:34 am
#746
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Lincoln, CA
Programs: HHonors/Marriott/Starwood/SWA Rapid Rewards
Posts: 240
Interesting strategy. Let us know how it goes. We are going to sit on sidelines till next spring when we'll both apply for CSP for the bonus.
Apr 30, 2018, 5:11 pm
#747
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,195
I was recommended the following on another site, but I'll be honest, it sounds a bit too good to be true... Can someone please point out the issues with this plan:
Background: I currently have CSP (opened 04/2017), CIP (opened 03/2018,) and a Citicard Dividend card that has been open for about 15 years. My CS is ~775 +/- 5 pts.
Here's the plan I was recommended:
1. PC from CSP to CSR. CSP AF should be refunded, and CSR AF will be charged.
2. Use $300 travel credit before CSR anniversary, then use it again immediately once anniversary hits (total $600 of TCs.)
3. Wait for the CSR AF to hit, then PC to CF or CFU. CSR AF will be refunded.
4. Wait about 1.5 months and apply for CSR. I will be eligible for the bonus since 24 months will have passed since opening the CSP.
What am I missing here?
Are they likely to claw back the second CSR $300 travel credit?
Will they not issue me another CSR so soon after downgrading the PCed CSR?
Any other considerations?
Background: I currently have CSP (opened 04/2017), CIP (opened 03/2018,) and a Citicard Dividend card that has been open for about 15 years. My CS is ~775 +/- 5 pts.
Here's the plan I was recommended:
1. PC from CSP to CSR. CSP AF should be refunded, and CSR AF will be charged.
2. Use $300 travel credit before CSR anniversary, then use it again immediately once anniversary hits (total $600 of TCs.)
3. Wait for the CSR AF to hit, then PC to CF or CFU. CSR AF will be refunded.
4. Wait about 1.5 months and apply for CSR. I will be eligible for the bonus since 24 months will have passed since opening the CSP.
What am I missing here?
Are they likely to claw back the second CSR $300 travel credit?
Will they not issue me another CSR so soon after downgrading the PCed CSR?
Any other considerations?
2. No.
3. Probably.
4. 5/24 status.
Apr 30, 2018, 5:24 pm
#748
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,658
UA Chase Explorer Card - gone is the 10K bonus for $25K effective 5/31/2018.
Will get 4,000 bonus miles if you spend 10K to 24,999 by end of year.
Then gone.
Will get 4,000 bonus miles if you spend 10K to 24,999 by end of year.
Then gone.
Apr 30, 2018, 5:51 pm
#749
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,195
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chas...onward-21.html
Apr 30, 2018, 7:52 pm
#750
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 615
Any folks on here still holding onto the MPE personal AND biz? My 1 year is up on the biz and see no real reason to keep it.