May 22, 2013, 8:47 pm
Last edit by: aeneas3
- Retention offers, generally speaking, are offers made by a card issuer when they believe you might close your card account.
Often this means you have to actually say specifically you "want to cancel the card because..." before they can offer you something. Being vague saying things like "I'm not sure I want this card", or "are there any offers for me to keep this card?" don't meet their threshold to make an offer until you use the "c" word in a declarative fashion.
- Offers may include cash, points, or a combination of both and are frequently linked to required spending on the card.
- You can contact Citibank's Retention Department directly at 800-444-2568, and avoid the front line customer service reps.
- For additional tips on interacting with retention representatives, see this blog post by someone who claims to have worked for Citi's retention department.
Current offers (update with your current offer under the respective card, date of offer, how long you had the card and yearly spend)
Thank you preferred
Thank you premier
Called Sep 7 complaining about benefit cut
Card #1 (15 years, $2K spent) - no offers, she saw offer taken in February
Card #2 (2 years, $0 spent) 5000 TYPs for $1K spend in 3 month
or $125 for $4.5 spend in 3 month
11/20/13: $125 credit for annual fee. Extra 500 points each month I spend $500 for 16 months. 2 year old card. Spend $5000 per year.
AA platinum
8/22/13: $95 credit + 500 miles each month with $500+ in purchases for 16 months - (Opened 12/2012, min spend)
9/16/13: $95 credit after 5 eligible purchases in the next 6 months (Opened 2 Years, no spend in last 11 months)
9/16/13: $95 credit after 5 eligible purchases in the next 3 months (Opened 2 Years, ~$2000 spend in last year)
10/15/13: $95 statement credit and 1000 miles bonus for 1K spending for the next 16 months - (Open 2/13, 25K spend so far)
10/17/13: $95 statement credit and 500 miles bonus for $500 spend for the next 16 months - (Open 9/12, no usage after meeting bonus spend except for recent purchase for the 2K bonus from AA mall)
10/20/13: $95 statement credit and 1,000 miles bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months - (Open 2/13, $3,000 spend so far)
10/23/13 $95 statement credit and 750 miles bonus for $750 spend for next 15 cycles. (Open 3/2013, $3,000 spend so far)
11/23/13 $95 statement credit and 1,000 miles bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months (opened 11/'12 and $55K spend)
12/10/13 $95 statement credit and 1,000 mile bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months (opened 11/12 and only $5K CVS + $100 AA spend for bonus)
01/06/14 $95 statement credit and 1,000 mile bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months (opened 01/13 just made the purchases to meet the min spend)
AA gold
8/22/13: $50 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months - (Opened 2/2013, min spend)
AA Amex
12/10/13: $95 credit + 1k bonus miles each month with $1K+ in purchases for 16 months (Opened 11/2012, approx. $1,000 per month spent over 12 months)
11/21/13: $95 credit + 1k bonus miles each month with $1K+ in purchases for 16 months (Opened 11/2012, only minimum spend)
8/22/13: $95 credit + 1k miles each month with $1K+ in purchases for 16 months (Opened 8/2012, only minimum spend)
8/22/13: $95 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months - (Opened 12/2012, min spend)
9/16/13: $95 credit after 5 eligible purchases in the next 3 months (Opened 2 Years, ~$800 spend in last year)
10/12/13: $95 credit after 5 eligible purchases in the next 3 months (Opened <2 Year, $1200 / mo spend in last year). Can double dip with previous retention offer of 1000 bonus AA miles with $1000 monthly spend for 16 months
12/17/13: $95 credit + 1k miles each month with $1k+ in purchases for 16 months (opened 11/12, ~$8k spend on opening, minimal recent usage)
01/07/14 $95 statement credit and 1,000 mile bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months (opened 01/13 just made the purchases to meet the min spend)
AA executive
10/6/13 $50 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months - (Opened 10/2011, $60k spend)
10/6/13 2500 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 3 months - (Opened 10/2011, $60k spend)
1/3/14 $50 credit and 750 miles with $750 purchase each month for 16 months (opened 1/13 with 40k spend)
3/22/14 $100 credit and 5,000 miles with $1,500 in purchases each month for 3 months. Opened the card 2/1/14
AA business
1/3/2013: Spend $5000 in 6 months, earn 10,000 miles
7/24/14 - 1 day after AF hit - $95 credit + 1000 miles if $1000 spent per statement for 16 months - 4k spend
Hilton reserve
9/16/13: 750 HHonors Points each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months
Hilton signature
Often this means you have to actually say specifically you "want to cancel the card because..." before they can offer you something. Being vague saying things like "I'm not sure I want this card", or "are there any offers for me to keep this card?" don't meet their threshold to make an offer until you use the "c" word in a declarative fashion.
