Amex Credit Card Retention Offer

Lcallum0001 on 24/02/2022 - 15:44

This might be topical as a lot of cheapies probably signed up for the AMEX offer last year where they were offering $400-$500 bonus Airpoints when you signed up to the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card.

I called up their 0800 number to cancel the card today as the $195 annual renewal fee was coming up. They asked the usual sort of questions, why was I leaving, do you know how many points you have earnt this year etc.etc. but I stuck to my guns and insisted I was going to cancel the card.

Their automated customer retention system instructed the consultant to offer me $500 Airpoints to stay with American Express. She said that this does vary from customer to customer, and it is likely dependent on how much money you spend on your card each month. All in all I thought this experience was worth sharing. Please note that you will still have to pay the annual account fee so I'm really only $300 up which is the same reward that ASB is offering at the moment with their True Rewards card.

However, if you're like me and want Airpoints for when the borders open up again and have a high average monthly spend, this trick could be worth trying even if you are happy with your Amex card.

General Discussion

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Comments

  • Alan6984 on 24/02/2022 - 16:04

    Well played Callum!

  • Daverino on 24/02/2022 - 17:40

    Hoping I get the same offer when I get to 1 year on my card. What reason did you give for why you were leaving?

    • callum0001 on 24/02/2022 - 18:03

      Amex wasn't accepted at many of the small stores that I go to.

  • justaddwater on 24/02/2022 - 17:46

    How much did you spend last year?

  • callum0001 on 24/02/2022 - 18:03
    +1

    ~$30k

    • Alan6984 on 25/02/2022 - 10:27

      That worth close to $1,000 pa to Amex so they will want to keep it coming :-)

    • sunshinenz on 25/02/2022 - 11:46

      On 30k spend you get $508 airpoints dollars, less $195 fee = $313 net. I'm not sure how often people can play the game of calling to cancel to get a retention offer.

      On 30k spend you can get $750 worth of rewards from BNZ Platinum Visa. Annual fee is $90 (or $110 with one additional card holder) but easily waived every year if you have enough business with them.

      • Superpower21 on 25/02/2022 - 12:32

        Can you explain how do you get $750 from 30k spending on bnz platinum visa please.

          • gooddeals on 24/03/2022 - 22:24

            @sunshinenz: Caution though the $750 is not easy to get, first, you have to fuel up 50L everytime.. caution with expiry of discount which is 1 to 2 months, also caution with you have spending that are up and down each month, will mean that you may need to fill out 100L or more in a month or so.. works well if you use a lot of fuel, may be less so for others.

            I used to get the fee waiver from BNZ as well, but come to the conclusion that may be getting the bonus on a new application may be a better option (as I see the opportunity passing by), and historically they had been offering 1000 flybuys points on new application, (and stacked with free fee from companies or organisation with "work perks" with BNZ in the past).

            https://www.cheapies.nz/node/27309

            • sunshinenz on 24/03/2022 - 22:43

              @gooddeals: I've been using this flybuys fuel points scheme since day 1. I fill up 4 (52 litre) tanks each month. I get 1-2 free (50 litre) tanks each month from credit card spending.

              • gooddeals on 24/03/2022 - 23:06

                @sunshinenz: sounds like the card suits you well.

                May consider additional free fuel from power company sign up. At least a very good short term signup offer with no contract..
                https://www.cheapies.nz/node/31239

                • sunshinenz on 24/03/2022 - 23:12

                  @gooddeals: Did that once last year. Z Electric is the most primitive power company ever. No online portal, they don't even tell you your last reading and current reading in the invoice.

                  • gooddeals on 24/03/2022 - 23:32

                    @sunshinenz: one go per person I think only for the bonus fuel..

                    Indeed, very minimalistic. Can't deny the bonus offer was good on signing with no contract. in the short term you literally "earn" from it.

