Retention Bonuses

LearnMS

Level 2 Member
Two questions:

1. How would you frame the conversation for a retention call? Usually I start with 'thinking of canceling the card' and hope they connect me to retention specialist. But it's not the case always.
2. I tried to get annual fee waived for Amex BCP. The agent always said they are glad to cancel or downgrade to a no-fee card. How else to get them to make offers?

I was offered 5k miles on US airways MC card if I spend 1k in 90 days. So I kept it. Annual fee not waived.
 

El Ingeniero

Level 2 Member
Chase Sapphire Preferred:

No real surprise here. Called to question annual fee, offered to downgrade to regular Sapphire card. Asked to downgrade to Freedom which they did w/o a credit inquiry. Credit line just rolled over. I know I eliminated all potential sign up bonuses for a Freedom card by going this route but this was wife's CSP and she's not exactly enthused about having tons of credit cards in her name. This seemed like the path of least resistance, lol. In any event, we've got all the other Chase personal/biz cards but this is our first Freedom so I'll play around with the category spend bonuses.
A small herd of Freedom cards can be very profitable. I'm hoping to build up a stable of 4 between my wife and I. Maxing out 3 quarters of 5X per year on each of 4 Freedom cards would be worth 90K UR. If only there was a way of buying GC at restaurants.
 

idearr

Level 2 Member
Update to post 21 - Arrival + card, annual fee posted late August, I called again and was again denied fee waiver. Will try once more - Barclays allows you to avoid the fee by closing the card within one month from the date the fee hits.
 

kissmyjazz

Level 2 Member
Called about closing my Chase BA card yesterday. AF was not waived, but I was offered 9000 extra avios for $1500 in spend during three months. I took the offer.
 

shoppergirl

Level 2 Member
Called today to inquire about a retention offer for my Barclays Arrival Plus card. The annual fee hits January 29th. First guy I spoke with, just offered to downgrade it. I had a gut feeling from the start of the conversation he was newish and probably wouldn't be much help. I declined the offer and called again. This time, I got transferred to their retention department. Again, I was offered to downgrade the card or increase my credit line. She mentioned that I should call back closer to when the annual fee posted. From what I've read, Barclays tends to waive the fee after it's been posted but not before. I ended up increasing my credit line without a credit pull. She said I had 60 days to cancel and redeem my points to get the annual fee credited back. I'll try again after the annual fee posts. I know some people have cancelled the card, then reapplied for the 40,000 bonus again. I may do that, but I really like this card and use it often for MS and daily spend.
 

idearr

Level 2 Member
Called today to inquire about a retention offer for my Barclays Arrival Plus card. The annual fee hits January 29th. First guy I spoke with, just offered to downgrade it. I had a gut feeling from the start of the conversation he was newish and probably wouldn't be much help. I declined the offer and called again. This time, I got transferred to their retention department. Again, I was offered to downgrade the card or increase my credit line. She mentioned that I should call back closer to when the annual fee posted. From what I've read, Barclays tends to waive the fee after it's been posted but not before. I ended up increasing my credit line without a credit pull. She said I had 60 days to cancel and redeem my points to get the annual fee credited back. I'll try again after the annual fee posts. I know some people have cancelled the card, then reapplied for the 40,000 bonus again. I may do that, but I really like this card and use it often for MS and daily spend.
I had the exact same experiences when I called before the AF hit. Despite their advice to call back after the AF hit, even then the answer was "no waiver." I kept the card open for strategic reasons, but will probably cancel it at some point in next few months so I can apply anew later.

I have seen online a few reports of people who succeeded in getting the fee waiver, but they seem to be the exceptions (and a few had extenuating circumstances). Now, my past experience with the US Air card was that they would almost always waive the fee so obviously the Arrival portfolio is managed differently.
 

shoppergirl

Level 2 Member
My annual fee hit a few days ago on the Arrival card. No go on getting the $89 fee waived. I'm going to keep it open for another month so I can redeem towards a travel reward, then I'm going to cancel. I had $80k in spend and the spend didn't seem to matter. The lady kept offering me another Barclay's card. My husband has the card and his annual fee doesn't hit till March. I'll cancel, wait a month, then apply again.
 

VDebs

Level 2 Member
My first annual fee on the US Airways card hit. Asked about retention bonuses and the fee was waived first thing. Keep in mind though, my spend was pretty paltry this year.
 

fr33b13

Silver Member
I accidently used the Citi Exec when booking a 100K mile reservation. A definite aarrgghhh! moment which turned into a happy surprise when I still get the 10K redemption bonus. Not sure if a fluke or if you get the benefit no matter which Citi AA card you use as long as you have the Platinum. And hopefully I won't be testing it again ;).
You get the 10% back benefit for just having the card. It doesn't matter what card you use for paying the taxes.
 

