I called Amex today because my renewal was up. I said that I noticed a $30 fee on my stmt and that I'd like a) the fee waived or b) a *point renewal bonus instead. The Indian rep explained that such things were simply beyond the reach of the living, at which point I suggested that I'd like to cancel my card.

A few phone transfer beeps later I was connected to Shawn who I gladly re-explained again my predicament. I mentioned that there are simply too many fee-free based reward cards out to be accepting a $30 charge and re-iterated that *points in lieu of $30 are acceptable.

He offered without hestitation to either waive the fee or give me 3000 points. I took the points. He turned on the recorder and reiterated the offer after which we parted cordially.

This is my first renewal and I charge about $2.2k monthly. I do not know if either had an impact.

I did not but could have pressed further as I was actually ready to cancel the card.