It all started in 2002 – a year before our wedding when I asked my wife to marry me. We both knew that we would be spending lots and lots of money for the wedding, so we decided to apply together for our first joint credit card – CIBC’s Aeroplan Points Visa card. They high annual fee was a killer – $170 per year ($120 for the primary card, and $50 for additional cards)! But we still thought it was worth it as we were excited to start our life together earning free travel points faster!
Every year, the $170 annual charge gets hidden in our total credit card bill, so you don’t actually notice. We go out for gas, we charge; we go out shopping, we charge; we go out to eat, we charge! We try to charge everything!
We had great times with our Aeroplan points…
- Return trip for one from Melbourne, Australia to Hawaii;
- Return trip for two from Vancouver to San Francisco
- Return trip for two from Vancouver to London, UK
- Return trip for two from Vancouver to Chicago
- One way trip for two from Shanghai to Vancouver
- One week stay in New York City – Manhattan 4 star
- A few one night stays in Seattle
- My most recent acquisition Breville Barista Express (BES860XL) http://www.breville.ca/beverages/espresso/the-barista-express.html
As you can see, I do believe that we have put our cards into good use, with the traveling and now espresso maker! But if you look at the total annual charges – that’s $1700 for the last ten years! Yes – too expensive!
For the last six months, I’ve been cheating on my Aeroplan card – I’ve been using my new Costco Amex Rebate Credit Card, where I have already accumulated a Costco rebate of $300!
I finally made the phone call to CIBC Visa last week to ask for my separation! Our ten year relationship ended with a five minute phone call. They didn’t even attempt to waive my annual fee to keep me. I felt so unwanted.
When I make myself a latte in the mornings I still think of the great times that my CIBC Aeroplan Visa had together, but life goes on… time for a new purchase at Costco!
Sleepydad