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]
Jan 9, 2009, 8:38 am
#31
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 119
Slightly confused. If this is indeed a Citi AA card, there are no points. Did they really offer you quadruple AA miles on gas/grocery/drug? For how long? That would be fanstastic! I've never heard of such a deal for AA (I have it only for UA, through a hard-to-apply-for card from Chase called Chase Rewards Plus, in that case with no annual fee, and it doesn't give UA miles directly, just roundabout through point redemption).
Jan 9, 2009, 10:44 am
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
Slightly confused. If this is indeed a Citi AA card, there are no points. Did they really offer you quadruple AA miles on gas/grocery/drug? For how long? That would be fanstastic! I've never heard of such a deal for AA (I have it only for UA, through a hard-to-apply-for card from Chase called Chase Rewards Plus, in that case with no annual fee, and it doesn't give UA miles directly, just roundabout through point redemption).
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/10912648-post1.html
Clearly stated that you can get 5X points at gas stations/grocery stores/pharmacies as a retention bonus (i.e. Call CSR and ask to cancel the card, and you will get that offer).
Jan 9, 2009, 2:04 pm
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,933
Read the first post of this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/10912648-post1.html
Clearly stated that you can get 5X points at gas stations/grocery stores/pharmacies as a retention bonus (i.e. Call CSR and ask to cancel the card, and you will get that offer).
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/10912648-post1.html
Clearly stated that you can get 5X points at gas stations/grocery stores/pharmacies as a retention bonus (i.e. Call CSR and ask to cancel the card, and you will get that offer).
"1) 5 AAdvantage miles on each purchase made at gas stations, grocery stores and drug stores (instead of 1) for the next 12 months, max 5000 miles then back to regular earning rate."
That's a big difference to me. I know, from experience with the Chase Rewards Plus card, that I reach that cap of 5000 miles in just a few short months. So after I read that originally, I put it out of my mind in the cateogory of "not a useful retention bonus for me".
Neither of the recent posts in this thread talking about this retention bonus mentioned the cap. That's why I thought it was some sort of new retention bonus, that you would keep earning that much, no matter how much you spent at those establishments, for a certain period of time. (My Chase Reward Plus card has no limits that I've been able to determine. Not that I spend nearly as much in these categories as some people, especially people shopping for a whole big family.)
Jan 12, 2009, 5:09 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1
I have 2 accounts and I had very different experience when I called to close them... On one card I was offered 5000 miles to keep it open, on the other one the customer service rep closed the account on the spot without even connecting me to the account specialist. First time I saw it happen.
Any similar experiences?
Any similar experiences?
Jan 13, 2009, 11:14 am
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
I have 2 accounts and I had very different experience when I called to close them... On one card I was offered 5000 miles to keep it open, on the other one the customer service rep closed the account on the spot without even connecting me to the account specialist. First time I saw it happen.
Any similar experiences?
Any similar experiences?
I believe most if not all CSR's can cancel your account if you request to do so, but, only retention specialists can make these 5000 miles, double miles, statement credits, etc offers. If you call and ask to cancel the card the CSR might just do so, or pass you on to the retention specialist (random). If you are in fact looking for a retention offer, then, it's best to ask to be connected to the 'cancellation department', I just call it that as I don't actually want to ask for the 'retention department', either way, you will end up with a retention specialist who 'may' (or may not) make you an offer.
Jan 14, 2009, 11:36 am
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
Don't hate me. I did it. I was more curious than anything else, and honestly, the risk of having the card canceled without getting the sign on bonus is miniscule. You'd have to actually talk yourself into canceling the card, as there are numerous 'outs' in this 'bluff' (for lack of a better word).
It took no more than 2 minutes. The retention specialist was kind and helpful.
Actually, I really wanted to get on to the 30K sign up bonus offer that I heard rumored to exist. Asked to speak to the retention specialist to see if I could get on that offer. She said she didn't know how to do so, but, offered 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent for the next 6 months, up to $10K worth of spending.
