Credit cards have a time and place in our lives.  At one point, every credit card ceases to serve its intended function, making it a sensible idea to finally end the relationship.

Having a pretty decent credit record, I’ve been able to acquire a number of good rewards cards over the years.  Some were extremely attractive when they first came but lost their charm as my lifestyle changed with the times.  Others, however, continue to serve me well.

Two different things prompted me to recently cut out a couple of my rewards credit cards.  The first, I ditched for the fact that I rarely use it anymore, making the annual fee a nuisance expense I don’t care to really bother with.  The second, I would have kept, if not for recent actions from the issuer that have basically left the rewards program less than what I signed up for.

I used to travel a lot and my miles rewards credit card proved a truly faithful companion during the time.  However, I’ve more or less settled both my business and my relationships in a single state now and rarely fly.  As a result, I had that card canceled as soon as renewal loomed.

With the current economic climate, many rewards cards have updated their terms in a way that render them pretty much useless.  Citi Bank is especially guilty of this one, essentially devaluing the points you can earn along with those you’ve already earned.  I’ve already parted ways with my Citi Card too.