PRG Card Retention Bonus
- Thread starter dzcinci
- Start date
Lotta Travel
Level 2 Member
Good to know. I'm about to pull the trigger on that card for my "lifetime" and don't want to fret over AF when it comes up as is no longer churnable.
Lotta Travel
Level 2 Member
I had around $20k spent on the card in the previous 12 months
Lotta Travel
Level 2 Member
Miles to the Wild
Level 2 Member
My PRG is around 11 months old, I'd be happy to get 25k for the annual fee, but I don't think I'll get it as I only did minimum spend then sock-drawered it. But if I can't get a deal, I would rather cancel it than pay $175!
PRG is a favorite of mine. 2x at grocery means 0.59c per MR. Also gets 2x on gas and 3x on airfare. Can get even lower cost points if able to take advantage of Amex transfer bonuses (to BA Avios etc). And with $30K spend, get 15K MR bonus. I put $200K a year on my PRG. Gave me 25K retention bonus.
I view the 15K bonus for $30K spend as covering cost of the AF as points effectively cost 1c. PRG is a card I'll keep in my wallet for a long time.
I view the 15K bonus for $30K spend as covering cost of the AF as points effectively cost 1c. PRG is a card I'll keep in my wallet for a long time.
Lotta Travel
Level 2 Member
Just got this card and I'm working on the 2k spend. How are they with $500 VCG and Amex Gift card purchases? I'm thinking continuing to use it past the bonus so that they waive the AF next year or I hit 30k. I'd only get there will fairly massive gift carding though.
Vast majority of my PRG spend is vgc and AGC. Never a hassle. I prefer Amex over all other card issuers. You shouldn't have any problem unless your income is no where near what you stated on your application.
Definitely do the $30K if at all possible. Looks like that's enough to get good retention bonus.
Definitely do the $30K if at all possible. Looks like that's enough to get good retention bonus.
Miles to the Wild
Level 2 Member
Well I finally made the call and couldn't squeeze any bonus points. It was someone in the Manila call centre if that matters? There was an option to "push x to cancel a card".
He tried really hard to get me to switch to the Everyday card which doesn't suit an expat as I don't spend in US grocery stores. Then he tried to pitch me a Delta card. I hinted at the 25k retention bonus and he said he didn't have anything like that and thought I was referring to the sign up bonus. I told him I would spend the MR points I have left and call back to cancel. I have less than 150 MR so probably not possible.
What do I have to say to get the 25k? Does this only appear if I wait until the $175 annual fee posts? I thought others had gotten it at 11 months.
He tried really hard to get me to switch to the Everyday card which doesn't suit an expat as I don't spend in US grocery stores. Then he tried to pitch me a Delta card. I hinted at the 25k retention bonus and he said he didn't have anything like that and thought I was referring to the sign up bonus. I told him I would spend the MR points I have left and call back to cancel. I have less than 150 MR so probably not possible.
What do I have to say to get the 25k? Does this only appear if I wait until the $175 annual fee posts? I thought others had gotten it at 11 months.
Did you talk to retention specialist? I think Amex calls them Member Specialists or something. Frontline CSR can't do anything.
Retention offers are based on spend, so if you didn't put much spend on the card, don't expect much, if anything. Remember, they'll try to get you to take the least generous offer. Always specifically ask for their "best" offer.
Retention offers are based on spend, so if you didn't put much spend on the card, don't expect much, if anything. Remember, they'll try to get you to take the least generous offer. Always specifically ask for their "best" offer.
Miles to the Wild
Level 2 Member
Just did HUACA and got put through to a specialist, no luck. I closed the account. As I said above, I did the minimum spend then sock-drawered it and the lady made a point of commenting that I didn't use the card much. Most of our expenses are overseas and the CSP and Ink cards have no forex fees. I still have the SPG Amex which I plan to keep.
Keemster26
Level 2 Member
Any update on retention offers lately?
Keemster26
Level 2 Member
Wow! Great to know! Thanks for the data point
Keemster26
Level 2 Member
What did you tell them? I tried everything from huca to chatting. Nothing being offered besides a $20 goodwill
Just called up them and told them that I liked having the card since I've been an AMEX loyalist for about 5+ years but that the card honestly had no real value to me, since I did not see myself using the benefits in the future, but would keep the card if there was something they could offer me. After a little back and forth and "checking with the manager" they offered me the 15K. I would keep trying sometimes it's just having some luck with representative you get on the other end. Hope this helps.
Keemster26
Level 2 Member
I have only had the card for 2 yrs. I told them I don't use the benefits so they offered to downgrade.