How to Upgrade, Downgrade or Change Credit Cards With the Same Issuer

If you want a better credit card, contacting your current card issuer to request a credit card product change is always an option. In some cases, lenders might even reach out to you with an offer to upgrade your credit card. Instead of canceling your card outright, consider swapping it with a new one if your current card no longer matches your spending habits or lifestyle.

However, keep in mind that trading a credit card has pros and cons, regardless of whether you choose to upgrade or downgrade. Upgrading a card, for instance, typically entails more perks but may require you to pay a higher annual fee. Learning about the specific rules for your lender can help you make the best choice for your current needs.

You might want to upgrade your credit card if you prefer bigger rewards, have improved your credit score or are earning more income. Before doing so, assess the possible benefits and limitations of the new card.

Requirements to upgrade a credit card vary per issuer. It doesn’t hurt to maintain a healthy financial profile. Having a solid payment history with few to no late payments is one way to do so. You may also need to have a certain credit score for an upgrade.

It’s worth noting that the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act doesn’t allow issuers to charge the same account with a higher annual fee or interest rate within the first 12 months of account opening.

You can reach out to American Express customer service hotline at 1-800-528-4800 to request a credit card upgrade. American Express has a set of guidelines for those who want to swap products:

• Cardholders can only upgrade or downgrade to a credit card in the same rewards category.
• Switching between co-branded cards isn’t allowed.
• You cannot swap a credit card for a charge card.
• Amex account holders must have a good financial record, such as consistent on-time payments.

Upgrade American Express Gold Credit Card to The Platinum Card from American Express.

The Platinum Card is ideal for frequent flyers who want to get the most rewards out of their card. Although the card has a whopping $695 annual fee, cardholders have a membership rewards rate of 1–5 points per $1. The Platinum Card also comes with Priority Pass Select, access to the Global Assist Hotline and Delta Sky Club, no international transaction fees and even more perks.

If you wish to upgrade your Bank of America credit card, you can consult a representative by calling 1-800-732-9194. Have your credit card and personal information ready. Bank of America cardholders should take note of the following:

• Within the first year of account opening, those who have a card with no annual fee can’t switch to one that does.
• Bank of America prefers that your balances are fully paid and on time before you request an upgrade.

Upgrade Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card to Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card.

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card best suits those who prioritize rewards and no foreign transaction fee. Additionally, there isn’t a cap on how many points you can earn (with a 1.5–2 points rewards rate) and it doesn’t expire throughout the card’s lifetime. The card charges an annual fee of $95.

You can contact the Capital One customer service hotline at 1-800-227-4825 to request an upgrade. There’s also a pre-approval tool on its website to give you an idea of whether or not you’re eligible. Similar to other issuers, Capital One is more likely to approve a product change if you have a healthy financial profile including a good credit score.

Upgrade Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card to Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

The Capital One Venture Rewards card best suits those who love to travel. The card offers 2X miles for every purchase and includes extra perks like travel accident insurance of up to $250,000 and 24/7 travel assistance. It also has a limited-time welcome bonus offer of earning 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year - that's equal to $1,000 in travel.

Request to swap your Chase card by calling their hotline at 1-800-935-9935. The eligibility requirements of Chase are the following:

• Your card swap must stay within the same category — you can’t exchange a rewards card for an airline card.
• A solid payment history increases the likelihood of an approved product change.
• Account holders can usually request a product change after one year of account opening.

Upgrade Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card to Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers amazing travel benefits like $300 annual travel credit and no international transaction fees. The card has a significant yearly fee of $550 which is offset by its 1–3 points per $1 rewards rate and DoorDash subscription. Consider this card if you travel often and want extra coverage plus access to cardholder-exclusive perks.

You can contact a Citi representative via phone at 1-800-950-5114 and request to upgrade your credit card. While the issuer doesn’t provide a list of requirements, you can generally switch products if you have stellar account standing. Citi cardholders might be able to trade credit cards even if they’re in different card families.

Upgrade Citi Rewards+ Credit Card to Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Credit Card.

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard caters to those who enjoy traveling by car or plane. You can earn 1–2 miles per dollar spent and 2X miles in U.S. gas stations and restaurants. Individuals who frequent American Airlines may prefer this card — you can earn 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

Call Credit One at 1-877-825-3242 if you wish to swap credit cards. Even if the issuer doesn’t explicitly mention the requirements to get an upgrade, it helps to have a good credit score and a record of on-time payments.

Upgrade Credit One Bank Platinum Visa Credit Card to Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa Credit Card.

The Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa card shines because of its 1%–10% cash back rewards rate and payment flexibility. This card is also average credit-friendly so it isn’t so difficult to qualify. Overall, it’s a great credit card option for those who want to rebuild their credit score and maximize earnings.

You can reach a Discover representative through its customer service line at 1-800-347-2683. Discover outlines what cardholders should look out for when upgrading credit cards, especially from secured to unsecured cards:

• Maintain a good credit score or work toward improving it.
• Pay your monthly balances to avoid being flagged as a risky borrower.
• Limit the number of credit accounts you open since your credit score can take a hit.

Upgrade Discover it Secured Credit Card to Discover it Cash Back Credit Card.

The Discover it Cash Back card offers a 5% cash back rate that rotates to different categories each quarter, including for purchases at U.S. grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants. Plus, cardholders automatically earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. The card has a $0 annual fee and a $0 fraud liability guarantee.

You can reach out to a U.S. Bank representative through its customer service number at 1-800-872-2657 and request a credit card product change. You can usually switch products even to another card family as long as your account has been active for one year. A good rule of thumb is to maintain an excellent standing, which entails paying promptly and keeping a low credit utilization.

Upgrade U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card to U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Credit Card.

Consider upgrading to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite card if you want a significantly higher rewards rate. The card offers 5X points when you use the Altitude Rewards center to book prepaid hotels and car rentals. Cardholders can also earn 3X points on the mobile wallet and travel purchases as well as 1X points on other purchases.

Wells Fargo Visa cardholders can usually switch credit cards. Sign in to your account, select your current credit card and click Switch My Credit Card. You can also contact a Wells Fargo representative by calling 1-800-642-4720. Make sure you have your card number ready.

Upgrade Wells Fargo Reflect Credit Card to Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card.

Unlike other cards, Wells Fargo Active Cash offers unlimited 2% cash rewards per $1 spent on almost all purchase categories. The card also has a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months of account opening, plus a $0 annual fee. Wells Fargo Active Cash cardholders can also enjoy zero liability protection and cell phone protection of up to $600.

MoneyGeek answers some of the most commonly asked questions about swapping credit cards to help you decide if doing so is right for you.

If you’re still undecided about upgrading or downgrading your card, it might be helpful to browse the best rewards credit cards or top cash back options.