As a matter of personal policy and one that EVERYONE should follow for their own security online and financially is this:
I NEVER give out my email, phone number or answer any "surveys" when asked this by a store at checkout.
These large entities just don't get it. It's not a matter of IF they will be hacked and lose all their customers private data it is only a matter of WHEN.
Stop cooperating in this intrusive grab for more and more information by every store you come across. Just say NO.
This entire episode could have been prevented by doing the above. Having said that the clerk should have made it clear that this was a Visa Application. I am also sure that if you just be a bit patient GSE will make this right for you and comp you a year or two of membership in the process.