Today, in the 101 readers’ WeChat group, a reader asked how to find out whether they might have a retention offer. Besides calling directly and awkwardly pretending you want to close the card to ask for one, another option is to use online chat. We’re sharing that method here as well.
- Pretend in online chat that you want to close your card.
- After verifying your information, the chat agent will not immediately process the card closure. Before taking the final action, they will ask you to confirm again.
Next, one of two things may happen:
- If the agent sees that you have a retention offer, they will usually advise against closing the card and suggest that you call a specific phone number.
- If the agent does not see a retention offer, they will ask whether you really want to close the card and will also read some terms. If you decide not to close it, just say that you no longer want to proceed with the closure.
Note: The Online Chat Team cannot see the specific details of your offer, and they also cannot enroll you in it. However, their internal system should indicate whether an offer exists, and if it does, they will prompt the customer to call in. This is similar to when we call directly to cancel a card: if there is an offer, the agent will usually put you on hold briefly and then bring in the customer relations department to read the offer to you.
Overall, this is a bit faster than calling. As for whether you really have a retention offer, YMMV. The author has tested this method multiple times, and it has worked fine each time.