        • sunshinenz on 25/02/2022 - 15:42
          +1

          I usually spend about 40k/year. No mortgage or insurance or KiwiSaver with them, but salaries are paid into our BNZ accounts. Every 6 months I write an email asking if they could waive the fee given our total banking with them. No threats to leave. It has worked in the last several years.

          • Alan6984 on 25/02/2022 - 16:41

            @sunshinenz: I like that approach - better than threatening to leave right up front.

            Leaves you the option to 'escalate' if necessary / desirable too.

  • Reavers6 on 25/02/2022 - 09:15

    Most banks will have some kind of retention offer but I did not expect AMEX to have something this big. Definitely need to call as my card is coming up for renewal too. Thanks!!

  • HappyChipMonk on 25/02/2022 - 11:54

    rang and only got 300. First year on the card 11.5 months in.. spend for this year was probably towards $50k at least. Tried to advise that a "friend" (you) got 500 but they wouldnt give it to me.

    behavior on my card is I pay the entire balance at the end of the month (never paid interest) and my limit is $6k

    would be interesting to see if anyone else gets that deal of 500 points.

  • Superpower21 on 25/02/2022 - 19:34

    Thanks for posting this. How long have you been with Amex? $500 airpoint is a really good retention offer. I have been with them for a very long time and they offered me 100000 reward points in 2020 (my card fee is $325) but nothing in 2021. I saw a discussion on a forum saying they only offer retention once every two years.

  • Lewynz on 05/03/2022 - 16:10

    Just renewed my amex - 4 months earlier than the actual year ended. Only got the $300, but my annual spend has been stuff all. I'm surprised they wanted to retain me! So I'm basically up $105 after the annual fee, but it's still $105 free airpoint $!

  • catchthelight on 10/03/2022 - 09:48

    My partner called and was only offered $50 retention, so we just switched it from a platinum airpoints to a zero fee card. They don't appear to have actioned it though so I'm thinking of calling back to try again. The problem is my partner hates talking on the phone and they will only talk to her not me. Does anyone know if you push they will allow you to do it via chat? I wonder what deaf or non-speaking people would do when they need to cancel their card…

    • Alan6984 on 10/03/2022 - 10:14

      Unless you (your wife?) have an agreement otherwise, you can cancel your card in any reasonable manner. If they ignore that, and charge you (and won't refund) then you can take it further.

      If you have given your word (in an agreement that you signed for example) that you will do it over the phone, then you will need to keep to whatever you said you would do, but that seems a little unlikely.

      In writing is almost always an acceptable means of communication that will be explicitly mentioned in an agreement.

      On a separate note, it sounds like you should consider changing your account to a joint account (or even in your name only), and making any future accounts also joint (or your) accounts - that way, if your wife doesn't like dealing with such things, you can do it instead. Always best to plan these things ahead - they don't matter until they do.

      With respect to renewing the account / getting a discount, I would consider including that in the communication by whatever medium you go with. Maybe say something like you are happy with the service, but believe that the benefits do not justify the costs and that you are happy to continue if they will credit you with $XXX or alternatively please close the account immediately.

    • kumarafries on 11/03/2022 - 07:21
      +1

      I call Amex for my Dad's card all the time for deals etc. and have never had a problem. They just ask me to pass the phone to him for the security questions and to give me authorisation before they talk to me. Sometimes I pass it back to him so he can be read the terms and conditions. A bit of a pain but definitely doable as my Dad wouldn't bother with anything himself.

  • fretrunner11 on 24/03/2022 - 15:58

    I just called and there was no mention of retention offer at all.
    The guy mentioned that my card anniversary date is still 2.5 weeks away, so I just deferred the cancellation for now and said will rethink about it, without asking for retention offer.

    Just wondering, how was the retention offer brought up? Did the staff mention/offer it? Or did you have to bring it up yourself?

    And any other good reasons for cancellation apart from Amex not accepted everywhere / small shops?

