I Pay $2,724 a Year in Credit Card Annual Fees and Come Out Way Ahead on Benefits — Here’s How

I pay $2,724 in credit card annual fees each year. If that sounds like a lot, it is. However, I get much more value from holding these cards. I earn more than $3,000 in easy-to-use statement credits. If I'm a bit more savvy, I could earn another $2,000 in statement credits. Plus, I earn several points per dollar on my purchases, and can take advantage of many other benefits. Here's a breakdown of why this makes sense for my situation — and what changes I'm considering making.

25% Transfer Bonus From Citi to LifeMiles. Book United Flights From 6k Citi ThankYou Points!

Citi just launched a new 25% transfer bonus to Avianca LifeMiles, running now through October 18, 2025. Here's a look at how you can get 25% more LifeMiles when transferring from Citi ThankYou Points — and the fantastic sweet spots you can book for a lot less. Here's how to book United flights from 6k Citi points or business class awards to Europe for just 44k Citi points!

Fly to Hawaii for 12k Citi Points, Qsuite to Maldives for 61k Points With New Qatar Avios Transfer Bonus

Now through October 15, 2025, Qatar Airways will award a 40% bonus when you transfer Citi ThankYou® Rewards points (or dozens of other programs) to Privilege Club Avios. That unlocks deals including domestic American or Alaska flights from 7k Citi points, business class to Europe from 29k Citi points, or Qatar Qsuite to the Maldives for just 61k Citi points!