topic Re: Citi DC or Cap QS? in Credit Cards

Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 02:59:55 GMT

I'm deciding between the Cap QS and Citi DC. I did the pre qualify for both, I know it's not 100% accurate, but I didn't qualify for QS but did for Citi DC. My score is only at around 660-670 right now, but my utilization has been good from last credit check. I got approved for the QS1 last year but never activated it ( I need to close it beofre AF kicks in) so im afrid if I apply for QS they'll deny me because of my approval of QS1 and never using it. DC is nice with the extra 2% but I heard you have to wait for the next statement to redeem rewards wheras QS can just be redeemed right away. QS offers the $100 DC does not. I'm mainly looking for cash back, everyday use card for anything. Thoughts?

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

kdm31091 — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:06:37 GMT

It is largely a preference as the difference between 1.5% and 2% is not going to be huge outside of large spend.

Advantages of QS: The rewards post as the transaction do, and you can redeem anytime, any amount. No foreign transaction fee if that's important to you. Cap One generally does SP CLIs eligible every 6 months.

Advantages of DC: Obviously the 0.5% extra in rewards, though you must PIF to get that extra 0.5%. The rewards only "refresh" with each statement and there is a $25 minimum redemption. There's a foreign transaction fee. Citi does SP CLIs, but will do HP as well (but they'll inform you first).

Across the board, it seems people get lower limits with DC than with QS. I had luck getting my DC bumped up with a second HP, but there's no guarantee.

They're really very similar for day to day spend and like I said 2 vs 1.5% is not going to be an earth shattering difference, so I'd make my choice based on the minor differences I listed above. I do have and use the DC now for general spend but I am keeping my QS sockdrawered just in case Citi nerfs the DC sometime, besides the fact that the QS does have the better overall reward system -- it's just a matter of decidingi f you want to put up with DCs slightly more convoluted system to get an extra 0.5%. The choice is yours.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:18:42 GMT

I see..

I think i'd rather the QS..it's just, this is going to be my last CC app for awhile and im afraid of getting denied because I already technically have the QS1. I also got pre qualified for Chase Freedom, but im really not a fan of the rotating categories. Plus, I already have the IT .

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

kdm31091 — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:23:25 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I see..

I think i'd rather the QS..it's just, this is going to be my last CC app for awhile and im afraid of getting denied because I already technically have the QS1. I also got pre qualified for Chase Freedom, but im really not a fan of the rotating categories. Plus, I already have the IT .

If you have a Discover, the Freedom is unnecessary especially with wanting to be minimal on CC apps.

The QS is a great card and I can see why one would prefer it over DC. Go for it I don't think you'd be denied because of the QS1.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

core — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:23:34 GMT

With the QS not showing prequal, I would not take a triple pull for it with a 66x score. I got stuck with the QS1 with higher scores at the time. Your circumstances with the QS1 may not help. You have time to put spend on it? It's a long shout but maybe after some activity you could ask the EO to waive the AF this year. Try it out for a while without taking any pulls. Next year get the AF removed permanently.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:25:56 GMT

core wrote:

Does Citi do a triple pull as well?

I don't even know where my QS1 is, pretty sure I shredded it. I'd have t call Cap one for a new one.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

kdm31091 — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:26:46 GMT

Yes you do have the option of simply trying to get your existing QS1 fee waived, and using it, but since you haven't used it at all I don't see them throwing you a bone with waiving the fee right away. Maybe after using it awhile like core said.

Citi does not triple pull although they can double pull if your application is "borderline". However, if this is your only app for a long time you needn't be super concerned with the triple pull from cap one.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:33:42 GMT

@kdm31091 wrote:
Yes you do have the option of simply trying to get your existing QS1 fee waived, and using it, but since you haven't used it at all I don't see them throwing you a bone with waiving the fee right away. Maybe after using it awhile like core said.

Citi does not triple pull although they can double pull if your application is "borderline". However, if this is your only app for a long time you needn't be super concerned with the triple pull from cap one.

