How to upgrade GE store CC to Visa?

[bichonmom]

I have had an Old Navy since march 2011. I've gotten CLIs every 4 mos by hitting the luv button. I'd like to upgrade it to a visa now that my credit is better. For those who have done that, how did you do it? Did it happen when you asked for a CLI? Or is it always GE that just sends a notice out of the blue?

Also, I'm wondering when you change from the store cc to a visa, if the store cc is automatically cancelled and ou lose the AAOA from the store card?

Thanks!

[frogfan12]

I had the ON card from August '06 until last month. I learned how to request CLI through this site and raised my CL by 4x what it was about a year ago. A long-time fan of ON, I always use my card at ON and reap the benefits (rewards). They offered me the Visa. Usually it takes over a year of card membership before they offer the Visa. It took over 5 years for me.As far as the account goes, your original account is closed and your new account is given a new age. RIght now, that may devastate your credit but in the long run, it's actually been helpful in the improvement of your creait.

[bichonmom]

Thanks, Frogfan. I actually don't shop at old navy much, so I'd get a lot more use out of the visa. I hope they'll offer me one soon! I guess all I can do is wait and keep getting CLIs, which will help with util. I am using the Walmart cc and would love to be upgraded to the discover too. Since its out of my hands, I'll just wait and see.

[improvingmycredit]

From everything I've read about GE, you either have to be offered the VISA or you have to reapply for the card.  Last January, when I wanted the Walmart Discover, (I have the store card) I was told by the rep to apply again and if I was eligible, they would send me the Discover.  Well, I ended up with 2 Walmart store accounts.     Ha-Ha... I ended up closing one and wasting the HP. 

[JustMe77]

Start using your card a lot... I opened my BR store card in March 2011 ($300 CL). Used it a lot (including exchanges/returns) and they auto CLI me to $1000 on the 4th statement, and after the 7th statement I received an email inviting me to apply for the BR Visa (which they gave me for a $3000 CL). I attribute this 100% to using the card heavily (I order a lot of clothes online and do a lot of exchanges when they don't work out).

Also, they will close the store card when you open the Visa version. It's a soft pull only, but you will get the added account (hurting AAoA). You don't lose the history of the store card, though. 

[bichonmom]

Thanks for the info. Actually, that's why I don't use old navy much... I found that things didn't fit or look right when I ordered online. I'll probably have better luck with Walmart, hopefully. Or maybe I'll check out ON's website again. I'd really like the ON visa.