This pandemic has impacted us all tremendously. Airlines have been changing their rules regarding refunds and credits. However, if the airline canceled your flight, you are entitled to a refund, regardless of how difficult it currently seems, at least with American carriers.
According to the Department of Transportation, “Although the COVID-19 public health emergency has had an unprecedented impact on air travel, the airlines’ obligation to refund passengers for canceled or significantly delayed flights remains unchanged”.
If you will be flying once the restrictions are over and your financial resources are stable, then accepting airline credit is a good idea. It’s a faster process, you can avoid a long conversation, and airlines will have more liquidity that could save some jobs (at least that’s my wishful thinking). However, if you need a refund, call them and make sure you get it. You might have to wait on hold for hours. It might be a long conversation, but make sure the airline knows that’s your decision, and the airline should honor it.