no, it does not effect your credit score and it does NOT show up as a new account either. After one or two months your prior history and start date from your old card will be merged to the new account.
Starting scores 01/ 02/2012 EQ 707 TU 733 EXP 735 (FAKO)
Updated scores 06/15/2013 EQ 761 TU 780 EXP 741 (Fico)
Remember the Three P's: Pay early in Full, Pay on Time, Patience
