When May 1st rolled around, I already knew that American Express and SPG would be updating their cards to include a new annual free night – but this was because they were also devaluing the points earning structure by 33% and eliminating the key access to Sheraton Club lounges benefit.
The problem for me, if I kept the Starwood Preferred Guest Business card, is that I would pay a $95 annual fee on May 1st and not receive any benefit – only a major devaluation. This is because I wouldn’t receive the annual free night (that goes into effect on August 1) for another full year, however I would see the devaluations almost immediately come August 1st.
You can bet I called to see what American Express could do for me. So what kind of retention offer did I receive?
Call Results: My Retention Offer For The SPG Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card From American Express
I called the number on the back of the card, notified the customer service agent that I had just been charged my annual fee, and asked if there were any retention offers available to me to help me decide if I was going to keep or cancel this card.
The customer service representative informed me that I did not have any retention offers available to me at this time (I had about $8,000 spend on this card in the previous card member year).
I then informed her that I was aware of the upcoming changes coming to this card, and I informed her I would see a major devaluation without receiving any benefit for one full year. I then told her I didn’t believe this was fair for somebody in my situation (with an annual fee charged before August 1st) and again asked if there was anything American Express was willing to do for me. She then said she understood the situation, and asked to place me on hold.
About 2 minutes later she was back on the line. “Sir, we don’t waive annual fees, however, because of your specific situation and the timing of the changeover of the program to Marriott, American Express will issue you a one-time credit of $95.00 after you pay the annual fee”.
The Bottom Line: Call Results: My Retention Offer For The SPG Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card From American Express
So what did I do? I accepted the offer of course! This offer was pretty much exactly what I was hoping for.
I feel this was fair deal as it would allow me to keep the card open for an additional year – for free – while I absorbed the devaluation. The best news about my retention call? By this time next year, I’ll have a free night (up to 35,000 points) to show for it!
Cheers!
