I applied for the Chase Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier Card last year because I got 50,000 BONUS POINTS for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. This offer is still available, you can apply for the card here. I never used the card after receiving the initial 50,000 bonus points.
I just got a bill for the $99 annual fee. I never use the card and do not want to pay the annual fee. I called Chase and asked them to waive the fee, they said no. They did negotiate a little bit in that they offered me 3,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points to keep the card. I said no. 3,000 points are not worth $99 to me. I should note, that I did receive the 6,000 points that were due to me on my cardmember anniversary, despite the fact that I am not keeping the card.
As I just wrote about the other day, I also received my statement from Citibank for my Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard $95 annual fee. This is another card I do not use and only got because of a sign-up bonus. Citibank happily made me an offer to use the card 5x on purchases of $20 or more and they will waive the fee. I happily accepted. Amex also recently made me an offer for a $150 statement credit to keep a card.
I wish Chase would change their policy to Citibank’s policy or American Express’ policy and keep people like me from canceling their cards!! (Note-this does not seem like Citi’s policy any more)