Amex "I'm going to cancel my card" - bonus points given thread.

[djchuckles]

Nope - stil no dice - maybe its because my fee has already been charged. She did say the only thing available on her system is a move to the Gold Charge Card. She also said I see you're paying a discounted annual fee of $750 so maybe thats why they're not budging. To be fair I called their bluff right up to the point when she was processing the cancellation and then backed out and asked for resolutions to call me. For $750 its worth my while keeping due to the travel credit and Accor plus - but obviously not going to budge on giving me any points

 

[Mr_Orange]

Nope - stil no dice - maybe its because my fee has already been charged. She did say the only thing available on her system is a move to the Gold Charge Card. She also said I see you're paying a discounted annual fee of $750 so maybe thats why they're not budging. To be fair I called their bluff right up to the point when she was processing the cancellation and then backed out and asked for resolutions to call me. For $750 its worth my while keeping due to the travel credit and Accor plus - but obviously not going to budge on giving me any points

Since it is no longer available, what would the Gold Charge card cost, what are its benefits, earn rates and redemption rates?

 

[djchuckles]

Since it is no longer available, what would the Gold Charge card cost, what are its benefits, earn rates and redemption rates?

Didn't even ask.....

 

[theblank]

Obviously not definitive, but it seems those who try cancel close or just after the annual fee is to get rewarded. Those who just call up to try it out, get nothing.

that would appear to be obvious to me. If i was Amex I would assume anyone ringing up 'mid-year' is bluffing.

 

[WeeWillyWonka]

Called to cancel Platinum Edge and Qantas Ultimate - was offered 40,000 points to keep each card. Common factor mentioned by each consultant was length of membership (+10 years). Have put less than $1000 through Qantas card in the last 6 months. Accepted both offers

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Amex should introduce an xx,xx_ points on anniversary gift available to every member, then take a hard line on card cancellations via phone.

That way it adds a new benefit to the card while putting a halt to the merry-go-round fake card cancellation calls each year.

 

[albyd]

I keep getting thanked for being a member for over 20 years (suddenly feeling quite old) but no bonus for me.

If truth be told, I’ve had a decent haul of MR points from spend last few years so haven’t been points poor. Always nice to get something for free though.

 

[Mr_Orange]

Amex should introduce an xx,xx_ points on anniversary gift available to every member, then take a hard line on card cancellations via phone.

That way it adds a new benefit to the card while putting a halt to the merry-go-round fake card cancellation calls each year.

Steady on there t_t_r, you are talking about actually rewarding loyalty !

 

[albyd]

They’ve done this with business explorer already. Might be worth considering for other cards particularly now it will cost half as much with the devaluation. Probably rule it off at cards in the Explorer annual fee range.

 

[DC3]

I keep getting thanked for being a member for over 20 years (suddenly feeling quite old) but no bonus for me ….

Exactly. I know how you feel.

 

[SOPOOR]

Exactly. I know how you feel.

i thought it was just a script they follow

"thank you sir for being a loyal customer, we see you have been with us since ........dec 2018"

 

[DC3]

i thought it was just a script they follow

"thank you sir for being a loyal customer, we see you have been with us since ........dec 2018"

Since Dec 2018. Did they actually say that to you?

 

[SOPOOR]

Since Dec 2018. Did they actually say that to you?

not quite, mine was July 2018!

 

[momad]

Called again to try to change Explo - Plat Edge and got told that they can do it but AUD5 for every 1k points transferred to Ascent. And, there is a new legislation for 2019 that Amex cannot offer retention bonuses now and when a consumer ask to cancel, they will just proceed to cancel.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Called again to try to change Explo - Plat Edge and got told that they can do it but AUD5 for every 1k points transferred to Ascent. And, there is a new legislation for 2019 that Amex cannot offer retention bonuses now and when a consumer ask to cancel, they will just proceed to cancel.

Sounds like you were liked to by Amex too.

 

[benjy]

You can now cancel your amex credit cards online. Unable to close Charge cards yet.
I went to cancel my reserve but held off as going to cancel Charge tomorrow. Will ask to transfer credit limit across to Qantas Premium before closing.

Will be interested to see if I'm offered a retention bonus (if any) but is not going to make a difference as I don't/will not use the Charge (or the associated memberships) to justify the annual fee.

 

[benjy]

You can now cancel your amex credit cards online. Unable to close Charge cards yet.
I went to cancel my reserve but held off as going to cancel Charge tomorrow. Will ask to transfer credit limit across to Qantas Premium before closing.

Will be interested to see if I'm offered a retention bonus (if any) but is not going to make a difference as I don't/will not use the Charge (or the associated memberships) to justify the annual fee.

Was offered 70,000 points to keep the Charge and Reserve open despite holding a balance on Qantas Premium.
Knocked it back as just can't justify the Annual Fee for this year.

 

[auflier]

Called again to try to change Explo - Plat Edge and got told that they can do it but AUD5 for every 1k points transferred to Ascent. And, there is a new legislation for 2019 that Amex cannot offer retention bonuses now and when a consumer ask to cancel, they will just proceed to cancel.

Yep, according to Amex, due to change of "Australian Law" (i've not researched which law, may be nccp?) when they are approached by members to cancel their cards/accounts, Amex will proceed to cancel the card/account. Once this is done, at the same call point, if the system reveals (after cancellations) that there are bonus offers, Amex will advise you. If members accept the offer for staying with Amex, they will reinstating your card/account and add the bonus offer. This can not be done prior to cancellation and no one is able to know that there will be an offer - system generated.

Well, appraise to our capable law makers in Australia. After their costly legislative update and implementation, credit providers can always find a way. Consumer is always disadvantaged. No wonder it encourages opportunistic behaviours.

 

[Mr_Orange]

Well, appraise to our capable law makers in Australia. After their costly legislative update and implementation, credit providers can always find a way. Consumer is always disadvantaged. No wonder it encourages opportunistic behaviours.

Exactly. It was just the same with credit card surcharging. The change in law 'advertised' to businesses that it 'OK by the government' to surcharge so some businesses which didn't surcharge, now do!

 

[auflier]

Exactly. It was just the same with credit card surcharging. The change in law 'advertised' to businesses that it 'OK by the government' to surcharge so some businesses which didn't surcharge, now do!

And opportunist behaviours are not just by businesses, also by card users. This change will no doubt add costs to businesses and guess who will be bearing it...

We have way too less competition (i mean competitive providers and products) here in Australia. Many financial institutions, only few products that are worthy the attention of credit warriors. Premium offers from worthy providers will do what they can to squeeze margins - well in amex case, no others offer better benefits and points. (citi prestige is a joke)

I wish for more competitive products in near future. And there won't be any, until we demand it.