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

I believe that Amex knows the potential worth of every card-holder. Retention offers are all about that.

The CSO seems to have no authority to offer anything other than what the computer spits out. Computer offers may change as we approach, or following, the annual fee posting.

It’s intriguing to read about some offers that are posted here. However, none of us really know how it works. I dropped my Platinum card when the offers dried up.
 
I think it also is a function of how much we use the card, how many Direct debits there are, points balance, etc - if we have heaps of points and usage and direct debits, unlikely to get a retention offer than if we have no direct debits and spend that can be made on another card - at least that's what I've interpreted from the posts I've seen in this thread. I have high ongoing spend and a high MR points balance so unlikely (and haven't got since my first year of charge card membership) to get any offers but never hurts to ask.
 
Annual fee just turned up on my Platinum Charge card. Called up and went through the usual spiel about reduced benefits. I asked for a fee reduction which they obviously don't do. They mentioned a card downgrade but said I wasn't interested. They asked what I'd do then and I said I might need to consider cancelling but would think about it. I then asked if they could compensate with points and computer said yes to 50k points.
 
albyd said:
I think it also is a function of how much we use the card, how many Direct debits there are, points balance, etc - if we have heaps of points and usage and direct debits, unlikely to get a retention offer than if we have no direct debits and spend that can be made on another card - at least that's what I've interpreted from the posts I've seen in this thread. I have high ongoing spend and a high MR points balance so unlikely (and haven't got since my first year of charge card membership) to get any offers but never hurts to ask.
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I'm starting to think the same now.
I also have 3 lots of travel vouchers to use up.
They know I'm staying....
 
Ktan89 said:
What do you say to them ms1? I need to call up this week. doubt I'll get anything though. Never gotten any retention bonus on my plat ever..
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The first call before the annual fee hit I had the full on discussion about perks/benefits of the card etc.
When I called this week after my annual fee hit I straight out said to them "I'm considering closing my account - Are there any offers available to retain me?".
I think for the platinum card dancing around the subject with the agent is pointless and you can straight out ask for an offer.
 
ms1 said:
… I think for the platinum card dancing around the subject with the agent is pointless and you can straight out ask for an offer.
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Yes. Cut to the chase. Dancing around seems to yield nothing. Manila just reads from a script.
 
I find it hard to believe that in all the years this forum has been operating, we've had no ex employee (or friend of a friend) who can verify anything about how AMEX approach these issues.
 
WeeWillyWonka said:
Never heard of being anonymous and covert?

More than one way to skin a cat, Herr Doktor, Dr.
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Never heard of ethical considerations or litigation for breaching contractual obligations. I've acted for clients in this area previously. They never go well for the person that's breached the clause in my experience.
 
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Dr Ralph said:
Never heard of ethical considerations or litigation for breaching contractual obligations. I've acted for clients in this area previously. They never go well for the person that's breach the clause in my experience.
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Additionally, posting on the internet is not nearly as anonymous as people might think. Unless you're an absolute expert in the field, tracking you don't isn't overly difficult.
 
WeeWillyWonka said:
I find it hard to believe that in all the years this forum has been operating, we've had no ex employee (or friend of a friend) who can verify anything about how AMEX approach these issues.
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U do know that even not related to 'retention' offers, being a centurion card holder you CANT disclose the benefits you are enjoying? Thats even from consumers side.
To check detailed benefit for centurion card u need to login. Its not like plat charge u can just see it in website
 
It seems ironic for the legal doxers posting in this forum to be advocating black and white when many posts are about "gaming the system". But you're right, back on topic....

*edited for typo error - ugh, I hate fat fingers
 
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WeeWillyWonka said:
It seems ironic for the legal doxers posting in this forum to be advoicated black and white when many posts are about "gaming the system". But you're right, back on topic....
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IMHO, the two are completely different. One is illegal and the other is maximising benefits within the rules. Just like the difference between tax avoidance and tax minimisation.
 
Daver6 said:
IMHO, the two are completely different. One is illegal and the other is maximising benefits within the rules. Just like the difference between tax avoidance and tax minimisation.
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As Kerry Packer put on the agenda - Tax Evasion vs Tax Avoidance. One is legal and the other is criminal. Wish I could remember which one...

With 'gaming the system' on CC points offerings - I disagree about the ethical point as the CC companies, as a principle business tenet, set out to turn people who pay off the full balance into debt junkies who pay interest every month.

Similar to Telco's who's goal is to get people addicted to their mobile phones to the point that the phone bill is paid in preference to medical, education & mortgage payments.
 
I tried once more today. Happy to say that I finally got offered something.. 70k!!
Not as big as the others on here but still pretty happy about it. I tried to go for 100k but he said no.

They can see everything on the system. How much points accumulated the past year, how it was accumulated and when.
 
Ktan89 said:
I tried once more today. Happy to say that I finally got offered something.. 70k!!
Not as big as the others on here but still pretty happy about it. I tried to go for 100k but he said no.

They can see everything on the system. How much points accumulated the past year, how it was accumulated and when.
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May i know what card do u hold and if its a charge card whats the spending power?
 
Rohit said:
Platinum Edge Card

Computer said Yes

30,000 Points
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That's awesome - well done! Was this via a phone call or live chat?
My PE AF is due at the end of this month (Thursday!) so I'd like to get a retention bonus in before then if possible.
 

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