(1) Annual fees
(2) Late charges
(3) Finance charges
And these 3 charges amounted to abt $110+.
So I made an important call down to the credit card Hotline.
Mission: To erase off these charges (aka save $110)
Background work:
Charge #1 was for the renewal of card. The reason why I got this card in the first place was because it was free for 2 years. I have asked for annual charges to be waived off after the free period was over, so think should be no problem.
Charges #2 was related to my late payment last month.
Unsure about Charge #3 though.
Credit card = Authorised loan sharks.
One of my friend has once said he never paid for fines, he always argue his way out.
Time to put my speaking skills to work.
The guy who picked up my call seemed to be a non-local. Indian maybe? I'm expecting a challenge instead of a walkover.
Round 1: Get rid of annual charges
Me: I have been a loyal credit card member of your company for the past 5 years. Can you waive the annual charges?
Guy: Sorry sir, we can't do that.
Me: : But it has been waived for me before.
Guy: Sorry sir, we are unable to do that. But you can use some of your points to exchange for free membership.
Me: In that case, shouldn't I just cancel my subscription and reapply for the free offer again?
Guy: Yes, you can do that, sir. But I will advise against that, as you will lose your points and restart your credit record.
Me: I will finish my points before I cancel. And the credit record doesn't matter to me at all. Please send me the form to cancel my credit card. Thanks.
*A short silence*
Guy: Sorry sir, I have viewed your records and realise you have been a very good rating with us. In that case, can I propose a alternative way for you to get the free subscription without cancelling your card?
Me: Ok, go ahead.
Guy: All you have to do is to make at least 3 purchases of any amount and charge it to your credit card between 15 Jan and 15 Feb.
Me: *sniggers* That should be easy. I like your suggestion.
Guy: Thank you, sir.
Charge #1 waived!
Round 2: Get rid of late charges
Me: So, what about the late charges?
Guy: Err.... they will be waived too. We might have processed the cheque after the deadline.
Charge #2 waived!
Round 3: Get rid of finance charges
Me: And the finance charges. What are those for?
Guy: oh, they will be waived together with the other 2 charges.
Charge #3 waived.
Guy: Is there any other things I can help with you, Sir?
Me: Waiving the 3 charges will do fine. Thanks for the help.
Guy: Thanks you sir, we look forward to serving you again.
Me: K. Happy New Year to you.
Initiative can earn you some money.
Call me a Hotline terrorist if you want.
But, I got $110+ for a 5 minute phone call.
How cool is that?
1 comment:
Brother, if this makes you happy I have a suggestion for you.
You give me $200, and then I give it back to you. That way you will be happier than if you had merely lost $150 and recovered it.
Post a Comment