# When Can You Downgrade Your Credit Card?

_May 27 17:00_

Tags: American Airlines, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, American Express, policy change, airline, hotel, credit card, fee change, service policy change

An evergreen guide explaining the rules and timing for downgrading credit cards across major issuers like American Express, including waiting periods and family restrictions

## Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide on downgrading credit cards to lower annual fees. It explains that downgrading typically avoids a new credit inquiry and preserves account history. Key details include American Express's general one-year waiting period to avoid losing rewards, restrictions on downgrading between personal and business cards, and the requirement to stay within the same card family (e.g., Delta, Hilton, Marriott). It also notes that welcome bonus eligibility may be affected by downgrading

## Why it matters

Affects 2 airline programs (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines). Spans 2 hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy). Card-issuer angle via American Express, Capital One, Chase.

## Sources cited

- [The Points Guy](https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/downgrade-card-when) — When can you downgrade your credit card?

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