    My context:
    Been with Amex for 6 years: 1st year Platinum edge, cancelled and downgraded to Amex Airpoint until last year when they offered $400 to upgrade to Airpoint Platinum.
    Past 12mo spend was only $10,000.
    Use this as primary card (80%), while using free SBS Visa reward credit card for the rest.

    I will post the outcome in 2.5 weeks.

    • zqsn on 24/03/2022 - 16:40
      +1

      You have to tell them you want to cancell the card (come up with a reason). They will quote they legally can not offer any retention (true for Australia and they usually just assumed you are an AU cardholder). You could remind them you are a NZ cardholder.

      Dont let them talk you out of the cancellation (they may offer downgrade…etc) and let the process begin. Then just listen to what they have to say. I normally called after the account fee has been posted and often been offer Amex points (as I earn Amex points).

      It is believe the card can be reinstated during the same phone call. Once you hung up and it's cancelled it cancelled, unless its a charge card.

      • fretrunner11 on 24/03/2022 - 21:28

        Thanks @zqsn for the very helpful information.

        So do you reckon I should wait until they send me the bill for the upcoming yearly fee huh?

        They don't just charge straight away without emailing/posting any bill?

    • fretrunner11 on 14/04/2022 - 17:38

      Bugger. Was only offered $150.
      Reason given: not using much Airpoints, doesn't justify paying annual account fee $195.
      Served by reprsentative: Joey

      In the end took up on the offer due:
      -Deficit of $45 means expenditure of $2,655 to get account fee back - which is ~3.3 months.
      -Compared to Free AMEX Airpoint card, I would still earn at little bit more with current spending.
      -No other sign up offers from other bank companies

      Will see what next year will be like. Hopefully the supposed computer algorithm for retention offer changes, or else I'm goner.

      • Superpower21 on 14/04/2022 - 17:47

        Was Joey the only operator you talked to or did you get transferred to the retention team to talk to her?

        • fretrunner11 on 14/04/2022 - 17:58

          Joey was the only operator I talked to in this call after going through the voice prompt: "help with something else" > "card cancellation". Of note, I phoned the Platinum Card number: 0800 332 268 (the number on the back of the credit card, which is different from the General credit card inquiry).

          I assume with the above voice prompts, it was probably from the retention team.
          When the representative offered $150 (without me mentioning retention offer), I did mention it doesn't cover the annual fee - but got reply cannot be raised higher.

          Given it was my second call already in 2 weeks, and their slow offer of upgrade (from free to AP platinum) last year after being on 4 years of free card, I had given up.

          Next year maybe I'll try the non-platinum line - and maybe avoid voice prompts?
          Of interest which 0800 number did you guys call? General credit card inquiry or the number on the back of the credit card?

          • Superpower21 on 14/04/2022 - 18:31

            @fretrunner11: Thank you for explaining this in details.

            The 0800 numbers are different on different cards. My friend said she always has to wait for a while when she calls. I never have to wait when I call, so I suspect they prioritize calls depending on the card you have. I think you are still better off calling the number on the back of your card.

            I am about to make the call hoping to get the retention offer but don't want to cancel my card even if I don't get one. Did you ask for the retention offer on your first call?

            • fretrunner11 on 14/04/2022 - 19:09
              +1

              @Superpower21: No problem :)
              Yes, I agree there is a shorter waiting time for the higher tier card. I was just wondering maybe I might get less defensive/more lenient operator through the slow path - although in such case, I would probably be passed on to the retention team anyway.

              In my first call, after I requested to cancel the card, the operator (named Mario) reminded me I still had 2 weeks till the anniversary/annual fee date. As the operator did not mention any retention offer at the time, I did not ask the retention offer and said I'll rethink about cancelling, and decided to call back after they had charged me on the statement (as per advice of zqsn).

              Also for your information, during the second call, I was also asked whether Air NZ is my main airline or not - which I did say yes. In retrospect, maybe I should have said no.