McRingRing

Level 2 Member
Called to cancel my US Airways card after the annual bonus miles posted and the rep offered to waive the AF. I asked if there were any mileage promos in addition to that and was offered either 10k miles after $3k spend in 90 days or double points on gas and grocery for 90 days. Took the 10k offer. She also raised my CL by $2,500 without a hard pull. My total spend was around $500 for the year.
 

Matt S NYC

Level 2 Member
My annual fee hit a few days ago on the Arrival card. No go on getting the $89 fee waived. I'm going to keep it open for another month so I can redeem towards a travel reward, then I'm going to cancel. I had $80k in spend and the spend didn't seem to matter. The lady kept offering me another Barclay's card. My husband has the card and his annual fee doesn't hit till March. I'll cancel, wait a month, then apply again.
Just called in about Barclays Arrival + and told I was the perfect candidate for waiving the fee but that they just couldn't do it *today*. The agent said it changes day to day and that I should try calling back.
 

Steven58

I like hats.
Excellent thread. Glad I hit it. I just got a lot of points cards. SW business and personal puts me over the 110k points needed for the companion pass. Next year, I'll def do the retention thing. I have Starwood SPG personal and business and will also do the retention thing next year. My desire is to get the citi prestige or amex plat. Waiting for the right timing. Maybe after the ink plus business.
 

shoppergirl

Level 2 Member
Today I called for the second time on my Barclay's Arrival. This time, I didn't ask for a retention offer, but asked to cancel the card. I was transferred to another department. In an attempt to use up my points before I cancelled, I redeemed the $89 annual fee against the points. I was on the phone for a long time with the agent. She never offered to waive the fee and after about 15 minutes discovered that I didn't have to pay my fee this year because I had redeemed the points. So, I guess I'll just keep it for awhile. She did verify I had been approved for the U.S. Airways card. Oh well.
 

ElainePDX

Level 2 Member
From what I have seen and experienced personally in Dec. and Jan., it is easy to get the AF waived on US Airways cards. Between myself and my husband, we have a total of four (2 personal cards each) and I got all the fees waived with little effort. In fact they did it for three cards in one call! In one case I had to call back since the fee hadn't hit, and when I did, I was offered 5000 points if I spent $1000. My little RB (thanks again!) made that easy peasy.

I have also gotten my husband's AF waived on his Arr+, for the last 2 years. But from the reports I have seen elsewhere, they used to do that pretty easily too but now they do not. Indeed, my daughter had no success getting hers waived despite a number of HUCA efforts during the last few weeks, and she had lots of use on the card. She finally just DMed to close it and will reapply.
 

Matt S NYC

Level 2 Member
Tried a couple times on Arrival + in the last couple of weeks. The first agent said I was the perfect customer but he couldn't waive the fee. The second agent said unequivocally that they don't waive fees anymore. Will call one more time next week, but if no success, will cancel and reapply later.
 

shoppergirl

Level 2 Member
From what I have seen and experienced personally in Dec. and Jan., it is easy to get the AF waived on US Airways cards. Between myself and my husband, we have a total of four (2 personal cards each) and I got all the fees waived with little effort. In fact they did it for three cards in one call! In one case I had to call back since the fee hadn't hit, and when I did, I was offered 5000 points if I spent $1000. My little RB (thanks again!) made that easy peasy.

I have also gotten my husband's AF waived on his Arr+, for the last 2 years. But from the reports I have seen elsewhere, they used to do that pretty easily too but now they do not. Indeed, my daughter had no success getting hers waived despite a number of HUCA efforts during the last few weeks, and she had lots of use on the card. She finally just DMed to close it and will reapply.
I think I may try again to close it. I'll update if I have any success in a retention offer. I ended up sending a secure message to close my account and asked them to kindly waive the annual fee. I logged in tonight and my account was indeed closed and they said they'd waive the annual fee. I'll try again in a few months to get the card again. This has been a favorite credit card, and I'm sad to see it to. Hopfeully, I'll get approved again in a few months and another 40,000 bonus points.
 
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Ryan-o

Level 2 Member
Just called in for SPG personal and was offered 3k points or $25 credit. Just an added data point here.
 

amk522

Level 2 Member
AMEX Plat: Just got 2 offers
1) $200 credit
2) 5k MR points immediately + 15K MR after 3K in spend

I prefer option 2. My question is, what happens if I accept option 2, get the points and then ask to downgrade to the PRG. Any issues with that? Seems like a no brainer to me
 

RTR

Level 2 Member
Data point: BOA Alaska Airlines Card. Only offer was to move CL over to BOA travel rewards card. Hard inquiry required which I declined. Cancelled and moved on.
 

