It all depends on your individual credit profile. Many forum members have reported getting CLI's after the second statement has cut, and before your credit steps increase happens on the 5th statement. Usage in general is enough of a factor to grant a CLI.
A lot of people in here (myself included) abuse our Capital One cards to convince them to give us CLI's - charging them up to 90 percent and paying them off several times a month. That strategy usually pays off. I went from two $300 cards to $2750 in 10 months. I had to go to the Executive Office to get them increased before 6 months had passed, but I did it 
@Anonymous wrote:
@Koof wrote:I guess I'm wondering what exactly they look for. I have a very small income, so I can't charge a lot and pay it off every month.
Use credit within your means. If your income is more modest, just charge what you ordinarily use and don't overextend yourself just to make Cap1 happy.
The credit steps usually gives like $200 of credit increase. I've seen as much as $1000.
I too was all excited about "Credit Steps" when I first got my card and dreamed of the day the 6th statement cut. Then I realized.... "Credit Steps" is nothing special. Basically, you get CLI's every 6 months whether you have Credit Steps or not. Just hit the LUV button every couple of months.
The greater aspect is that you get an IN with Cap1 even with not so good credit. And it will get you in with the Venture. The Venture card will satisfy your Credit Limit cravings. Just use your card for a few months, then apply for Venture.
I had a $300 "Credit Steps" > $500 Capital One Platinum and an $851 Secured MC just last year. I applied for the Venture and got a $30K limit. My mom got $10K on fixed income and so-so credit.
What do you consider so so credit? LOL