So what do you recommend? Go ahead and apply for QS or DC? If I get denied should I hold off or apply for DC?

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

kdm31091 — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:37:10 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@kdm31091 wrote:
Yes you do have the option of simply trying to get your existing QS1 fee waived, and using it, but since you haven't used it at all I don't see them throwing you a bone with waiving the fee right away. Maybe after using it awhile like core said.

Citi does not triple pull although they can double pull if your application is "borderline". However, if this is your only app for a long time you needn't be super concerned with the triple pull from cap one.
So what do you recommend? Go ahead and apply for QS or DC? If I get denied should I hold off or apply for DC?

Since you already have a QS1 there's not a ton of point in applying for the QS right now. Use the QS1 for a period of time (3-6 months) and then see if they'll waive your fee and/or PC you to the normal QS at which point you've gotten the same thing without a new HP (actually 3 HPs).

If the DC is more lucrative to you with the 2% (and the fact that you won't have to pay a fee ever), yeah, just app for it.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:49:37 GMT

@kdm31091 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@kdm31091 wrote:
Yes you do have the option of simply trying to get your existing QS1 fee waived, and using it, but since you haven't used it at all I don't see them throwing you a bone with waiving the fee right away. Maybe after using it awhile like core said.

Citi does not triple pull although they can double pull if your application is "borderline". However, if this is your only app for a long time you needn't be super concerned with the triple pull from cap one.
So what do you recommend? Go ahead and apply for QS or DC? If I get denied should I hold off or apply for DC?
Since you already have a QS1 there's not a ton of point in applying for the QS right now. Use the QS1 for a period of time (3-6 months) and then see if they'll waive your fee and/or PC you to the normal QS at which point you've gotten the same thing without a new HP (actually 3 HPs).

If the DC is more lucrative to you with the 2% (and the fact that you won't have to pay a fee ever), yeah, just app for it.

Yeah, I guess i'll hold off on the QS application, darn it.

I will though, try for the DC. If I get denied, i'll call up Cap for a new card of QS1. Ugh, I want the QS! Citi DC will suffice, though if I get approved. the 2% is nice, just bent on the redeeming when statement ends.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

happypill — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:53:29 GMT

With your scores, I would worry about getting a very low limit on the DC. That could be a factor if you plan on using it as an everyday spend card.

From my personal experience, Capital One could reward you with a high limit if you have been putting spend through your cards with them. If you haven't been using your Cap One card then it's definitely possible you could end up with a low limit there as well.

I like the plan of trying to get the AF waived on the QS1, but you'll definitely need to use it some. I was able to get my AF waived after about 3-4 months if I recall.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:58:50 GMT

I would go for citi double cash for sure!

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

kdm31091 — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 03:58:56 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@kdm31091 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@kdm31091 wrote:
Yes you do have the option of simply trying to get your existing QS1 fee waived, and using it, but since you haven't used it at all I don't see them throwing you a bone with waiving the fee right away. Maybe after using it awhile like core said.

Citi does not triple pull although they can double pull if your application is "borderline". However, if this is your only app for a long time you needn't be super concerned with the triple pull from cap one.
So what do you recommend? Go ahead and apply for QS or DC? If I get denied should I hold off or apply for DC?
Since you already have a QS1 there's not a ton of point in applying for the QS right now. Use the QS1 for a period of time (3-6 months) and then see if they'll waive your fee and/or PC you to the normal QS at which point you've gotten the same thing without a new HP (actually 3 HPs).

If the DC is more lucrative to you with the 2% (and the fact that you won't have to pay a fee ever), yeah, just app for it.
Yeah, I guess i'll hold off on the QS application, darn it.

I will though, try for the DC. If I get denied, i'll call up Cap for a new card of QS1. Ugh, I want the QS! Citi DC will suffice, though if I get approved. the 2% is nice, just bent on the redeeming when statement ends.

