Arrival Plus Product Change Success

trusty — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 16:06:34 GMT

I had read a few topics that indicated Barclays was difficult to deal with, regarding downgrading. I had even seen it suggested to close the card and reapply for another card, just in order to avoid the annual fee. (and also to get another bonus)

Well, I'm trying to keep my credit moving the right direction, long term; so, I'd rather keep all of my accounts open, and in good standing, for as long as possible... sign up bonuses be damned. I've found that, if you play these games enough, you'll find that you have a hard time - when you actually truly need something. Or, you'll be wondering why you've all of the sudden had adverse action against you, out of the blue. So, I've found that it's best to operate like a normal, reliable card holder. Perhaps, not all of the banks will be loyal to you, anyhow. But, you can only control how normal and how ethical you behave.

So, I just wanted to provide feedback on the data points I gathered.

I had contacted Barclays a few times, prior to my annual fee posting, and there were no options to product change, or downgrade. Fast forward to when the fee posted, and I called again, the next Monday, this time asking for a supervisor, after the front line representative also came back with no good news. Well, wouldn't you know it... the supervisor has the additional ability to downgrade a cardholder, from the Arrival Plus - to the Arrival, with no annual fee.

So, if you're having trouble downgrading... try waiting for your fee to post, and then speak to a supervisor. I never needed to contact the backdoor number to do this. Why cause undue alarm, if you don't have to?

I wasn't able to change to another card product, which would have allowed me to reapply and get the current 70k points offer. But, as I stated, I could have simply closed the account, and reapplied. But, I'm not that hard up for points, that I need to play that game, and have frivolous credit cards that I have no use for. I've also found that you end up spending money that you weren't even planning to spend, just in order to achieve these spend requirements. It's just not worth the hassle. It's a zero sum game, unless you're truly gaming, by coming up with manufactured spend, and such... which is how you get into unethical territory. Once you go down that road, you reap what you sow.

Plus, I've learned that Barclays is pretty conservative, and risk averse. So, best not to test them too much. Although, I did get an increase, after 9 months... but, I had to apply and take an inquiry, to get it. Anyhow, I'm just grateful that I could get in with them, and keep a World card, without an annual fee. There's not much tangible difference between the World vs. World Elite, anyway. Nevertheless, it's time to garden this relationship, and see what comes of it.

No matter your aim, all you can do is try, whatever it is that you want to achieve; be that, churning for points, or playing the long game. Sometimes, it works out just the way you had intended.

Re: Arrival Plus Product Change Success

RonM21 — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 23:44:37 GMT

Glad you were successful in achieving what you wanted to accomplish. Thanks for sharing the data points from your experience. Barclays is known to be a bit of a sensitive lender at times, so your approach is understandable if that is what works for you.

topic Re: Arrival Plus Product Change Success in Credit Cards

Arrival Plus Product Change Success

Re: Arrival Plus Product Change Success