              Maybe next year, if I do not get any retention offer or abysmal offer, I might consider switching to Gold Card (which has free 2x $100 fine dining credit with $100+ expenditure, AMEX points rewards rather than Airpoint), provided I don't have better free rewarding credit card through the main bank by then.

              • Superpower21 on 15/04/2022 - 22:40
                +1

                @fretrunner11: Thanks again. Oh yes. I am planning to get my partner to apply the gold card once I talk to Amex next week. I definitely prefer the Amex reward points, it's so much more flexible than airpoints. I already have a platinum reward card that collects 2 points per dollar on all purchases, I collect the points much faster than that platinum edge card. Also for the gold card, there is a welcome $300 bonus promotion at the moment, maybe you can get someone in your household to apply now?

                • fretrunner11 on 15/04/2022 - 23:24
                  +1

                  @Superpower21: No problem :)
                  Yes, in the event that the retention offer is not ideal, definitely get partner/family member to apply as new customer. Someone here on the forum said he/she alternates between the partners in applying as new customer every ?18months, after the cool down period from cancelling the card - then adding additional card for free to make use of the AMEX offers.
                  I am unfortunately a lone wolf and won't be able to do that currently.

  • felixfurtak on 31/03/2022 - 08:51
    +1

    Thanks, for this.

    Got an offer of $300 airpoints or a $150 reimbursement of the $195 fee, or downgrade to zero fee Amex Airpoints card. I took the the $300 airpoints.

    Took an hour to get through because the 0800 number cutting me off after approx. 6 minutes. I tried this 5 times and finally dialled the overseas direct dial number (Auckland based number) which then took an extra 20 minutes to get through.

    Still, not too bad for an hours work.

    • callum0001 on 31/03/2022 - 10:04

      Great to hear, I didn't have to wait very long on the phone for them to answer which was to surprising. She was very friendly though!

    • Superpower21 on 31/03/2022 - 10:15

      What did you say when you called them please? Fee too high or card not accepted in many places?

      • felixfurtak on 01/04/2022 - 11:24
        +2

        Just said I wanted to cancel because I wasn't doing anything with the Airpoints and couldn't justify the yearly fee.

  • Superpower21 on 21/04/2022 - 23:25
    +2

    I called yesterday and went through the voice prompt and said "card cancellation". Waited for 2 minutes, got Rebecca on the phone. I said I am considering to cancel the card as so many places don't accept Amex anymore and I can't justify paying high fee. She said she can switch me to platinum edge but I said the free airfare has no use to me. I asked if she can waive half year fee for me, she said it's in their policy they can't waive the fee. BUT then she said there is a way she can help me, she can offer me enough points to cover the fee. The offer was 250k which I thought I heard it wrong at first, didn't expect this many points at all. Totally over the moon!!!

    She said 250k should work out around $1200 (don't know where she gets that figure, but the points definitely worth a lot more than that). She said this is the biggest offer she has ever seen and she needs to get an approval on that before she puts into my account. So I wonder if there is a special chart for the retention offer (they look at your spendings and years with them) to offer whats on it. The agent has no power to change it?

    I have been with Amex for a very long time assuming this is one of the key factors as Rebecca thanks me for bing with them. Anyway, not bad for a 8 minutes work. 250k = one business class return airfare to Europe, plus one way economy class to Asia.

    • callum0001 on 22/04/2022 - 05:20
      +1

      Nice work! That's one great bonus. I should have mentioned that most CC companies don't like waiving the fee as it doesn't lock you into their ecosystem like gifting you points does.

      Great outcome.

      • Superpower21 on 22/04/2022 - 20:16

        Thanks. I see, what you are saying totally makes sense. But I am pretty sure they did waive the fee for me once but it was more than 10 years ago before they have the retention offers.

    • fretrunner11 on 23/04/2022 - 21:10

      Awesome work and great outcome indeed!

