Topic Wiki

I'm trying to summarize success stories mentioned in this thread.
From @TC610
It never hurts to ask - retention is a big YMMV.  If you don't like the offer given to you when you call for retention, ask for a better one.  Scan through the thread (use the search bar - reading through 130+ pages of posts can be time consuming) to see what others have been offered. Please post what you've got if its better then whats in the WIKI

Citi:
AA
Retention: $95 Statement credit after 5 transactions (no minimum...) in the next 3 months
09/17/2014 $95 refunded no need to make any transactions + 1000 Bonus Points per month for 16 months if made purchases of $1000+
05/12/16 AA Executive: $50 credit every month spend $1500 or 15K Miles for $5K in 5 Months
08/14/17 AA Exec $250 credit for spending $3,000/m * 3m OR 15K Miles for $5K in 3m.

Chase: - Call 800-945-2006.
  • IB/IP
     Retention: 10k UR after 5k spend
  •  IC
     Retention: $50 SC
  • UA (Club)
     Retention: $150 account credit
     Retention: 10k Miles for spending $2000 in 3 months.
  • UA (Presidential)
     Retention: $100 account credit
  • BA
     Retention: 9k Avios for spending $1500 in 3 months
  • Freedom (5x catagories)
     Retention: 2,500 UR

Barclay's:
M&M
Retention: Waived by SMing

Arrival
Retention: 5K miles, for keeping the card open randomly.
AF waived, HUCA

US air:
AF waived

American Express

Seems to be clearly spend related while also no rhyme or reason to who gets offers

 • Business gold:5k-15k/$100 statement credit no spend required.
 • Delta Gold Skymiles - 12.5k Delta miles for paying the annual fee (no extra spending required) or $100 Credit on the account
 • SPG personal: 7k for 1k spend in 3 months.
 • SPG business: 10k no spend.
 • Personal Platinum - 20,000 MR for $3,000 spend in 3 months. (Actually gave me 5,000MR immediately, then 15,000 when I spend the $3k)/up to 50k/$150 SC for 1k spend.
 • Personal Platinum (another data point [zow]) - 30,000 MR for $4,000 spend in 3 months.
 • Business Platinum: 10k no spend/20k for 10k spend/30k no spend +50k for 40k spend

Retention contact numbers:
Citi: 800-444-2568
Chase: 800-945-2006
Amex: 800-452-3945
Barclays: 18664084064 (credit dept)
US Bank:

Click on link to get backdoor numbers for most banks:
http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Backdoor-Numbers/td-p/408066
« Last edited by zow on May 19, 2019, 06:47:52 PM »

Author Topic: Credit Card Retention Bonuses  (Read 1839440 times)

Offline rots5

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 8000
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 17
    • View Profile
    • Custom Cakes for Every Occassion
  • Location: Monsey
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1280 on: March 03, 2013, 04:16:03 PM »
What do you say when you call?
well first i explain why im calling ...my house burnt down and i have to start cutting down on some expenses and i also put on 35k i was hoping theres something that can be done in order to offset the annuel fee
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline sky121

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 11724
  • Total likes: 168
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1281 on: March 03, 2013, 04:18:30 PM »
well first i explain why im calling ...my house burnt down and i have to start cutting down on some expenses and i also put on 35k i was hoping theres something that can be done in order to offset the annuel fee

Sounds good to me. HUCA? Also sometimes you can resort to saying your relative/coworker/etc has the same card and just got xyz...
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4032
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1282 on: March 03, 2013, 04:20:13 PM »
well first i explain why im calling ...my house burnt down and i have to start cutting down on some expenses and i also put on 35k i was hoping theres something that can be done in order to offset the annuel fee
Maybe try without the whole long story. Say hey I've been looking over my statement and realized u was charged a AF. In a great customer who pays bills on time every month and puts on a nice amount of money on it and if there's anything he can do to convince you to keep it.
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline rots5

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 8000
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 17
    • View Profile
    • Custom Cakes for Every Occassion
  • Location: Monsey
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1283 on: March 03, 2013, 06:21:11 PM »
Thanks sky thanks mmerms. I def will try tom. :-₪
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline minkr

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 94
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1284 on: March 05, 2013, 10:31:41 PM »
Last week I called to close UMPE and they offered me $100 statement credit to stay. The credit just posted yesterday.

1) If I call now to either downgrade or cancel, are they gonna give me a hard time cuz they just gave me the retention? Should I rather wait a little bit?

2) and does anyone know info regarding downgrading to UMP regular. I called about a month ago, and they said they can't downgrade cuz I didn't have the card for a year yet, so they can't change the terms. Is that true? or if I speak to someone else, they should be able to? cuz I'd rather downgrade then cancel b/c I have no other chase cards to transfer the CL to.

