FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Why Do Companies Treat New Customers Better Than Old Ones?

Feb 7, 2011 | 6:41 pm

#2

mlad1101

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: NYC

Programs: SPG Plat, Emerald Exec., PC Plat, AA, CO, DL, UBS Charter Card, Palladium Card, Amex Plat

Posts: 1,694

Quote:

Originally Posted by robyng

My husband and I have had an AMEX card since 1974 - MR since the program started. We are pre-approved for Platinum.

I have read about the offers here for new Platinum cardholders - the bonus 50k miles. But - if I upgrade - I will only get 25k at most.

Sure I could take out a new card - but I can't transfer our existing miles into the new account. So unless I want to transfer the miles out of the old account to a reward partner and close it (which I don't want to do since I don't have any plans to get a reward ticket in the near future) - I'd have to pay for 2 AMEX cards - total of $600.

And I don't want a new account. AMEX knows us - and we know it - through our account number. And we have always had a great relationship. In terms of credit limits (none) - and dealing with some fraudulent card transactions over the years.

Now - if I upgrade - AMEX will get $300/year more from us. So we wouldn't be getting the bonus for free. So hey AMEX - why don't you treat us oldies like the newbies?

FWIW - you're not alone. Seems like every company that's discussed here on this chat board treats newbies better than oldies. And it kind of piss** me off. Isn't there any reward for brand loyalty that goes back for decades? Robyn

P.S. My husband reminded me of the TV ad for Ally Bank - where the "newest kid" was offered ice cream - but the "new kid" wasn't. Here it is:

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl67TNDW-0Q

Effective ad IMO and that's how I feel.

B/c they already have your business, they are looking to get the business of those they have never had with this promotion.

That being said you are wrong about having to transfer existing points/miles out. All your cards will share the same Membership Rewards account. Opening a new card does not have any effect on this, the points earned on the new card will be deposited in to the same account that your other cards points have been. Once the Plat is opened, you can go and close your other card and it will still maintain the same MR account you had before the plat.

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