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]
Dec 24, 2008, 4:21 am
#16
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,020
The retention bonuses appear to vary irrationally from day to day. Doubt it has much to do with how many cards you have because I have gotten lots of bonuses although I do have lots of Citi AA cards.
Suspect it has something to do with how much use shows up on the rep's screen and with whatever retention marketing tests are going on when you calll to close.
Suspect it has something to do with how much use shows up on the rep's screen and with whatever retention marketing tests are going on when you calll to close.
Dec 24, 2008, 11:39 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
I tried a repeat process on my Citi AAdvantage Business MC after getting 5K points on the first try. Nothing to offer, they just tried to reiterate the benefits of the card, they even said 'we hoped you would stay after we gave you 5000 points last month'.
At any rate, I canceled. So, perhaps on Christmas day I will reward myself to a new application to the same card for the 25000 points.
Dec 24, 2008, 11:53 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
On the other hand, I kind of like the retention bonuses. I call about a week before statement end date, get offered a nice retention bonus, keep the card one more week, and then call back again to cancel, and perhaps be offered another retention bonus. If not, I can cancel anyway. It never takes more than 3 minutes of phone call to do all this.
One of the retention bonuses turned out to be 5 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent on gas/groceries/drug stores. Kind of replaces the old Citi Dividend Platinum Select card they used to have (5% cashback). Since my annual fee wasn't due for another 8 months, and I no longer have a 5% EDP card any more (as Citi and Chase have both killed their respective programs), and I do in fact buy gas, groceries and stuff at drug stores, why not enjoy extra points when I spend there?
Actually, the retention bonuses that have to do with bonus points per spending has gotten me thinking about my churn. Would it be wise to 'bluff' a cancellation when you immediately get the card?
You're going to have to spend $750 in order to get your 25K AAdvantage miles anyway (likely spent at the US Mint in my case). Why not see if you get the offer that gives you 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent everywhere prior to actually trying to spend to reach that $750 threshold? Naturally, it becomes a big waste of time if they call your bluff... as I'm obviously not going to cancel until I collect that 25K miles. Just a thought, and not sure I'd actually try it... but I would be interested to hear if anyone actually has.
Dec 25, 2008, 1:07 am
#19
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,020
Would it be wise to 'bluff' a cancellation when you immediately get the card?
You're going to have to spend $750 in order to get your 25K AAdvantage miles anyway (likely spent at the US Mint in my case). Why not see if you get the offer that gives you 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent everywhere prior to actually trying to spend to reach that $750 threshold?
You're going to have to spend $750 in order to get your 25K AAdvantage miles anyway (likely spent at the US Mint in my case). Why not see if you get the offer that gives you 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent everywhere prior to actually trying to spend to reach that $750 threshold?
Even I wouldn't try this--at least until some sucesses are reported back on this thread.
Guess I like those 25K bonuses too much to put them in jepardy.
Dec 25, 2008, 5:12 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,797
IYou're going to have to spend $750 in order to get your 25K AAdvantage miles anyway (likely spent at the US Mint in my case). Why not see if you get the offer that gives you 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent everywhere prior to actually trying to spend to reach that $750 threshold? Naturally, it becomes a big waste of time if they call your bluff... as I'm obviously not going to cancel until I collect that 25K miles. Just a thought, and not sure I'd actually try it... but I would be interested to hear if anyone actually has.
If your bluff backfired, and the card is cancelled. You now have an inquiry on your credit report but has nothing in return. Why anyone would risk that?
Dont try to squeeze the last blood from this thing, and be grateful that Citi still allow multiple AA bonuses to be "earned".
Dec 25, 2008, 10:37 pm
#21
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: CMH
Posts: 891
Instead of saying that I want to cancel, I usually start the call by saying, "My annual fee is coming up soon. I was wondering if there was some kind of bonus to offset the fee." They will transfer you to retention where they usually give choices.
Dec 26, 2008, 4:19 am
#22
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Manchester,UK and NYC
Programs: One Pass, BAEC, AA
Posts: 708
Happy - first of all Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Excellent choice of words Happy - unfortunately there are people who in fact feel it necessary to "squeeze the last blood" out of any program going - and whether its here or on sites like Fat Wallet, it becomes easy to spot these vultures.
Why cant people just be "happy" with an easy 25,000 miles x 12 = 300,000 miles per year plus an extra 100,000 from the business card, for a total of 400,000 miles (doubled if you are doing this for husband and wife for example).
I for one, am more than pleased to have Citi give my wife and I over 800K miles per year without having to squeeze them for BS retention bonuses.
Sorry for the rant - but we have seen enough opportunities die (AMEX Travellers cheques for example) due to those who had to exploit every program to the max.
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year
Dec 26, 2008, 11:47 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,797
Happy - first of all Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Excellent choice of words Happy - unfortunately there are people who in fact feel it necessary to "squeeze the last blood" out of any program going - and whether its here or on sites like Fat Wallet, it becomes easy to spot these vultures.
Excellent choice of words Happy - unfortunately there are people who in fact feel it necessary to "squeeze the last blood" out of any program going - and whether its here or on sites like Fat Wallet, it becomes easy to spot these vultures.
Sadly some people are just penny wise pound foolish. They fail to see, keeping the opportunities going as long as possible would be far more beneficial than trying to max out every possible way for the moment.
The bluff to cancel before spending the minimum spending requirement tops all the "squeeze the last blood" schemes out there.
