Navigating Credit Card Fees and Maximizing Value

Understand how new tariffs may hit your wallet and whether premium credit card fees are still worth it.

What do new U.S. tariffs mean for prices on everyday goods and cars? What should you consider when choosing a premium travel credit card? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the latest economic indicators and the changing landscape of credit card perks to help you understand how today’s macroeconomics and personal finance decisions intersect. Joined by news Nerds Anna Helhoski and Rick VanderKnyff, the team unpacks key insights from recent federal data drops. They begin with a discussion of the latest tariffs and economic reports, with tips and tricks on understanding how import duties impact consumer prices, why inflation could be on the rise again, and how job growth revisions may affect consumer sentiment. 

Then, credit card Nerd Melissa Lambarena joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss whether high-fee premium cards still deliver value. They cover how reward structures are changing, when it makes sense to downgrade instead of cancel, and how opening or closing a card affects your credit score.

Take the Smart Money Podcast Listener Survey 2025 and enter to win a prize! https://nerdwallet.com/podsurvey 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Makes Big Changes: Higher Fee, New Rates, More Perks https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve-overhaul-june-2025 

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred 

• Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-unlimited 

• American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum 

• 5 Things to Know About the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/5-things-to-know-about-the-bank-of-america-premium-rewards-elite-credit-card 

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In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: tariffs 2025, credit card downgrade effects, new credit card impact on credit score, consumer inflation trends 2025, unemployment report July 2025, core PCE inflation rate, job growth revisions BLS, credit card rewards explained, travel credit card comparison, high annual fee credit cards, credit card utilization ratio, closing credit card and credit score, 2025 economic outlook, de minimis exemption 2025, trade war impact on consumers, credit card strategy during inflation, interest rates and consumer debt, credit card perks vs cost, credit card churn risks, emergency fund importance 2025, how tariffs raise consumer prices, July 2025 consumer sentiment, credit card reward program changes, and economic uncertainty and spending.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

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