- Offers may include cash, points, or a combination of both and are frequently linked to required spending on the card.
- You can contact Citibank's Retention Department directly at 800-444-2568, and avoid the front line customer service reps.
- For additional tips on interacting with retention representatives, see this blog post by someone who claims to have worked for Citi's retention department.
Current offers (update with your current offer under the respective card, date of offer, how long you had the card and yearly spend)
Thank you preferred
Thank you premier
Called Sep 7 complaining about benefit cut
Card #1 (15 years, $2K spent) - no offers, she saw offer taken in February
Card #2 (2 years, $0 spent) 5000 TYPs for $1K spend in 3 month
or $125 for $4.5 spend in 3 month
11/20/13: $125 credit for annual fee. Extra 500 points each month I spend $500 for 16 months. 2 year old card. Spend $5000 per year.
AA platinum
8/22/13: $95 credit + 500 miles each month with $500+ in purchases for 16 months - (Opened 12/2012, min spend)
9/16/13: $95 credit after 5 eligible purchases in the next 6 months (Opened 2 Years, no spend in last 11 months)
9/16/13: $95 credit after 5 eligible purchases in the next 3 months (Opened 2 Years, ~$2000 spend in last year)
10/15/13: $95 statement credit and 1000 miles bonus for 1K spending for the next 16 months - (Open 2/13, 25K spend so far)
10/17/13: $95 statement credit and 500 miles bonus for $500 spend for the next 16 months - (Open 9/12, no usage after meeting bonus spend except for recent purchase for the 2K bonus from AA mall)
10/20/13: $95 statement credit and 1,000 miles bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months - (Open 2/13, $3,000 spend so far)
10/23/13 $95 statement credit and 750 miles bonus for $750 spend for next 15 cycles. (Open 3/2013, $3,000 spend so far)
11/23/13 $95 statement credit and 1,000 miles bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months (opened 11/'12 and $55K spend)
12/10/13 $95 statement credit and 1,000 mile bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months (opened 11/12 and only $5K CVS + $100 AA spend for bonus)
01/06/14 $95 statement credit and 1,000 mile bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months (opened 01/13 just made the purchases to meet the min spend)
AA gold
8/22/13: $50 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months - (Opened 2/2013, min spend)
AA Amex
12/10/13: $95 credit + 1k bonus miles each month with $1K+ in purchases for 16 months (Opened 11/2012, approx. $1,000 per month spent over 12 months)
11/21/13: $95 credit + 1k bonus miles each month with $1K+ in purchases for 16 months (Opened 11/2012, only minimum spend)
8/22/13: $95 credit + 1k miles each month with $1K+ in purchases for 16 months (Opened 8/2012, only minimum spend)
8/22/13: $95 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months - (Opened 12/2012, min spend)
9/16/13: $95 credit after 5 eligible purchases in the next 3 months (Opened 2 Years, ~$800 spend in last year)
10/12/13: $95 credit after 5 eligible purchases in the next 3 months (Opened <2 Year, $1200 / mo spend in last year). Can double dip with previous retention offer of 1000 bonus AA miles with $1000 monthly spend for 16 months
12/17/13: $95 credit + 1k miles each month with $1k+ in purchases for 16 months (opened 11/12, ~$8k spend on opening, minimal recent usage)
01/07/14 $95 statement credit and 1,000 mile bonus for $1,000 spend for the next 16 months (opened 01/13 just made the purchases to meet the min spend)
AA executive
10/6/13 $50 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months - (Opened 10/2011, $60k spend)
10/6/13 2500 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 3 months - (Opened 10/2011, $60k spend)
1/3/14 $50 credit and 750 miles with $750 purchase each month for 16 months (opened 1/13 with 40k spend)
3/22/14 $100 credit and 5,000 miles with $1,500 in purchases each month for 3 months. Opened the card 2/1/14
AA business
1/3/2013: Spend $5000 in 6 months, earn 10,000 miles
7/24/14 - 1 day after AF hit - $95 credit + 1000 miles if $1000 spent per statement for 16 months - 4k spend
Hilton reserve
9/16/13: 750 HHonors Points each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months
Hilton signature
Citi retention offer reports [2009-2013]
Aug 14, 2013, 10:23 am
#1921
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 400
How long did you have the card? I've heard most people recommend to hold cards 10-11 months before closing them, others have closed card sooner. Just curious.