So, in reality, I didn't really threaten to cancel, it was more of asking how to switch promotions, nonetheless, you do have to speak with the retention department to make it happen.
Squeezing blood out of a stone? Perhaps, but, now I've got an AAdvantage card I can really make some use out of, don't even think I'll churn it (well until I get a replacement in 60 days or so anyway). I'll probably put most of my spending on it as otherwise my primary card is the SPG, and now 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent beats 1 SPG point per dollar spent.
Now that I've shared this info... don't necessarily go and start canceling your brand new Citi AAdvantage cards.
Jan 15, 2009, 12:46 pm
#37
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 452
thehawk75
"2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent for the next 6 months, up to $10K worth of spending."
I too called yesterday. Last year, when I called to cancel, they removed the $85 annual fee. This year, 2 AAdvantage miles per $ spent, up to $5k worth of spending.
You did twice as well as I did
"2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent for the next 6 months, up to $10K worth of spending."
I too called yesterday. Last year, when I called to cancel, they removed the $85 annual fee. This year, 2 AAdvantage miles per $ spent, up to $5k worth of spending.
You did twice as well as I did
Jan 15, 2009, 12:57 pm
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
Don't hate me. I did it. I was more curious than anything else, and honestly, the risk of having the card canceled without getting the sign on bonus is miniscule. You'd have to actually talk yourself into canceling the card, as there are numerous 'outs' in this 'bluff' (for lack of a better word).
Now that I've shared this info... don't necessarily go and start canceling your brand new Citi AAdvantage cards.
2 AA miles each buck spent? YAWN. Oh, low APR, Companion ticket were also in the mix of offers. None is useful in our case.
I have been offered the choice of 5 AA miles on EDS spending or the 2 AA miles on everything several times many moons ago. It simply is not worthwhile for me to put my spending to it when I can earn 5 / 3 TYPs on the Plat AMEX card. Even at the devaluated rate of 1 TYP worth 1 cent, it is still better than 2 AA miles, for the tickets bought by TYP also earn miles, of any airlines you see fit at the time, and essentially gives you a minimum 4 percent return, twice as much as the 2% AA miles.
Some people are willing to do this retention dance, even the offers are mediocre. Good for them.
Some people dont use the AA cards as day to day cards, for there are better cards than that, so the retention dance is worthless, unless they flat out offer 5K miles without any string. That kind of offers dont seem to be prevailing lately, unless your card is up for renewal soon.
Last edited by Happy; Jan 15, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Jan 15, 2009, 1:09 pm
#39
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: mci
Programs: aa
Posts: 669
I always cancel my cards thru the website, thanks to sdsearch for the tip! But this time after I sent the email I got something back saying there was a problem and I needed to call. I tried to cancel with the regular CS rep, and said I didnt want to go to retention, but she told me I had to. The only offer i got was the 5 miles for every $1 with a 5000 cap. he didnt say anything about the cap at first, I had to ask. Then I asked if there was ANYTHING else??? He said no and that the 5000 was the max he could give. So I went ahead an canceled it with him. Still dont know why I had to call this time????
Jan 15, 2009, 1:20 pm
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
Who would hate you??? If you report back about getting a 5K miles right there w/o string, that would be far more impressive, and may generate some stir.
2 AA miles each buck spent? YAWN.
I have been offered the choice of 5 AA miles on EDS spending or the 2 AA miles on everything several times many moons ago. It simply is not worthwhile for me to put my spending to it when I can earn 5 / 3 TYPs on the Plat AMEX card. Even at the devaluated rate of 1 TYP worth 1 cent, it is still better than 2 AA miles, for the tickets bought by TYP also earn miles, of any airlines you see fit at the time, and essentially gives you a minimum 4 percent return, twice as much as the 2% AA miles.
Some people are willing to do this retention dance, even the offers are mediocre. Good for them.
Some people dont use the AA cards as day to day cards, for there are better cards than that, so the retention dance is worthless, unless they flat out offer 5K miles without any string. That kind of offers dont seem to be prevailing lately, unless your card is up for renewal soon.