VRHunter

Level 2 Member
AMEX Plat: Just got 2 offers
1) $200 credit
2) 5k MR points immediately + 15K MR after 3K in spend

I prefer option 2. My question is, what happens if I accept option 2, get the points and then ask to downgrade to the PRG. Any issues with that? Seems like a no brainer to me
What's your motivation for downgrading to the PRG? Have you ever gotten the signup bonus for it before? If not, I'd sign up for the PRG to get a 50K bonus. If you're looking to just retain MRs the Everday cards would be a more economical way to do that.
 

amk522

Level 2 Member
What's your motivation for downgrading to the PRG? Have you ever gotten the signup bonus for it before? If not, I'd sign up for the PRG to get a 50K bonus. If you're looking to just retain MRs the Everday cards would be a more economical way to do that.
Good point. My wife hasn't had the PRG. So no need to burn the opportunity to get that bonus. The move should be the Everyday to retain the MR points. Will AMEX clawback the points earned from the retention if I tell them I have decided to downgrade to the Everyday?
 

VRHunter

Level 2 Member
Good point. My wife hasn't had the PRG. So no need to burn the opportunity to get that bonus. The move should be the Everyday to retain the MR points. Will AMEX clawback the points earned from the retention if I tell them I have decided to downgrade to the Everyday?
I don't think they would, but I've never tried it personally. Seems like a small amount of points to ruffle their feathers.
 

fr33b13

Silver Member
I was offered 25,000 MR points to keep my AMEX PRG open. SCORE! too bad I didn't get this before the BA 40% bonus.
 

rhinodh

Level 2 Member
Called to cancel my US Airways card after the annual bonus miles posted and the rep offered to waive the AF. I asked if there were any mileage promos in addition to that and was offered either 10k miles after $3k spend in 90 days or double points on gas and grocery for 90 days. Took the 10k offer. She also raised my CL by $2,500 without a hard pull. My total spend was around $500 for the year.
I had the same exact experience a few days ago.
 

kampung

Level 2 Member
Just an FYI, if you plan to close your Chase card anyway, just wait for the yearly bonus to post first, be it 1 free night at marriot/ihg, or 3,000 SW points, or 6,000 SW points, or United Club passes... they all tend to show up during your 12 cycle or right as it closes, so you can still close the card and get the your annual fee refund and keep that yearly giveaway. Final note, if you close the card, ask to transfer you credit limit to another Chase card, you may need it later if you don't get auto approved for a card in the future.

Cheers,

PedroNY
Quick question - requesting AF refund after the annual bonus/credit post is doable with Amex too? If so, what is the cut-off 30 or 60 days? i know Chase allows refund within 60 days after the AF posting.
 

3rddayfan

New Member
I also called to advise I would likely cancel the Arrival citing the AF and the end of my beloved 0% APR first year incentive. I was told I had a choice: he could cancel me within minutes or I could change over to the non-AF card (2x dining and travel). I advised since I had some time, could I please transfer a portion of my US MC CL over to my Arrival? He replied he had to transfer my call. Next rep took my request, handled it and then told me if I was still planning to cancel, to call back and transfer the remaining CL over to the US MC. Seemed surprised I was not offered something to keep me, citing I had spent well and handled account well. Offered to put me on hold and see if there was an exception for someone like me. I thanked him but I was in a bit of a hurry because I had arrived at my destination. These calls can sometimes equate to complete driving times in their extension as one has three reps in one phone call!
 

Daniel

#hackingtheplane(t)
Hubby's SPG hits next week for first time and have heard they are not as generous. Hate to give up that card as it's the one we use for AA miles (better than Citi AAdvantage, especially this month!). If anyone has any good SPG news (like, can I cancel it and get it again in a year?), please let me know.
Amex will only allow you to receive a sign-up bonus once on personal cards (this is not true of business cards). I believe you'd still get the first year's annual fee waived, though.

Anybody have any data points on the Club Carlson card from US bank?
This is actually something you're very unlikely to find, since no one cancels the card. The 40000 pts on anniversary more than make up for the annual fee, and it's already hard enough to even be accepted by U.S. Bank for their cards. If you still really want to cancel it, bear in mind that the future signup would only really net you the difference between the anniversary bonus (40k) and signup bonus (85k). Value the points at whatever you like and that's the 'cost' of your credit pull (if you even get accepted for the card again).
 

Daniel

#hackingtheplane(t)
Quick question - requesting AF refund after the annual bonus/credit post is doable with Amex too? If so, what is the cut-off 30 or 60 days? i know Chase allows refund within 60 days after the AF posting.
I believe it's 60 days, and then after that they'll pro-rate your refund (e.g. if you cancel after 6 months you'll get half back).
 

kampung

Level 2 Member
I believe it's 60 days, and then after that they'll pro-rate your refund (e.g. if you cancel after 6 months you'll get half back).
great, thanks. Didnt know about the pro-rate part. Is that an Amex thing or standard deal across all issuers?
Learn something new everyday.
 

LearnMS

Level 2 Member
My mileagePlus card is due for AF. Called in to get a $100 statement. he rep said there is no miles offer for my account. Took it. Not sure if I would got a better offer though...
 

Joseph

Level 2 Member
Just a data point. Membership fee for SPG personal CC showed on my account this month. Called AMEX today was offered 1.5k points after spending $1k in 60 days.
 
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