American Express ??cardholder??s can start by calling the customer service phone number on the back of their card, or the American Express retention department at 888-452-3945. Let the representative know you are considering canceling the card and would like to know if there is any way they can waive the annual fee.

Yes, you can absolutely ask American Express to waive or reduce your annual fee, though the success of this request depends heavily on your "spend-to-limit" ratio and how long you have been a loyal customer. This process is commonly known as a "retention offer." To do this, you should call the customer service number on the back of your card (or use the online chat) shortly after your annual fee posts to your statement. You should politely mention that you are considering canceling or downgrading the card because the fee is difficult to justify given your current travel or spending habits. Amex's "Retention Department" then uses an algorithm to determine your value as a customer. They may not always waive the fee entirely, but they frequently offer an "offset" such as a statement credit of $100-$300 or a large number of Membership Rewards points (e.g., 20,000 to 50,000 points) in exchange for keeping the card open and meeting a small spending requirement. In 2026, as annual fees for premium cards like the Platinum or Gold continue to rise, these retention negotiations have become a standard practice for savvy cardholders looking to maximize their return on investment.