Aug 15, 2013, 1:29 pm
#1922
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: SFO and SNA/LAX
Programs: JL JMB Diamond 1.4 MM, UA 1P 1.2 MM
Posts: 238
Both AA Personal cards:
3000 miles for $500 spend in 3 months or 1 extra mile per dollar spent for next 6 months. Took the 3000 offer. No spend other than min spend for both.
3000 miles for $500 spend in 3 months or 1 extra mile per dollar spent for next 6 months. Took the 3000 offer. No spend other than min spend for both.
Aug 15, 2013, 2:02 pm
#1923
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 398
After using the services of banks in Asia + Chase in the US, I decided to open a Citi Thank You Preferred last spring (my first step to try Citibank products because of their global network). Sign-up bonus never posted after meeting the requirement and waiting for up to 2 billing cycles for the points to show. After calling I was told that my application never offered a sign-up bonus even though I applied online where their promotion offer was. After complaining a bit, I was offered a 1/3 of the points offered under the promotion - they claimed too much time had passed for them to verify the terms of my application. BS! I will close this card and keep my business with Chase! Chase has always delivered, even going out of their way helping me do some overseas 401k transactions.
Aug 15, 2013, 2:13 pm
#1924
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SEATAC
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 190
Confirming other reports of HH Visa Sig - called retention directly and said I was thinking of cancelling since AMEX is better on base/category spending. Only spend was to get bonus 7 months ago. Citigold since April, don't think it mattered.
Offered:
1. 750 bonus with 750 spent each month for 16 cycles
2. 5000 bonus with 1000 spend
Took #2, OK deal but I don't want any new pulls right now and I want to spread out ice cream purchases.
Offered:
1. 750 bonus with 750 spent each month for 16 cycles
2. 5000 bonus with 1000 spend
Took #2, OK deal but I don't want any new pulls right now and I want to spread out ice cream purchases.
Aug 15, 2013, 2:18 pm
#1925
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 398
Called direct retention line 1-800-444-2568 on my AA Platinum Select Visa. This was opened a year ago under the 75k bonus offer. After meeting min spend I put no further spend on the card. $85 annual fee just posted. I was offered:
$25 Statement credit on $550 spend, or
3k bonus miles on $500 spend, or
2x points for next 6 months, capped at 10k
I did not find any of those benefits tempting enough to keep the card, and so asked about conversion options. I ended up converting to a Citi Dividend Platinum Select no-fee cashback card which is 1% cash back double to 2% for the first twelve months
I have to say that the Citi reps on the retention line are a pleasure to deal with. It is clear they are not truly empowered and can only do what the computer tells them (in fact the lady I spoke to joked it is down to the marketing department and their mood of the day) but still they are so polite, helpful and affable. Such a stark contrast to the regular Citibank customer service. ^
$25 Statement credit on $550 spend, or
3k bonus miles on $500 spend, or
2x points for next 6 months, capped at 10k
I did not find any of those benefits tempting enough to keep the card, and so asked about conversion options. I ended up converting to a Citi Dividend Platinum Select no-fee cashback card which is 1% cash back double to 2% for the first twelve months
I have to say that the Citi reps on the retention line are a pleasure to deal with. It is clear they are not truly empowered and can only do what the computer tells them (in fact the lady I spoke to joked it is down to the marketing department and their mood of the day) but still they are so polite, helpful and affable. Such a stark contrast to the regular Citibank customer service. ^
Aug 21, 2013, 12:21 pm
#1926
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 20
Premier
Citi Premier MC (with authorized user - $125+$50). Annual fee set to post on September 9th statement.
Called today, got the offer for $4500/3 months for a $125 credit. Took the offer and cancelled the authorized user.
Two notes:
1) I also have the Premier VISA with authorized user, expiring same date. I plan on calling about that one tomorrow. I'm curious if I will be offered the same thing, or if they can see my offer/retention bonus from today.
2) I haven't seen this mentioned, but can't I spend the $4500, get the statement credit, and THEN cancel/downgrade and get the prorated refund of the $125 AF?
Called today, got the offer for $4500/3 months for a $125 credit. Took the offer and cancelled the authorized user.
