CAP1 CLI request timing question

[Anonymous]

I currently have three Cap1 cards with modest limits of $400 (Card 1), $1650 (Card 2) and $1250 (Card 3).  In May, as my rebuild was just getting underway, I received CLI of $100 and $150 on Cards 1 and 2.  In June, I received a CLI of $500 on Card 3.  Prior to realizing I would only be considered for additional CLI every 6 months, I tried luv button without success.  My 6 months hits next week and I plan on seeking CLI on Cards 1 and 2.  I have been using only one of these cards extremely actively (Card 2) to acquire the points and the other barely at all (Card 1) through the course of a month.  I make multiple payments each month and have Card 2 report at either 0 or <9% and Card 1 at 0 each month. My questions: 

1) Does Cap1 consider only your history with them or your entire profile when considering a CLI?  (My profile has improved greatly in the last 6 months);

2) Should I pay off the card before requesting CLI, pay it down to <9% or should I leave a balance on the card? My report date is a couple of weeks after my 6 month period date, my current UTL on Card 2 is approx 33% -- I can pay it all off, some of it, or none of it -- just wondering what would be in my best interest.

3) I have since secured a NFCU card with a better rate than all of my Cap1 cards and a much higher CL than the CAP1 cards, would calling for a CLI rather than "just" pushing luv button on the site enhance my chances of a larger increase (i.e. if I were to talk to someone and let them know I would be more inclined to use the NFCU card because of flexibility etc., could I talk my way to a higher limit)? 

Thanks.

[HeavenOhio]

The most important things with Capital One are to use the card and to have a history of paying in full. You appear to qualify on at least one card. But it can't hurt to hit the button on all of your cards. A denial doesn't reset the clock. And if the offered increase isn't enough, you can decline it, again without resetting the clock.

You're not going to gain anything by calling them other than to get some answers to questions that you might have. We've seen here on the forum that some have been declined CLIs due to scores, inquiries, or whatever. But the most important data would be your history on the particular card that you'd like to increase.

[DUISlayer]

C1 is SUPER unpredictable. I did CLI requests every other day for a month and a half and kept getting a denial reason of "recent usage too high." Finally one day, they increased from 2500 to 4500. Then I started trying to upgrade link. Kept getting declined for upgrades, then about the 8th time I tried, I was able to upgrade and get rid of my AF. Just try every day until they say yes.