Don't lose sleep over this. All banks will state that the annual fees is chargable but in reality its hard see a new card application not bundled with a free annual fee waiver. (If they want to charge you) You will see this transaction being posted in your first bill and never ever pay anything to the cc application agent coz if they ask money from you then something is wrong already. Walk away and report this to the bank (they are so-called representing) ASAP!

What I suggest you to do ... if the bank really charge you annual fee, call CS immediately and cancel the card. Don't tolerate bad CS / unfulfilled promises by agents and send a clear signal to the bank not to bully you as a consumer!

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Added on October 5, 2008, 6:43 pm

Just to add ... why apply the same card from the same bank lah my friend ? Best practice when you are travelling is to carry cards of different banks. If one fails at least you have a chance from another bank. If Bank A fails ... most probably both cards that you carry will fail as they use the same authentication gateway.

Well if you still want to do it .... you can only apply for a MC if your current card is already a VISA and likewise. Not sure about whether you will get shared or seperate CL but seperate CL will not be combined if you cancel one of the card.