@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
ladydl,
I got approved for the gold with the higher AF and lower credit limit but when I got the card I called and negotiated a lower AF and higher credit limit before I activated. It worked well they cut my AF in half and gave me a 50% CLI upon activation. I am starting to like HSBC. Especially since I am rebuilding/gardening.
okstatefan5945,
What number did you call to get the CLI upon activation?
I called the 1-800-419-4959 RZMC number and explained to the CSR that I didnt like the terms but wanted the card and asked if they could increase the CL or waive the AF. She said she couldnt waive AF's but could put in for a CLI. I asked if it would be a soft or hard inquiry and she didnt know but I told her go ahead as I already have alot of inquiries. She came back and said sorry you have been denied. I explained again that I wanted the card but didnt like the terms and asked "Is there a retention specialist or account manager that may be able to assist me further with these requests?" She said certainly and put me on hold.
A few moments later an account manager picked up. I told her the same that I really wanted the card but didnt like the terms and that I would love to activate the card if she could either A. Waive the AF, B. Give me a good limit increase, or C. Reduce the AF and give me a slight increase. She explained that the AF was charged to help provide excellent customer service (which I thought was a rejection) and then she went on to say but we really want you as a customer but these are difficult financial times. She then said Mr. Williams what I will do for you today is credit you half of the annual fee which will be $37.50 back to the account and in addition I will raise your CL $150 to $450. Will this work for you. I thanked her and said it certainly will those terms are alot better and that CL would better allow me to use their card for purchases. She said the credit limit increase should apply immediately and that the credit would appear within 48 hours and she then proceeded to activate my card.
So if you have been approved and have not activated yet I would call and give it a shot. Of course YMMV but it worked for me. Good Luck.
*Note I purposely did this during regular business hours during the week so I could get english speaking. The front line girl that ran me for a CLI denied me and she was in a call center in some other country. Once I asked for account manage or retention specialist the lady I was transferred to was an english speaking and clear (seemed to be here in USA) rep who helped me. I would recommend just asking right away to speak with an account manager or retention specialist and just tell the front line CSR that you need to speak with someone to try to adjust the terms of your card so you can skip the trouble and the hard inquiry I took initially.
***Also worth noting I was VERY POLITE the whole time and NEVER threatened to close any account or leave as a customer just politely said I wasnt sure at this time if I would like to activate the card with those terms and could they help me. They dont like to be threatened or talked nasty to***
Starting Score: EX:603