topic Re: Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It in Credit Cards

Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It

SoCalGardener — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 19:59:57 GMT

I have a Discover More card that has sentimental value. I wrote about it here some years ago. Basically, when my mother died in 2013, I contacted Discover and they connected me with their department that deals with customer deaths. I simply called to tell them she had died, offer any proof they needed, and to close the account and send the bill as usual, and I would pay it. Totally to my surprise, they asked if I'd like it transferred to my name! I was like, WHAT?! At that time, I was still recovering from my previous catastrophic illness (a brain tumor) and its financial ramifications, and didn't have great credit. She told me that they could put it in my name, and it would retain its [then] 20+ year history--which was exceptional, so that was great. I said yes!

Because of my credit, they had to lower the CL from $16,000 to $3,000 but I was grateful for anything. I really felt like this was a final gift from Mom, you know? I mean a 1991 account with perfect history, going on my credit? It was awesome.

Anyway, since then, they've spontaneously increased my CL immensely, and I've maintained the account's perfect history. When I get my statement, it clearly says "Discover More" at the top, but when I look at any of my credit reports, they say "Discover It." I'm not sure if that makes any difference in any way, I'm just throwing it out there.

As you may know, Discover did away with More--coincidentally, in 2013. In other words, you cannot apply for More now, but if you already have it, you're not forced to change it. As I understand it, More required exceptional credit, while It only requires good. I'm trying to decide if I should change it to It, which apparently has somewhat better rewards. The thing is, I'm happy with it the way it is, AND I have sentimental reasons for keeping it. Can anyone explain any really solid reasons to change it? My preference is to leave it as is, but I just thought I'd ask.

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It

Anonymous — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 20:40:38 GMT

In many ways this is question that only you can answer!

The rewards ARE better on the IT, but not hugely. (With no other background, people would be encouraged to switch, as there is little reason to keep worse rewards, but it's not a "You would be mad not to" type thing)

Then the other question is where does the sentiment reside! I assume it feels closer to your mother because it says More, but if you change it to an IT, it will still be a discover card with the same history and account number, which for some might be enough.

So really your choice...

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It

Aim_High — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 21:14:26 GMT

Hmmm ... I think you're asking the wrong people (or person.) It's Mom's card and gift to you. What would Mom do or want you to do with it? Either way you do it, it honors her memory and is a reminder of her. My Discover is my oldest currently open card (1993) and started out under their ORIGINAL rewards program, as I'm sure your Mom's card did also. (That program was more complicated than the MORE or IT programs and paid less than 1% overall). So Mom's card has already been product changed once by her as Discover enhanced its' offerings.

Either way, it sounds like the account is a keeper, both for age and sentiment. And if you change the account type, you can keep your current MORE card as a keepsake. You could do something special with it. Let us know what you decide!

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 01:40:04 GMT

I'm not sure of the rewards with More... but the way I look at it, if you do a product change, you'd still have your mom's "gift." Since the account history should stay the same. Just think about which reward structure works best for you, knowing u wouldn't be able to switch back to More in the future. Or maybe keep it and apply for a second card?

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It

SweetCreditObsession — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 01:50:15 GMT

I agree with the other poster...why not just apply for an IT and keep the More too?😊

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It

TheBoondocks — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 06:24:38 GMT

If I were you, I would keep the More and apply for the IT. As it is 2 different products. My dad has the more. If I could change the IT to the more, I would lol.

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It

SoCalGardener — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 21:08:14 GMT

Thanks for the thoughtful replies!

I think I was just looking for reassurance that there was no compelling reason to change anything. Since there is nothing HUGE to gain by converting More to It, guess what? I'm going to leave it as is!

As for opening a second account, I'm gardening now and really can't imagine getting any new cards in the foreseeable future. I have too many as it is. I mean, I have to actively keep track of which ones need to be used soon, so they won't get closed for inactivity. I really don't need another card.

At one point, many years ago, I remember seeing a man on TV who had 800 credit cards, and I thought, WOW!! I'd like to match that!! Yeah, no, not any more. I'm content with what I have, and now I'm just working on increasing existing credit limits (without HPs), to push my total CL to a certain number.

Thanks again! Your input is appreciated.

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It

SweetCreditObsession — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 04:01:24 GMT

Good for you. I'm so glad you have the account! 😁

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? Change Discover More to Discover It

wingennis — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 14:44:43 GMT

As long as Discover is not forcing you to upgrade, you can leave it as it is. That way you maintain something that has sentimental value to you but still have to option to make a change in the future.