Don't get too hung up on the statement cut thing. I mean yes it's nice when the rewards stack up instantly, but the reality is that's more of a convenience than something one really uses. I don't typically redeem the 0.08 in rewards as its posts for each transaction on my QS lol

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

core — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 04:09:00 GMT

The AF at $39 is reasonable. Back when I had neither card I would have gladly paid that as a one-time fee for guaranteed approval and no HP and a free year of age. Which is basically where you're at. Me, I'd get the DC too. If not now then later. Just because it is there. (And the 2%.)

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 04:09:11 GMT

@happypill wrote:
With your scores, I would worry about getting a very low limit on the DC. That could be a factor if you plan on using it as an everyday spend card.

From my personal experience, Capital One could reward you with a high limit if you have been putting spend through your cards with them. If you haven't been using your Cap One card then it's definitely possible you could end up with a low limit there as well.

I like the plan of trying to get the AF waived on the QS1, but you'll definitely need to use it some. I was able to get my AF waived after about 3-4 months if I recall.

As of right now, a low CL doesn't bother me. I'm only 23 so im not living on own either yet.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 04:37:38 GMT

With the QS $100 bonus, the DC doesn't catch up in total cashback until you've spent $20K on it.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

yfan — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 04:49:48 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
With the QS $100 bonus, the DC doesn't catch up in total cashback until you've spent $20K on it.

This. If you are going to apply for a long term, general spend card, the bonus counts.

I have both cards. From a pure everyday rewards standpoint (domestic transactions), DC is slightly better. Citi also provides you with your Equifax FICO score, which is pretty awesome. But the QS holds its own pretty well. You are likely to get a higher limit on the QS, qualify for the bonus if you get approved, not have to worry about FTF if you spend a weekend in Canada or Mexico, etc.

There is another difference to be considered. The QS is likely to issue as a Visa, and the DC as Mastercard. If you don't get the Visa Signature, Citi AND Mastercard have much better shopping protections than Visa. The Price Rewind is a good feature, and the base level Mastercards just have better shopping protections - like return and price protection. You can, however, request the QS as a MC.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

core — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 04:52:02 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
With the QS $100 bonus, the DC doesn't catch up in total cashback until you've spent $20K on it.

And a QS denial nets you $0 and 3 HPs.

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 04:57:30 GMT

@yfan wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
With the QS $100 bonus, the DC doesn't catch up in total cashback until you've spent $20K on it.
This. If you are going to apply for a long term, general spend card, the bonus counts.

I have both cards. From a pure everyday rewards standpoint (domestic transactions), DC is slightly better. Citi also provides you with your Equifax FICO score, which is pretty awesome. But the QS holds its own pretty well. You are likely to get a higher limit on the QS, qualify for the bonus if you get approved, not have to worry about FTF if you spend a weekend in Canada or Mexico, etc.

There is another difference to be considered. The QS is likely to issue as a Visa, and the DC as Mastercard. If you don't get the Visa Signature, Citi AND Mastercard have much better shopping protections than Visa. The Price Rewind is a good feature, and the base level Mastercards just have better shopping protections - like return and price protection. You can, however, request the QS as a MC.

Yeah, the signup bonus is nice, which is why I did the pre qualifier for Freedom also, but realized I already have the Discover IT for that, so the Freedom is unecessary besides Visa being more widely accepted. The categories dont coincide with each other so maybe it can be worth it, the 5% Amazon October through the holidays is nice as I shop on Amazon often.

I'm almost positive i'll get denied the QS. I can wait another month or two as I just made two payments in full to apply, but that might not mean much,

Re: Citi DC or Cap QS?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 05:20:44 GMT

@core wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
With the QS $100 bonus, the DC doesn't catch up in total cashback until you've spent $20K on it.
And a QS denial nets you $0 and 3 HPs.

And a DC denial gets you $0 and likely 1 HP, so you're risking 1 HP but for $0 signup bonus. With the QS you're gambling 3 HP for a $100 signup bonus.

If you're denied, in six months to a year, those HPs lose their impact on your credit score and drop off entirely in two years.

If you're approved, your $100 signup bonus doesn't just vanish after two years (though it will lose a small percentage of its purchasing power).