Two notes:
1) I also have the Premier VISA with authorized user, expiring same date. I plan on calling about that one tomorrow. I'm curious if I will be offered the same thing, or if they can see my offer/retention bonus from today.
2) I haven't seen this mentioned, but can't I spend the $4500, get the statement credit, and THEN cancel/downgrade and get the prorated refund of the $125 AF?
Aug 21, 2013, 4:02 pm
#1927
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Programs: Hyatt, Fairmont, SPG, AA, WN
Posts: 102
Citi AA Platinum Amex:
Offered $3,000 spend in 3 months to get $95 credit. Asked for a better offer and they gave me $1,000 spend in 3 months. I took the offer.
Offered $3,000 spend in 3 months to get $95 credit. Asked for a better offer and they gave me $1,000 spend in 3 months. I took the offer.
Aug 21, 2013, 6:14 pm
#1928
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 699
annual fee on AA amex and visa were coming up. Amex was offered $95 statement credit and 1000 bonus miles for $1000 spend a month X 16 months. Visa was offered a $95 statement credit and 750 bonus miles for $750 spend a month (don't remember how many months). I asked if there were any other offers available and was then offered 3000 miles for $500 spend in 3 months.
Aug 22, 2013, 10:12 am
#1929
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 95
Both AA Visa Platinum & AA Amex AFs posted recently called retention for both cards seperately this week and offered for both the $95 statement credit and 750 bonus miles for $750 spend for 16 months took both offers.
Aug 22, 2013, 12:21 pm
#1930
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: BOS
Posts: 588
Annual fee on AA Amex and AA Visa hit today. Visa offered 3000 miles for $500 spend in 3 months (declined and closed card); got $95 credit and 750 bonus miles for 12 months on Amex (accepted).
Aug 22, 2013, 12:23 pm
#1931
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHL, maybe EWR
Programs: Plat IHG, Marriott Rewards Silver, CSP, Ink Bold, USDM, *Wood Gold, AA, Club Carl
Posts: 285
Aug 22, 2013, 12:46 pm
#1932
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 232
I was on vacation and just noticed that the $125 fee is on my TY card. I've no intention of carrying the card. Should I call to see what they offer OR just send a secure message ?
If I cancel the card, will they refund (prorate) the annual fee charged ?
If I cancel the card, will they refund (prorate) the annual fee charged ?
Aug 22, 2013, 3:34 pm
#1933
Formerly known as stellertony
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: MEX
Programs: UA Gold, DL Gold, NEXUS, APEC
Posts: 1,146
Aug 22, 2013, 6:42 pm
#1934
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle, WA. USA
Programs: MR, AA, UA, DL, AVIS and growing
Posts: 1,172
It's my understanding these retention offers are a ONE time only offer.
Thus if you renew and get a retention offer it will not be offered again.
My CIti VISA was re-newed for $1000/3 month offer and I was told it was a one time only offer to renew.
Thus if you renew and get a retention offer it will not be offered again.
My CIti VISA was re-newed for $1000/3 month offer and I was told it was a one time only offer to renew.
Last edited by euromannn; Aug 22, 2013 at 6:52 pm
Aug 22, 2013, 8:19 pm
#1935
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,055
Just called the number on the back of my Visa, entered the last four of the card, and told the VRU that I wanted to close the account and was transferred to a retention rep without talking to the front line CSR. When I have called the Retention department directly the last few times they have been unable to help because my card number does not come through.
Visa opened 12/2012, min spend: $95 credit + 500 miles each month with $500+ in purchases for 16 months. Will upgrade to a CHIP card and overnight it to me. (My excuse for closing).
AmEx opened 12/2012, min spend: $95 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months.
Gold MC opened 2/2013, min spend: $50 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months.
I was only really interested in the statement credits as my wife and I hope to pick up a total of 4 more Visa 50K cards shortly and won't have a lot of spend to spare.
Visa opened 12/2012, min spend: $95 credit + 500 miles each month with $500+ in purchases for 16 months. Will upgrade to a CHIP card and overnight it to me. (My excuse for closing).
AmEx opened 12/2012, min spend: $95 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months.
Gold MC opened 2/2013, min spend: $50 credit + 750 miles each month with $750+ in purchases for 16 months.
I was only really interested in the statement credits as my wife and I hope to pick up a total of 4 more Visa 50K cards shortly and won't have a lot of spend to spare.