Jan 2, 2009, 2:49 pm
#24
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kamuela, HI
Programs: AA-Plat
Posts: 462
I have an AA CitiBusiness Card that I do not use (also have a personal Aadvantage card). As it is going to renew in April, I called today to cancel (don't like to wait for the last minute). Customer Service connected me to the retention rep who initially told me they would credit the annual fee amount if I would guarantee to spend $5000 in the next six months. I could not guarantee the spend so they offered to credit my Aadvantage account with 5000 miles if I don't cancel today (no strings attached) with the option of canceling the card prior to renewal. It was a really nice gesture considering that I will most likely cancel the card in March.
Jan 2, 2009, 3:28 pm
#25
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 84
Start again AND keep your old one
Yeah, really annoying to cancel a card at Citi these days. It took more than 10 minutes to shoo away the retention offers.
Unless they're going to give me the card for free and AT LEAST 10,000 miles, why would I want to retain these? It seems always better to just start again.
Unless they're going to give me the card for free and AT LEAST 10,000 miles, why would I want to retain these? It seems always better to just start again.
I have two of the AAdvantage 25k MasterCards at the moment, plus one AAdvantage Visa and one AAdvantage Amex. I call to cancel them every couple months and accept whatever the best offer is I can get from them. Usually its either 3,000 miles or a $50 statement credit. When the annual fee comes due, I simply refuse to pay it, and if they won't waive it I convert the account into a Premier Pass or Professional with no annual fee and let it sit open forever so I don't lose the continuity.
Jan 5, 2009, 10:37 pm
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
Happy - first of all Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Excellent choice of words Happy - unfortunately there are people who in fact feel it necessary to "squeeze the last blood" out of any program going - and whether its here or on sites like Fat Wallet, it becomes easy to spot these vultures.
Why cant people just be "happy" with an easy 25,000 miles x 12 = 300,000 miles per year plus an extra 100,000 from the business card, for a total of 400,000 miles (doubled if you are doing this for husband and wife for example).
I for one, am more than pleased to have Citi give my wife and I over 800K miles per year without having to squeeze them for BS retention bonuses.
Sorry for the rant - but we have seen enough opportunities die (AMEX Travellers cheques for example) due to those who had to exploit every program to the max.
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year
Excellent choice of words Happy - unfortunately there are people who in fact feel it necessary to "squeeze the last blood" out of any program going - and whether its here or on sites like Fat Wallet, it becomes easy to spot these vultures.
Why cant people just be "happy" with an easy 25,000 miles x 12 = 300,000 miles per year plus an extra 100,000 from the business card, for a total of 400,000 miles (doubled if you are doing this for husband and wife for example).
I for one, am more than pleased to have Citi give my wife and I over 800K miles per year without having to squeeze them for BS retention bonuses.
Sorry for the rant - but we have seen enough opportunities die (AMEX Travellers cheques for example) due to those who had to exploit every program to the max.
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year
Happy Holidays to you and your family as well!
Sadly some people are just penny wise pound foolish. They fail to see, keeping the opportunities going as long as possible would be far more beneficial than trying to max out every possible way for the moment.
The bluff to cancel before spending the minimum spending requirement tops all the "squeeze the last blood" schemes out there.
Sadly some people are just penny wise pound foolish. They fail to see, keeping the opportunities going as long as possible would be far more beneficial than trying to max out every possible way for the moment.
The bluff to cancel before spending the minimum spending requirement tops all the "squeeze the last blood" schemes out there.
We can talk about such things without actually 'advising' it right? Note I never once said I'd try that, but, if anyone were to do so, and pull it off, I'd give them the ^thumbs up^...why the 'thumbs down' to them?
At any rate, I doubt 'canceling a card prior to the bonus' will cause citi to change it's policy about allowing multiple sign on bonuses. If anything, I'd think that 'collecting the bonuses' as citi would be paying them is what will ultimately make them rethink their incentives.
And one more thing... you do not have to 'cancel' the card once you are connected to the retention specialist... if they call your bluff, you could always back out. Say something like 'oh, I guess I'll give this card a try, I've been having a bad day... didn't see all the wondrous advantages to your card, blah blah blah'. And again...Do note that although I can present scenarios, still doesn't mean I'm advocating this... but I still insist I would find great humor in it if someone pulled it off...
Maybe it's just me...?
Jan 7, 2009, 8:26 am
#27
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 333
My Visa came up for renewal, customer service offered to downgrade me to a bronze. I asked about retentioned offers, was transferred and took a $50 credit
Jan 8, 2009, 1:00 pm
#28
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 119
I tried to cancel my Citi AA Amex earlier this week after opening it about two months ago. The best offer the CR provided was 4 points at gas stations, super markets and drug stores. I asked if she had anything better to offer and was politely told this was the best they could do.
Jan 8, 2009, 4:01 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
I tried to cancel my Citi AA Amex earlier this week after opening it about two months ago. The best offer the CR provided was 4 points at gas stations, super markets and drug stores. I asked if she had anything better to offer and was politely told this was the best they could do.
Then again... maybe you really are only getting 4 points per dollar as a retention bonus.
Jan 9, 2009, 6:06 am
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,935
I tried to cancel my Citi AA Amex earlier this week after opening it about two months ago. The best offer the CR provided was 4 points at gas stations, super markets and drug stores. I asked if she had anything better to offer and was politely told this was the best they could do.