2 AA miles each buck spent? YAWN.
I have been offered the choice of 5 AA miles on EDS spending or the 2 AA miles on everything several times many moons ago. It simply is not worthwhile for me to put my spending to it when I can earn 5 / 3 TYPs on the Plat AMEX card. Even at the devaluated rate of 1 TYP worth 1 cent, it is still better than 2 AA miles, for the tickets bought by TYP also earn miles, of any airlines you see fit at the time, and essentially gives you a minimum 4 percent return, twice as much as the 2% AA miles.
Some people are willing to do this retention dance, even the offers are mediocre. Good for them.
Some people dont use the AA cards as day to day cards, for there are better cards than that, so the retention dance is worthless, unless they flat out offer 5K miles without any string. That kind of offers dont seem to be prevailing lately, unless your card is up for renewal soon.
The 5K offers only seem to happen on the Business cards from what I can tell.
I am considering the Citi AMEX Platinum card, 3 TYP's is generous, which I had known about it prior to the devaluation. I've mostly been using the SPG.
Jan 15, 2009, 2:13 pm
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
I always cancel my cards thru the website, thanks to sdsearch for the tip! But this time after I sent the email I got something back saying there was a problem and I needed to call. I tried to cancel with the regular CS rep, and said I didnt want to go to retention, but she told me I had to. The only offer i got was the 5 miles for every $1 with a 5000 cap. he didnt say anything about the cap at first, I had to ask. Then I asked if there was ANYTHING else??? He said no and that the 5000 was the max he could give. So I went ahead an canceled it with him. Still dont know why I had to call this time????
Jan 15, 2009, 2:15 pm
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
All your facts and figures are correct, but, I have to spend $750 on this card anyway, now at least that $750 get's 2 pts per dollar. Also, Citi won't allow you to fund one of their CD's with an AMEX card, but they will with MC.
The 5K offers only seem to happen on the Business cards from what I can tell.
I am considering the Citi AMEX Platinum card, 3 TYP's is generous, which I had known about it prior to the devaluation. I've mostly been using the SPG.
The 5K offers only seem to happen on the Business cards from what I can tell.
I am considering the Citi AMEX Platinum card, 3 TYP's is generous, which I had known about it prior to the devaluation. I've mostly been using the SPG.
They denied this afternoon that it would be nationalized. We shall see what the Treasury and FDIC will do with it, or how much more taxpayer dollars get thrown to it the 3rd time.
Jan 15, 2009, 2:38 pm
#43
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: AA (Exec Plat), ANA (Plat), Club Carlson (Gld), Hilton (Diamond), IHG (Plat), SPG (Gld)
Posts: 447
Wow, I called to cancel recently and the best they could offer me was a lower purchase APR for 6 months. I even explicity asked whether there were any other offers I was eligible for since I don't carry a balance and they told me no. So I cancelled my card. Now if they had offered me 5 miles/$ on EDS or 2 miles/$ for all purchases I would have kept the card as AA miles are the easiest to redeem for me. However, the annual fee is not worth it when I can get a fidelity 2% Amex card or use my other cards like SPG.
Jan 15, 2009, 2:43 pm
#44
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,020
Yep, Citi may be technically insolvent, but, since G. Bush gave them billions I think they will be around for a bit (perhaps soon to be renamed Third Bank of the United States of America).
In any event, I called yesterday to cancel a Citi AA biz card. Transferred to "specialist" who offered me 5K with "no strings" to keep the account open. Of course, I accepted.
Conclusion: biz cards are getting better retention offers these days than personal card.
In any event, I called yesterday to cancel a Citi AA biz card. Transferred to "specialist" who offered me 5K with "no strings" to keep the account open. Of course, I accepted.
Conclusion: biz cards are getting better retention offers these days than personal card.
Jan 15, 2009, 4:08 pm
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
Regardless, it seems to me 'Thank you Points' are one of the few 'currencies' actually losing value faster than the USD.
I guess get your 'churns' in as quickly as possible, who knows how long this will continue.