Converting Citi Simplicity to Citi Costco?

[dudeman27]

I've read in these forums and elsewhere of instances where people have converted their simplicity to the costco card. I have been periodically calling Citi over the past, I don't know, probably year, to see if they will convert the card. I'm trying to avoid an inquiry because I plan on getting an auto loan later this year.

Every single time I call, they say that an offer to convert isn't on my account. The reps have told me that about every other card they offer is on there, but not Costco. I asked the reps if there are any restrictions that would prevent me from converting (like minimum credit line amounts, product restrictions, etc) and they say no. I know reps can give wrong info, so I'm wondering if anyone else has some insight on why I'm not able to convert.

FICO 08 scores are around ~775, utilization, income, etc on all other factors look great, but I can provide more info if needed.

[FinStar]

Unfortunately, the agents are not able to view or see the underlying cause for such restrictions. If the system doesn't allow it, it simply won't have the PC option.

A variety of Citi legacy products are hard coded internally. In some cases this is what prevents some PCs for some accounts while others can PC without an issue. There's really not much that you can do except keep trying until it eventually has the option to do so. Citi often re-codes some product families over time which allows previously restricted products to PC to others at some point.

Did you try to see whether there were other products available or just Costco?

[dudeman27]

@FinStar Yep every time I call they mention how about every other card they offer is on their PC list, just not Costco. Sometimes the reps will even try and get me to PC to another card, and I always say no I want the Costco card and will try again later (the website also tries to get me to convert to Custom Cash most times when I log in). I call about every 2-3 months to check and see, but at this point I'm getting impatient. If I can't PC by the time I get my auto loan, I'll probably just apply for it afterwards (but then will lose out on the rewards between now and then).

[Gunnerboy]

I'm curious if you PC to one of the eligible cards, then try to PC that to Costco, if that would work..  Might be a workaround.

[dudeman27]

@Gunnerboy That has been my thought as well when they offer Custom Cash all the time, but I was worried there would be some type of waiting period like there can be for CLIs. Do you know if Citi imposes wait times between PCs?

[FinStar]

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@dudeman27 wrote:

@FinStar Yep every time I call they mention how about every other card they offer is on their PC list, just not Costco. Sometimes the reps will even try and get me to PC to another card, and I always say no I want the Costco card and will try again later. I call about every 2-3 months to check and see, but at this point I'm getting impatient. If I can't PC by the time I get my auto loan, I'll probably just apply for it afterwards (but then will lose out on the rewards between now and then).

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Since none of us are privy to those internal elements, it's really going to be up to you to decide on applying for the Costco card separately.

FWIW, Citi Simplicity used to be one of the most restricted account types as far as PCs go. Over the years, we have seen members post targeted invitations to switch Simplicity onto something else and some members have called and had it successfully PC'd onto other Citi products. Personally, I would've recommended to Citi 'bunny hop' process where you PC to an available option to exit Simplicity, then after after a few months, PC onto the desired one.

[FinStar]

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@dudeman27 wrote:

@Gunnerboy That has been my thought as well when they offer Custom Cash all the time, but I was worried there would be some type of waiting period like there can be for CLIs. Do you know if Citi imposes wait times between PCs?

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It's not as restrictive as a CLI. You can PC again once you have passed the ~45-day period that Citi allows to switch back. So, 2 months at best (give or take).

[Gunnerboy]

@dudeman27 The only minimum wait that I know of is 12 months for the original card.  Citi seems to be really flexible when it comes to PC'ing, so it would surprise me if there is a minimum wait period.  Ask them, then let us know!

[wasCB14]

Does the card need to have a $0 balance, given that Simplicity (IIRC) has no late fees?

[FinStar]

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@wasCB14 wrote:

Does the card need to have a $0 balance, given that Simplicity (IIRC) has no late fees?

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No.