I've heard stories about some people calling in to the bank and threatening the line operator that if they are not given a fee waiver for the next year, they will simply cancel their card account. Is that true? And if I am able to execute the "privilege" of demanding a waiver, are there any implications or requirements tagged to it?
2007-04-13 15:47:19 · 9 answers · asked by dreamscape1985 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
You have nothing to lose by asking (I wouldn't "demand" it, though). I have done that successfully with a card I didn't use much and just asked to have the annual fee waived. The customer service rep did it without any argument. There were no other requirements or ramifications.
Now, you do have a better case if you have a good credit history and have made all the proper payments on time with your card. If you've been late or a difficult customer, you may not be able to get the fee waived. If you are a good customer, make sure to bring that up with you ask... say something like "I've made my payments on time for 4 years and have brought your company a lot of revenue."
Ask nicely - and you just may receive!
2007-04-13 15:54:16 · answer #1 · answered by Mama Gretch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call and ask for a person with the authority to grant waivers - don't just talk to the customer 'service' person. If you are a long time customer, have always paid on time, never over limit, etc. then tell the person that you will close your account unless the waiver is granted. Be nice - say that you'd like to stay with them but know you can get a no-fee card from other companies. Credit card companies know that they pay more to get new customers than they do (advertising/acquisition costs) to keep existing clients so they will often accommodate such requests. Some will not dicker though so be prepared to back your threat with action. There are no-fee cards out there but look at other aspects also like grace periods, other benefits like car-rental insurance, rates, etc. before you change. If you are about to buy a home or make another significant credit purchase then wait til that is accomplished as closing/opening new credit cards can adversely affect your credit score - even if you are never late with payments.
2007-04-13 23:01:36 · answer #2 · answered by Santal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no need to sound demanding to request for an annual fee waiver. There is also no need to ask for a manager to get a waiver. There is also no need to have a good payment history, nor regular card usage, to get a waiver.
The fact is, over the next five years, the trend is that we will totally phase out credit card annual fees.
Go ahead and call your bank, and calmly ask for the fee waiver. If you have not been using the card, we will simply remind you to start using it. But we will definitely waive the annual fee.
2007-04-13 23:10:19 · answer #3 · answered by Ferd 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please do not call and threaten the customer service rep. It honestly makes no difference. If they are able to waive the fee they will. You don't need a manager either. Why do people always think they can get more flies with vinegar than honey. You don't need a manager either. There are some cards that the fees can be waived and there are some cards ( usually mileage) that cannot have the fee waived. If they are not able to, simply ask if they have similar cards with no fee the can switch you to. The benefits may be different, only you can decide if it's Worth it to you.
2007-04-14 20:36:25 · answer #4 · answered by Smilinez 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. You can also ask to combine two cards into one. I have or had 2 Capital One cards. One had an annual fee the other didnt. One had a high limit the other wasnt as high. I asked them if I can transfer the credit limit to the card with no annual fee and increase the one card to what the limit was on both. They did this and now I have the one card. As long as you are in good standing it is a piece of cake. I had both cards for 4 yrs and was never late. They were more than happy to do this for me.
2007-04-17 21:58:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can "demand" just about anything from your card company, and more power to you if they do it for you. It's unlikely they'll waive the annual fee; most waivers are granted on late fees or finance charges...but those are granted only if you miss a payment or are late once in a very long while.
2007-04-15 10:03:09 · answer #6 · answered by Jason 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes if you have a good relationship with them and you are very commanding you may even be able to secure a lower interest rate on top of the annual fee waiver. No harm in trying, go ahead.
2007-04-13 22:50:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It actually does work. If you buy a lot, pay of lot of finance charges, and have good credit, the card issuer would love to keep you as a customer. If all it take sis to waive a fee there is an excellent chance they will do that if asked. If they won't waive the fee see if they can lower your interest rate - you have nothing to lose by asking.
2007-04-13 22:51:45 · answer #8 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just get a new card. There aren't many cards out there now that have annual fees, so why are you keeping a card with an annual fee?
2007-04-13 22:50:49 · answer #9 · answered by Jennifer L 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