I called a few days ago and they told me upgrades could be requested beginning June 1st. They also said that previous spending would NOT carry over for EQM purposes. I told her I would call back at midnight on June 1st...

While it is disappointing that I lost 5 months of spending towards EQM, I'd rather pay their annual fee to get the benefit rather than paying Citi's price. I really don't want be "forced" into buying the club pass through Citi's card if I don't have to. I wouldn't use it often enough to be worthwhile. Plus I kind of saw this coming so I got them to waive my annual fee (which was due at the end of February) because I didn't want to pay for the card if I couldn't be guaranteed an upgrade to Silver.