Chances are you have a credit card, and for the use of that card you pay an annual fee. (Bank of America card holders are one example.) In my case it was $36 per year. Here's the news: Most banks will waive the charge if you just ask. One technique: Call up the vendor, usually via an 800 number that's on your monthly statement or on the back of your credit card. Tell them that you want to cancel your card because you have found a competitor that charges no annual fee, then ask if they will do the same.
While I was on the phone I also asked if they could give me a lower interest rate. The answer was yes. Just ask.
STREET CRED
The Ecology of CommerceCrashin' Windows
Hi-Fi-Fo-Fum, Pick the Wallets of the Dumb
Ada, the Enchantress of Numbers
Credit Cards: Bite Back
Tumbling into the Paperless Office
