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

[ff-jr]

My Velocity Platinum annual fee posts this week. Just called, spoke to O/S call centre, no offer on my account. 10yr member, $35k-$40k annual spend, have never requested or received a retention offer in the past.

Card cancellation processed, and they then tried to sell me on the Essential card.

My 2019 and 2020 free flights were booked and subsequently cancelled because of Covid restrictions both times, and I wasn't re-credited for either (Amex and Virgin both sent me around in circles). Still feeling pretty salty about that.

 

[Daver6]

MrsDaver6 call this morning to see what was on offer. She's had a QF Ultimate card for 15 years or so. Only Amex card. Did the cancel dance and not a single point on offer. She cancelled and will revisit in 18 months. Little surprised at the lack of offer for her. It's not like she'd called up previously to request a retention bonus either.

 

[sambo]

MrsDaver6 call this morning to see what was on offer. She's had a QF Ultimate card for 15 years or so. Only Amex card. Did the cancel dance and not a single point on offer. She cancelled and will revisit in 18 months. Little surprised at the lack of offer for her. It's not like she'd called up previously to request a retention bonus either.

Seems to be pretty common unfortunately.

Has anyone had success with retention offers on anything other than charge cards though? I know the law changed to disallow enticements to not cancel apply to credit cards (but not charge cards). However they were doing the cancel/immediately reinstate dance for a while on credit cards too I thought?

I had great success with retention offer on my Plat charge - but wondering if it is worth a shot with my Plat Reserve credit card too?

 

[Daver6]

Seems to be pretty common unfortunately.

Has anyone had success with retention offers on anything other than charge cards though? I know the law changed to disallow enticements to not cancel apply to credit cards (but not charge cards). However they were doing the cancel/immediately reinstate dance for a while on credit cards too I thought?

I had great success with retention offer on my Plat charge - but wondering if it is worth a shot with my Plat Reserve credit card too?

I can't see the point. If you're on a grandfathered Plat Reserve with the travel credit, then it's in their interest for you to cancel it.

 

[DC3]

I can't see the point. If you're on a grandfathered Plat Reserve with the travel credit, then it's in their interest for you to cancel it.

Yes, but no-one here seems to know how the Amex logic actually works.

 

[Dr Ralph]

but no-one here seems to know how the Amex logic actually works.

I don't think that is true.

I know how it works. It's a complete lottery!

 

[kingzac]

Called regarding my QF Ultimate card and was told that since 2018 they could not offer any sort of retention bonus. Offered decreased card limit or change to fee free card instead.
Definitely seems to be a charge card only retention bonus.

 

[Daver6]

Called regarding my QF Ultimate card and was told that since 2018 they could not offer any sort of retention bonus. Offered decreased card limit or change to fee free card instead.
Definitely seems to be a charge card only retention bonus.

You have to go through the cancel and reinstate dance to trigger any retention offer.

 

[kingzac]

You have to go through the cancel and reinstate dance to trigger any retention offer.

Thanks, I went through the cancel dance, what is the process of the reinstate leg of the dance, do they call to offer to reinstate or do I press them?

 

[Daver6]

Thanks, I went through the cancel dance, what is the process of the reinstate leg of the dance, do they call to offer to reinstate or do I press them?

On the same call, right after you cancel, just ask if there is an offer to reinstate. Even if there isn't you can just ask them to reinstate the card. No harm done.

 

[kingzac]

On the same call, right after you cancel, just ask if there is an offer to reinstate. Even if there isn't you can just ask them to reinstate the card. No harm done.

Thanks again, I've read this thread so many times but it seemed to always be about the charge card, I'll give it a go and report back for the group.

 

[DC3]

Called regarding my QF Ultimate card and was told that since 2018 they could not offer any sort of retention bonus. Offered decreased card limit or change to fee free card instead.
Definitely seems to be a charge card only retention bonus.

Wrong information provided to you, unfortunately. Manila?

 

[DC3]

... I've read this thread so many times but it seemed to always be about the charge card ...

I’m repeating earlier information. However:

For credit cards:

1. Cancel the card
2. Ask if there’s an offer to keep the card. Computer says Yes or No. Maybe you’ll get some points.
3. Get them to reinstate the card (before hanging up)

Edited

 

[kingzac]

Wrong information provided to you, unfortunately. Manila?

First call was Manilla, second was Australia.

Credit cards:

1. Cancel the card
2. Ask if there’s an offer to keep the card. Computer says Yes or No. Maybe you’ll get some points.
3. Get them to reinstate the card (before hanging up)

I've just been through the dance again and went through the cancellation.
Long story short, went through with the process and was told they couldn't reinstate card once decision to cancel was made. Went through with cancellation and asked if there was a reinstatement offer, was told no, she would have offered it if there was one.
I was planning on cancelling the card anyway so not overly concerned, but it would have been nice.

 

[DC3]

... Long story short, went through with the process and was told they couldn't reinstate card once decision to cancel was made ...

Wrong information provided to you again, unfortunately.

Edit: Although not relevant now that you have cancelled, but there’s nothing to be lost by HUACA as often as you like

 

[DC3]

I seem to recall that cards may be reinstated within 30 days of cancellation. Happy to be corrected on this.

 

[kingzac]

I'll give them a call one day soon and check. I intended on cancelling soon but since I need about 60k QF points more for a booking next year I was hoping it would be an easy way to chip away at it.
I appreciate you guys helping out along the way, even if it didn't pan out.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I seem to recall that cards may be reinstated within 30 days of cancellation. Happy to be corrected on this.

100% correct.

 

[albyd]

100% correct.

I believe this has changed to reinstate on the same call or apply for a new account. Meant to stop people from reporting a card cancelled while applying for other credit then reinstating it right after.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I believe this has changed to reinstate on the same call or apply for a new account. Meant to stop people from reporting a card cancelled while applying for other credit then reinstating it right after.

Recent experiences suggest still available. Cancel letter even specified this was an option.