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4032
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1285 on: March 05, 2013, 10:35:09 PM »
Last week I called to close UMPE and they offered me $100 statement credit to stay. The credit just posted yesterday.

1) If I call now to either downgrade or cancel, are they gonna give me a hard time cuz they just gave me the retention? Should I rather wait a little bit?

2) and does anyone know info regarding downgrading to UMP regular. I called about a month ago, and they said they can't downgrade cuz I didn't have the card for a year yet, so they can't change the terms. Is that true? or if I speak to someone else, they should be able to? cuz I'd rather downgrade then cancel b/c I have no other chase cards to transfer the CL to.
After they "waive" your AF...why the need to downgrade?
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline minkr

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 94
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1286 on: March 05, 2013, 10:38:35 PM »
After they "waive" your AF...why the need to downgrade?
cuz i wanna churn and apply for another UMPE

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4032
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1287 on: March 05, 2013, 10:39:57 PM »
cuz i wanna churn and apply for another UMPE
Why not go for a SP or freedom?
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline minkr

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 94
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1288 on: March 05, 2013, 10:42:12 PM »
Why not go for a SP or freedom?
I can, but either way, to apply for another UMPE, i need to either downgrade or cancel the existing one. I don't mind cancelling, but I'm just nervous they'll give me a shmooze cuz I just got a retention. should I just SM to close?

That's why i thought downgrading would be a better idea...

Offline MEIR613

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 4593
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1289 on: March 05, 2013, 10:43:39 PM »
Why not go for a SP or freedom?
55k + $50>10k

55k + $50>40k

Offline minkr

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 94
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1290 on: March 05, 2013, 10:44:31 PM »
55k + $50>10k

55k + $50>40k
precisely!

so what's my best bet? cancel or downgrade? and should I wait since I just got the retention?

Offline MEIR613

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 4593
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1291 on: March 05, 2013, 10:46:19 PM »
precisely!

so what's my best bet? cancel or downgrade? and should I wait since I just got the retention?
Sm: cancel and transfer the credit.

Wait 30 days (or right away, your choice) and re-apply.

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4032
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1292 on: March 05, 2013, 10:46:57 PM »
55k + $50>10k

55k + $50>40k
So does that mean a person should only apply for UA cards one after the other? ???

Of course some cards are more valuable than others...but why go for your only chase card twice before trying out a new chase card you never had?
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4032
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1293 on: March 05, 2013, 10:47:35 PM »
Sm: cancel and transfer the credit.
OP said its his only chase card...transfer CL to what?
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline MEIR613

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 4593
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1294 on: March 05, 2013, 10:49:29 PM »
So does that mean a person should only apply for UA cards one after the other? ???

Of course some cards are more valuable than others...but why go for your only chase card twice before trying out a new chase card you never had?
I don't know what other cards he has. I assumed he had those too. 

I actually agree with you, but some like to be more gutsy and milk the cow all it's worth.

Offline MEIR613

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 4593
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1295 on: March 05, 2013, 10:51:09 PM »
OP said its his only chase card...transfer CL to what?
Correct, I missed that part.

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4032
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1296 on: March 05, 2013, 10:53:16 PM »
Correct, I missed that part.
Ok. So let's start over  ;)

You agree he should keep his UA and go for the SP and freedom now?
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline MEIR613

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 4593
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1297 on: March 05, 2013, 10:56:03 PM »
Ok. So let's start over  ;)

You agree he should keep his UA and go for the SP and freedom now?
@OP, definitely go Freedom, SP, and try to get matched for Hyatt diamond and go for the Hyatt card. If you can't get match/challenge, go for the SW card IMO.

Offline minkr

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 94
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1298 on: March 05, 2013, 10:57:31 PM »
Sm: cancel and transfer the credit.
i dont have another chase card to transfer the CL to. (its just a 1500 CL)
can I just donwgrade? or I can't cuz I didn't have the card for a year yet?

UMPE has best signup bonus, that's why I want it again. I'm only doing all this for the signup bonus. I don't put so much spend on cards that I care for all the benefits. I put most of my purchases on my amex blue cash.  and I am planning on doing a 2 or 3 BM - UMPE + CSP + Freedom (probably)

 but I just first needa cancel or donwgrade my existing card.

Offline MEIR613

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 4593
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Credit Card Retention Bonuses
« Reply #1299 on: March 05, 2013, 11:01:10 PM »
i dont have another chase card to transfer the CL to. (its just a 1500 CL)
can I just donwgrade? or I can't cuz I didn't have the card for a year yet?

UMPE has best signup bonus, that's why I want it again. I'm only doing all this for the signup bonus. I don't put so much spend on cards that I care for all the benefits. I put most of my purchases on my amex blue cash.  and I am planning on doing a 2 or 3 BM - UMPE + CSP + Freedom (probably)

 but I just first needa cancel or donwgrade my existing card.
I would just leave it and use it for leverage.