      Just of interest, when you say you've been with them for long time, how many years is that?
      And if you don't mind, what is your typical monthly expenditure with AMEX?

      • Superpower21 on 24/04/2022 - 12:33
        +1

        Thanks for the heads up about the voice prompt, I felt more prepared when I talked to Rebacca. This process has totally changed since I last called asking for the retention offer.

        I have been with Amex since 2002. The typical spending is about 50k annually.

        • fretrunner11 on 24/04/2022 - 18:16
          +1

          I see. No problem. Thanks for sharing your expenditure as well as the outcome too.

          Oh wow 20 years! Well deserved points - definitely should be rewarding long time customer like you.

    • Madao on 09/05/2022 - 16:06
      +1

      My AF also kicked in so made a call to discuss. The first agent was very explicit about me needing to say I'm looking to cancel before she could put me through to the right team.

      Got put through and after a couple minutes discussion while they couldn't waive the fee (expected) offered me 200k points.

  • TDGS2 on 24/04/2022 - 17:41
    +1

    Thanks for the tips! My card is up for renewal in June, so I'll definitely try this. I'll update here with the outcome.

  • xsolider on 12/05/2022 - 14:41
    +1

    Just tried the chat and here's what the agent said
    "I'm afraid, we do not have any retention offers, or an annual fee refund procedure in place, you can change your card to a lower or fee free card and still keep the AmEx membership active. During the membership period, if you need any further assistance, we will be glad to help. "
    Will try calling them later.

    • callum0001 on 12/05/2022 - 14:44
      +1

      Don't explicitly ask for a retention offer. Ring up and say that you're cancelling and they should try to keep you with a retention offer. If Amex don't offer a retention offer, and you haven't played your annual fee for the next year, I'd cancel the Amex and jump on the ANZ airpoints card and get the $400 bonus. Good luck!

  • catchthelight on 13/05/2022 - 14:16
    +2

    Just out of interest, I just tried for a retention offer with my Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum Visa. Initially they said no they couldn’t do anything, but then when I chatted to the team supervisor they informed me that while they can’t offer airpoints (they said that was up to Visa/AirNZ whether they can offer airpoints and so only usually happens during promo periods), they can easily wipe the annual fee, saving me $150 which I was happy to accept. YMMV!

  • quasar on 01/06/2022 - 15:17

    My Amex Airpoints Platinum is up for renewal on a couple of weeks so I have it a try. I've done about $20k on it in the 12 months I've had it but I always paid it off on time. The best they could do is $165 in Airpoints so I told them to continue cancelling it. The better earn rate is nice but Amex is just too annoying for me not being accepted at a bunch of places.

    • xsolider on 01/06/2022 - 16:27

      I've spent $1.5k so I presume it will be even less. Thinking to cancel the card and join again after a few months for the $500 Airpoint new user offer. Anyone knows if that's doable?

      • catchthelight on 02/06/2022 - 08:53

        From t&cs - "Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any other Card product offered by American Express International (NZ), Inc in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer."

        I might close mine and use the ANZ one for 18 months, but I'm also conscious it's a much harder process to open a credit card with the new rules than it used to be and there's no guarantee I'll be able to reopen it.

        • xsolider on 02/06/2022 - 09:11

          18 months is such a long period. Was thinking about the ANZ Airpoints card too.

    • catchthelight on 02/06/2022 - 08:54

      My partner who has a zero fees card and doesn't use it was offered $300AP to keep it open, while my platinum airpoints with approx $30k per annum use and always paid on time is only being offered $50AP. Disappointing.

      • xsolider on 02/06/2022 - 09:14

        Maybe try a different agent? OP was offered $500 for $30k spend.

  • TDGS2 on 08/07/2022 - 12:18
    +1

    Update:

    I called the 0800 number given to me by a live chat agent - after being on hold 10min it put me through to the wrong team (the financial hardship team) and they transferred me to the cancellation team. Another 15 minutes on hold and they answered, I told this agent I wanted to cancel, he asked the usual security questions and the reason for cancellation. After this, he said he'll need to transfer me to another rep and I'd have to provide this information again.

