I had 2 mbna (formally first union) credit cards. One with a 5k limit and a $3700 balance, and another with a 2.5k limit and a $1500 balance. My EQ score was 642 I called MBNA and combined the cards. The gold card is now showing a 7.5k limit with the same $3700 balance. The closed card is showing closed with a $1500 balance. The balance will not be moved over until I sign something they are sending me in the mail. Going from 78% UT to less then 50% UT on this one card gave me a 16 point bump. Incredible.
I suspect you'll get a deflated score when the balance transfers to your new account. The closed account and balance is not counting against you but that will change when the BT occurs.
I am planning on making a large payment when the BT takes place, to try to keep my scores high. By the 1st of the year I should have everything paid down to about 30%. I would like to have a 720 EQ by this time next year. The big Chevy dealer here in town will give you 0% for 72 months with a 720 beacon score.
I hear ya on dat. I just paid down to 29% and I'm shooting for 14% by year's end. Be prepared for 30-45 day wait cycles on your payments. I paid down on the 20th of last month and they're just bubbling up now. Take a look at this and you'll see why 29% will get you more than 30%: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/creditscoring/present/sld008.htm
