topic Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps? in Credit Cards

Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

rmduhon — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 21:51:02 GMT

Mom is seriously thinking about combining her Cap1 Rebuilder (QS now) into her Cap1 QS1 but I don't know if it'll upset her credit steps with the QS1. She just got approved for a NFCU Cash Rewards card (1200 SL, 15.45%) and want to minimize cards. The annual fee doesn't bother her, at least right now. I know combining usually resets the 6 month CLI timing but I also know that credit steps has its own rules.

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

Anonymous — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 22:12:11 GMT

from what I know, it doesn't interfare. Your best bet is to hop on their chat and confirm it.

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

rmduhon — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 22:16:35 GMT

I probably will tomorrow. I know it's not a big deal in the long run but if waiting a few months will get her the steps and a combination it won't hurt to wait.

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

tussking — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 22:28:21 GMT

I am pretty sure it does affect it. Any combined cards are treated like a new account in the respect it resets your account for 6 months. I combined 2 cards last august and i am coming up on 6 months but anytime I have tried a CLI it says - there has been a recent change to your account. Double check but I believe yes it does.

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

rmduhon — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 22:36:59 GMT

I know cards out of the credit steps program do get reset when combined, but since you can get a mid steps CLI and the steps CLI I'm not sure it works the same way.

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

DeeBee78 — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 00:28:06 GMT

Why would you combine a better card with no annual fee into a lower-tier card with an annual fee?

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 00:35:41 GMT

Combining Cap 1 cards does count as a CLI in their system. As far as interfering with Credit steps, accounts normally can't be combined until 6 months old, although some have had success prior to that. Once steps hit, a combination may be possible, but that would 'reset' Cap 1s CLI clock and push it another 6 months out

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

UncleB — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 01:23:52 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Combining Cap 1 cards does count as a CLI in their system. As far as interfering with Credit steps, accounts normally can't be combined until 6 months old, although some have had success prior to that. Once steps hit, a combination may be possible, but that would 'reset' Cap 1s CLI clock and push it another 6 months out

Just to clarify, while combining does 'count' as a CLI for the card you're keeping, getting a CLI on either card won't cause you to have to postpone combining, assuming the account was eligible anyway. (At least unless something has recently changed.)

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 01:29:08 GMT

I believe that is correct. When I combined mine they were eligible for CLI, but Cap1 wouldn't budge. I combined two to close one card. I tried to get another CLI before 6 months were up and was to denied because 'recently receiving a CLI'

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 01:29:19 GMT

I was about to ask that question UB 😁

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 01:31:45 GMT

The original post of 'interfering with steps' is what has me. Accounts normally can't be combined until after 6 months old, which would be after credit steps kicks in

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

rmduhon — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 06:56:57 GMT

The card my mom is thinking about closing is over 6 months old. The card that it's being combined into doesn't have to be over 6 months old.so she is eligible.

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 07:26:07 GMT

It's in the fine print when you go to the combination screen - it specifically discloses that the account combo 'counts' as a CLI and will make you ineligible for increases for 6 months, including automatic increase programs you may have been enrolled in at issuance - in other words, no steps if you combine

Re: Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

DeeBee78 — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 08:23:40 GMT

@rmduhon wrote:
The card my mom is thinking about closing is over 6 months old. The card that it's being combined into doesn't have to be over 6 months old.so she is eligible.

It makes no sense to combine a no-AF, older card into a younger, lower-tier + AF card.