    I got Joey from the retention team and he went through the motions of asking why I'm cancelling and reminding me of the benefits of the card. He tried to sell me on the zero-fee card, which I declined. In the end I was offered absolutely nothing to retain my Amex Platinum Card. Quite a disappointing outcome! I spent about $25k on the card over the last year, but I also pay my card off in full every month. Maybe this plus the cancellation reasons were not sufficient to trigger an offer.

    I decided to hold on to the card until the last day of my statement (14th July). On that date I'm going to call and cancel it for real as it won't be worth it for me have to the card anymore, given that I've recently been approved for the ANZ Visa with $400 bonus Airpoints. It has a lower earn rate, but at least Visa is accepted everywhere - which should help lessen the gap between earn rates ($85 per point vs $59 on the Amex).

    Hope you guys have better luck than I did!

    • doubledippps on 08/07/2022 - 18:33
      +1

      Thanks for the update mate!

    • callum0001 on 23/07/2022 - 16:21

      Great update! I'm wondering with the lack of better offerings in the NZ market they're not pushing so hard on the retention front. No other banks seem to be offering airpoints upfront now that the ANZ promo seems to have finished.

      I think you made the right move with the VISA, I'm regretting not jumping ship now.

  • xsolider on 12/07/2022 - 14:44
    +1

    I cancelled my card last Friday. No retention offer. The agent was trying to promote the zero-fee card too.

  • Juju123 on 21/07/2022 - 06:28

    Just cancelled mine too, no retention offer at all.

  • dunnersdealer on 15/11/2022 - 15:02
    +2

    I phoned this week to cancel this my zero fee Amex Airpoints card and was offered $750 Airpoints dollars to stay. It seems too good to to be true, but I will post an update if/when I receive them!

    • mycomputer on 15/11/2022 - 15:33

      Wow that's amazing!! How long have you been with them on that card? And how far did you have to push to get them to offer retention

      • dunnersdealer on 15/11/2022 - 17:49

        Less than 2 years. The offer was from the first person I spoke to so I didn’t have to press them much at all. Hopefully it works out

    • callum0001 on 15/11/2022 - 15:51
      +1

      Great to hear! Keen to know more details once you see your points come in.

    • dunnersdealer on 18/11/2022 - 10:23

      I can see these sitting in my Airpoints balance on the Amex app now, ready for being paid out next month. That's Christmas presents sorted now!

  • mycomputer on 15/11/2022 - 18:44
    +1

    Update on mine: called and said I’d like to cancel my zero-fees card which I have had for about 2 years. I wasn’t offered $750 like above but was pretty stoked with $300 airpoints dollars offered to stay and for the call which took only like 2 minutes all up. Had been denied a retention offer a few months ago so worth trying again if you were too!

    • LazyBoy on 15/11/2022 - 18:52

      just wondering how do you guys actually ask them?
      i tried to cancel my platinum airpoints and they just offered to downgrade me to the zero-fee cards with no retention offer. weird :(

      • saxasianguy on 15/11/2022 - 20:07

        Join the Amex Platinum secret society over 160k members on the fb group. Lots of tips and advice on that group on getting retention offers

    • justaddwater on 08/06/2023 - 15:02

      Just keep sayig you will cancel every few month s until they give you a retention offer

  • philyy on 08/06/2023 - 13:59
    +1

    Update: I called the 0800 number to cancel my zero fee Amex Airpoints today and they offered me $750 Airpoints like above.

    I was quite surprised as I pay off the card in full every month and it's a $0 annual fee card so not sure what they have to gain from keeping me. The agent said it was a no-contract retention offer, and I don't have to keep the card either once I receive the Airpoints so ended up taking the offer.

