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Here we go again

Every year it's the same thing. American Express debits my Starwood Preferred Guest card for a $45 membership fee, I call them to get a good will credit, and every year they tell me the same thing.
I'm sorry we can't issue you a credit.

Then I talk to a few other people, write an email, and with the exception of last year, I have always been able to obtain a credit for the membership. Last year, if you remember, was different. No matter what I did, I couldn't get any satisfaction from anyone, and I ended up cancelling the card.

Of course about a week after doing that, someone at American Express, who does have the authority to give me the credit, called, and not only gave me the credit, but gave me an extra $50 to boot. So I agreed to use the card again. She also gave me her name and number to call, should this happen again.

Unfortunately I lost her number, but did remember her name, so I thought I would still be able to get in touch with her, and solve my problem. But after three days of trying to get in touch with her, and even leaving a message once, I was unsuccessful.

So after talking to the latest individual, who of course had no authority to do anything, I just canceled the card, and this time, very likely for good. It's just not worth the hassle any more.

If American Express doesn't see the value of someone who generates about $1,000 worth of merchant fees every year, who am I to try and convince them otherwise. Besides I've got another American Express Card from Costco, which gives me 5% back on gasoline purchases, and 3% back on restaurant purchases, and for everything else I'll use my new Chase Amazon credit card.

I won't get the Starwood points, which I really like, but I'll still make out pretty good, and I won't have to worry about trying to get another credit for the membership fee next year. Neither of those cards have fees.
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