Will combining Cap1 cards interfere with steps?

[rmduhon]

Mom is seriously thinking about combining her Cap1 Rebuilder (QS now) into her Cap1 QS1 but I don't know if it'll upset her credit steps with the QS1. She just got approved for a NFCU Cash Rewards card (1200 SL, 15.45%) and want to minimize cards. The annual fee doesn't bother her, at least right now. I know combining usually resets the 6 month CLI timing but I also know that credit steps has its own rules.

[Anonymous]

from what I know, it doesn't interfare.  Your best bet is to hop on their chat and confirm it.

[rmduhon]

I probably will tomorrow. I know it's not a big deal in the long run but if waiting a few months will get her the steps and a combination it won't hurt to wait.

[tussking]

I am pretty sure it does affect it. Any combined cards are treated like a new account in the respect it resets your account for 6 months. I combined 2 cards last august and i am coming up on 6 months but anytime I have tried a CLI it says - there has been a recent change to your account. Double check but I believe yes it does.

[rmduhon]

I know cards out of the credit steps program do get reset when combined, but since you can get a mid steps CLI and the steps CLI I'm not sure it works the same way.

[DeeBee78]

Why would you combine a better card with no annual fee into a lower-tier card with an annual fee? 

[Anonymous]

Combining Cap 1 cards does count as a CLI in their system. As far as interfering with Credit steps, accounts normally can't be combined until 6 months old, although some have had success prior to that. Once steps hit, a combination may be possible, but that would 'reset' Cap 1s CLI clock and push it another 6 months out

[UncleB]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Combining Cap 1 cards does count as a CLI in their system. As far as interfering with Credit steps, accounts normally can't be combined until 6 months old, although some have had success prior to that. Once steps hit, a combination may be possible, but that would 'reset' Cap 1s CLI clock and push it another 6 months out

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Just to clarify, while combining does 'count' as a CLI for the card you're keeping, getting a CLI on either card won't cause you to have to postpone combining, assuming the account was eligible anyway.  (At least unless something has recently changed.)

[Anonymous]

I believe that is correct. When I combined mine they were eligible for CLI, but Cap1 wouldn't budge. I combined two to close one card. I tried to get another CLI before 6 months were up and was to denied because 'recently receiving a CLI'

[Anonymous]

I was about to ask that question UB 😁