    In my case, I've been with Amex for over 5 years and also didn't have to push them at all for the offer. I was legitimately calling to cancel the card but I guess I will actually cancel it in 2 weeks.

    • Alan6984 on 08/06/2023 - 14:36
      +2

      They make 3% (maybe 4%) on everything you purchase from the merchant, so whatever your annual spend is, determines your value to them.

      • zqsn on 08/06/2023 - 15:28

        My understating is that it does not reflect the retention offer. I have called every year and the offer varied across different cards. Spending habits more or less consistent.

    • kdm21 on 08/06/2023 - 15:07

      Just tried calling them today. Been customer for 2 years. Offered me $50 airpoint dollar on it. In my opinion , t is Zero annual fee card so I wasn't gonna cancel it anyway but quick call landed me $50 airpoint dollar which is great :)

    • jackvdbuk on 08/06/2023 - 15:47

      750 airpoints for a free card?? thats madness

    • Kiwi on 08/06/2023 - 22:13

      Similar situation to you, but we barely use the card, maybe a few hundred a month. They just offered A$500 to keep it. Had the card since 2015.

  • karthie on 21/06/2023 - 13:33

    I have been offered $750 Airpoints to stay and but i manged to downgraded from AMEX platinum to No Annual fee airpoint card after getting the $750 airpoint.
    8 years on/off using amex, scored some good airpoints in the early year where annual fee is charged at the end of year ((800+700+500+300).

  • HappyChipMonk on 12/03/2024 - 08:37

    has anyone done this lately - ? fee is coming up in the next week or two..

    • HappyChipMonk on 12/03/2024 - 20:48

      was just offered 150 credit to off set the $195 fee. In total paid $45 for another years membership. Not sure if spend is taken into consideration but spent $40k in the last 12 months

      • Superpower21 on 12/03/2024 - 21:00
        +1

        What did you say to them? Fee too high, want to cancel? I was under the impression that Amex doesn't give the rentenion offer easily this year as I read so many people talking about Amex turning them down. So well done, they must think you are worth keeping.

        • HappyChipMonk on 13/03/2024 - 11:15
          +1

          Hi - I rang the NZ Support number and advised that my annual fee is coming up and i am looking to cancel my card before this happens. They then transfered me to the cancellation team and she provided the option of $150 credit (note this was always my plan… even though the fees are high i think its worth it especially if you travel once a year, and do big item purchases at the air points rate) - I did ask if they could cover the entire fee but they said that is the best they can do. Please note I rang once in the morning and they didnt offer anything (advised that I will need to think about it and call them later) and then i rang in the evening and was lucky enough to get the above rentention offer

  • ksp2020 on 13/07/2024 - 14:31

    Have been offered $150 credit (not Airpoints) not to cancel my AMEX Airpoints Platinum card today (13th July 2024). They asked for a reason and I said the earn rate is decreasing from October and I might not be able to earn enough Airpoints to offset the annual fee. Note, I would still be happy to keep the card with the new earn rate as the benefits still outweigh the cost.

  • Superpower21 on 30/10/2024 - 14:01

    Anyone had any luck asking for rentenion offer lately? I saw someone said they got 300000 points on reddit about 4 months ago but Amex told me there is no rentenion offer for me.

    • Alan6984 on 30/10/2024 - 15:26
      -1

      Amex told me there is no rentenion offer for me.

      Not sure how you reacted this time (or perhaps previously), but if I was on the other side of the 'discussion' and you had asked for a 'stay bonus', been declined, and then stayed anyway, I would not be making an offer again in the (foreseeable) future either, since you would have demonstrated it wouldn't make any difference.

      You might have to at least initiate the cancellation process, and perhaps go right through with it, to prove to them that you are serious about walking away.

      You can always sign up again next year, potentially with a 'welcome bonus' at that time too :-)

      Similarly (albeit different industries), that is what I always do with my ISPs, electricity providers, insurance companies etc as well - I am always prepared to actually walk away. Sometimes it has worked to get me a better deal, and other times not.

