Short answer: List each card with its annual fee and the month the fee posts (usually the account anniversary). A formula finds the next fee date, conditional formatting warns you 30 days ahead, and a value column (credits and perks you really used plus rewards above a no-fee card) tells you whether to keep it, ask for a retention offer, downgrade or cancel.
Fees post on each card's own anniversary, so with several cards they arrive at random times through the year. Most issuers refund a fee if you close the card within a short window after it posts, often around 30 days, so knowing the date in advance is what gives you a real choice. Check your card's terms for the exact window.
One row per card:
Next fee date (open date in C2): =EDATE(C2,12*(DATEDIF(C2,TODAY(),"y")+1))Days until fee: =D2-TODAY()Net value: =F2-B2Suggested decision: =IF(G2>=0,"Keep",IF(G2>-B2/2,"Ask for retention offer","Downgrade or cancel"))Total fees this year: =SUM(B2:B)Fees due in the next 60 days: =SUMIFS(B:B,E:E,"<=60",E:E,">=0")Add a conditional formatting rule on the row: =AND($E2>=0,$E2<=30) in amber. Sort the sheet by Days until fee so the next decision is always at the top.
Only count credits and perks you would have paid for anyway, and for rewards count the extra you earned over a no-fee card. A card that looks worth it on paper often is not once you count only what you used.
Usually on the first statement after the account anniversary, the month you opened the card. Some cards charge the first fee on the first statement.
Many issuers refund the fee if you close or downgrade within a window after it posts. Check your card's terms before you rely on it.
Yes. The benefits tracker below has an annual fee calendar, credit reset dates, red alerts for unused credits and a per-card value dashboard for Google Sheets and Excel.
No. It is a way to stay organised. Check your card terms before closing or downgrading.
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