I've been avoiding new inquiries like the plague, but am tempted to apply for the Quicksilver. I currently have a Venture with a $20K credit limit that I seriously never use. My plan would be to get the Quicksilver and close down the Venture (since they won't let me do a PC and they don't do credit limit reallocations). I feel like I would use it a lot more, in general, and I'm planning some international travel next year so really want a card that has no foreign transaction fees.
Some things that are weighing into my decision-making:
- I have 7 other cards and am feeling a little maxed out juggling them all. I use my BCP and CSP the most, but am going to convert the CSP to a regular Sapphire this year as I'm cutting way back on dining out and am really not traveling much these days. I also have a Freedom that I use a lot when the categories align with my spending habits.
- I'm getting ready to drop down to zero inquiries on my CRs in May. I'm reluctant to a) have a new inquiry and b) have a brand new account factoring into my AAoA (even though most of my accounts are pretty old and I'm currently at almost 9 years). One of the things that's giving me pause is that I may try to buy a house next year.
- I'm considering closing some of my other cards that I never use. This shouldn't affect my credit score, but I'm wondering whether it would be best to do this before I would apply for the new card - as in close them down, wait a reporting cycle, and then apply. Not sure if it really matters?
Anyway, I would love some thoughts!
Starting Score: 732 (EQ)
Personally, I wouldn't do it.
The reasons you listed are very valid ones. Minimizing your inquiries, your AAoA taking a hit, and you currently juggling credit cards.
Even if you close out some of the cards, there is no guarantee that the Quicksilver card is going to give you a limit like what you currently have with the Venture.
I love Capital One and they are great in my rebuilding, however, I feel that going from the Venture to the Quicksilver is a downgrade.
@Duke84 wrote:Personally, I wouldn't do it.
The reasons you listed are very valid ones. Minimizing your inquiries, your AAoA taking a hit, and you currently juggling credit cards.
Even if you close out some of the cards, there is no guarantee that the Quicksilver card is going to give you a limit like what you currently have with the Venture.
I love Capital One and they are great in my rebuilding, however, I feel that going from the Venture to the Quicksilver is a downgrade.
Why
@Duke84 wrote:
I love Capital One and they are great in my rebuilding, however, I feel that going from the Venture to the Quicksilver is a downgrade.
You know, I thought so, too - or it's at least a lateral/equivalent change, in my view.
Of course, customer service kept referring to it as an "upgrade." 
Realistically, though, I would derive a lot more benefit from the Quicksilver than the Venture, which is why I'm interested in doing the PC. I'm at a point where I don't want to have cards that aren't useful to me...
@CreditCuriousity wrote:Why wont they let you convert the Venture to QS? You should be able to... I would get in contact with the EO about this if their pathethic normal customer service can't help you with this issue.. EO should be able to do this without many issues.
I have no idea! I can't think of a single reason, and none of the normal CSRs have been able to tell me anything beyond "this offer is not available on your account right now." Maybe I'll try the EO. Thanks. 
I would say that it's a downgrade because on their product lineup via their pre-qualifiers, the Venture card is for those with excellent credit. Though the Quicksilver card would, in theory, be a card that those with excellent credit can get, I believe that Capital One markets the Venture card to try and compete with the prime lenders.
At least to me, there is nothing better coming from Capital One than the Venture card. With lower APRs and the ability to accumulate miles faster than you do cash back with the Quicksilver, this is why it should be perceived as a downgrade if you should pursue the Quicksilver.
At least to me, there is nothing better coming from Capital One than the Venture card. With lower APRs and the ability to accumulate miles faster than you do cash back with the Quicksilver, this is why it should be perceived as a downgrade if you should pursue the Quicksilver.
True, the cashback rewards are great and are posted quickly. Though I'm not familiar with miles (yet) and have an understanding about them, I guess ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you want the card that badly.