  • sonyxperiageek on 02/11/2024 - 22:07

    I got offered 700APD if I stayed on their free card!! I was so gutted I couldn't stay as the bank needed me to close all these credit cards for a home loan! :( Imagine $700 extra dollars at Mitre 10 for some new outdoor furniture etc! I had previously been given 500APD when I wanted to cancel this free Amex card two years ago too, which is why I stayed. It was never my main earning credit card (after I downgraded to their free one) so spend has only been about $2-400 a month.

    • genesis on 02/11/2024 - 22:36

      Damn, that's really unlucky (in that sense that you have to cancel because of the home loan). I was in a similar situation a few years ago too, had to cancel because of home loan and they offered a fair amount of APD. But just last month I wanted to cancel, and they different offer anything :(

      I wanted to cancel after the annual fee was already charged on my card though, not sure if that makes a difference. Next time I should ring to cancel before the fee is charged.

      • sonyxperiageek on 02/11/2024 - 22:38

        I just couldn't believe they offered me 1200APD over the course of me using their $0 fee card!!

    • simch on 10/11/2024 - 00:47

      what the heck. I'm gonna give it a go now that Shop Small is over

  • Delta117 on 10/11/2024 - 08:33

    I tried a couple of times earlier this week and was offered nothing.
    I have just been charged my next year's annual fee, am on the platinum airpoints card and probably spend an average of $6k per month on my card.
    They didn't ask any questions about why I was leaving and proceeded straight away to "OK so let's close your account"

  • Madao on 10/11/2024 - 15:06

    Will be interesting seeking an offer with the Platinum Charge on my next renewal given they've canned that card in NZ now, probably keen to shed the remaining users. Similarly with the Platinum Edge which was discontinued a couple years ago - still receiving great perks for the AF but expect they wont be offering any bonus to keep it open.

    • dhirb on 11/11/2024 - 20:02

      I cancelled Platinum back in September. Didn't get any retention offer on my first call. Hung up and called again couple of days later, was offered 50,000 points to keep it open but decided to cancel anyways.

  • milan on 10/11/2024 - 15:38
    +1

    Just called them to cancel my Airpoints Platinum card. Got no retention offer. I would have stayed if they offered me a few hundred of Airpoints. But without any offers it is too expensive to keep the card anyways, so I went ahead and cancelled it.

    • Alan6984 on 11/11/2024 - 15:38

      Just called them to cancel my Airpoints Platinum card. Got no retention offer. I would have stayed if they offered me a few hundred of Airpoints. But without any offers it is too expensive to keep the card anyways, so I went ahead and cancelled it.

      You might be able to get a 'new customer' offer in about six months if you want :-)

      • genesis on 11/11/2024 - 15:44

        I've enquired about this, you have to wait 18 months before you are eligible for any 'new customer offers' :(

        • Alan6984 on 11/11/2024 - 16:24

          you have to wait 18 months before you are eligible for any 'new customer offers'

          Darn - I've never bothered, but some banks (feels like someone has posted this on CC) seem to have a six month timer.

      • dhirb on 11/11/2024 - 15:49

        Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any other Card product offered by American Express International (NZ), Inc in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer.

        Have you managed to get the new customer offer 6 months after cancelling? I read that I need to wait 18 months AFTER cancelling my last Amex card in order to get the sign up bonus again.

        • Alan6984 on 11/11/2024 - 16:24

          Have you managed to get the new customer offer 6 months after cancelling? I read that I need to wait 18 months AFTER cancelling my last Amex card in order to get the sign up bonus again.

          No - I've never bothered, but some banks (feels like someone has posted this on CC) seem to have a six month timer.

    • CheapJimmy on 11/11/2024 - 19:30

      How much did you put on it per month if you don’t mind me asking?

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