AMEX - 9 Time Calling Theory?

After reading SPH88's post about how to get what you want from Am/Ex you need to call nine times, I decided to try it.

First call: Rep stated that I was eligible for personal Green. Said that he would cancel my Optima and set me up w/ the new card. I said wait...just to make sure everything goes smoothly, I'd like to keep the Optima until the new card arrives. He was just about to (as he stated) push a button that would cancel the Optima and set up Green. I didn't want to risk it. Long story short after being on hold for 10 years....he gave me the number to apply by phone. He said that with my history, etc. that I should have NO PROBLEM! Yeah...right! Been there, done that.....and wasted inquiries in the process. No thanks.....hang up.....call again.

Second Call: Same deal blah blah blah this time they asked me what they could do to keep me as a customer. I said to set me up with a different card. They guy states......o.k. I see your eligible for either personal Green or Gold. I said I'll take the Gold. He rambles on, etc. and states that he would like to record the conversation. Then he states that I have chosen to stay an Am/Ex customer by switching to the Gold charge. He also stated that the balance on my Optima card would be transferred to the Gold and will appear on my first statement along w/ the membership fee. He stated that I should receive a card in 3 weeks and that my Optima account was now closed and should reflect that on my next statement. All this was recorded. I then asked him his name and a number that I could call just in case there were problems, etc. He gave me that info. Then I said, JUST TO BE CLEAR....you are going to close my Optima, set me up w/ a Gold charge, and transfer the balance from my Optima to it, correct? He said yes......correct. I left it at that.

So, we'll see.......I believe it when the Gold card comes in the mail. If I don't receive it, I have the name of the rep and our tape recorded conversation to fall back on I guess.

Any comments?

 

That's what I wanted to do. But for some reason if I keep the Optima, they will prompt me to apply for the Gold. When they said that they would close the Optima and transfer the balance....I decided to go that route. They gotta transfer the balace SOMEWHERE, right? See, Am/Ex fooled me once already. I called to cancel Optima, the rep stated that he would send me Gold charge and when I got it to call back and cancel Optima, etc. blah blah blah. I fell for it.....even posted a post here in ALL CAPS to let everyone know! Then when my card didn't show up, I was like WTF? So I called....that's when the bomb dropped! So I went ahead and applied. Keep in mind all my negatives were in dispute mode and I was STILL denied. Couldn't get an override either. I was also told that my status as a secured Optima holder didnt' help me in any way (like they said it would).

What was weird was the first time I called, the Rep said all he had to do was press a button and my Optima would be canceled and the Gold would be sent. I got nervous. Didn't want to get fooled. So the next time, I went for it basically. I guess if they b.s. me again, I can just call and either force them to do something OR get my Optima card back. I think there is someone who canceled their Optima and got it back????? Who was that??? And there is 1 person that I know (LadyCarr?) that got her secured Optima turned into a regular Optima.

So here I am now.....with a canceled Optima card and a Gold charge supposedly on it's way. Hope I made a smart move.

At this point I'm willing to put up a fight if necessary.....and I have no problems letting this card go completely if it comes down to it.

I don't have an answer for you in regards to your question about if it was easier to transfer to Gold or apply. I would have to assume that it's easier to transfer......if they ACTUALLY let you transfer. That we will find out soon enough. I don't mind being the lab rat.

 

Because I wanted a charge card. I don't need a revolving card. For what I have going, a charge card is a good way to keep my axx out of debt.