Capital One and Discover are officially merging on May 18, 2025, after more than a year of regulatory review. If you have an account or credit card with either company, you are probably wondering what all this means for you. Let us break it down simply and clearly.
Will your Capital One or Discover accounts change after the merger?
For now, no. According to both companies, your existing accounts will stay just the way they are—at least in the short term. You will still access your money, credit card services, and online accounts the same way you always have.
So, if you are using the Discover mobile app or Capital One’s website to manage your accounts, nothing will change immediately after May 18.
Will credit card fees or interest rates go up?
That is a concern many people have, and it is valid. With two of the biggest credit card companies joining forces, there may be less competition. Less competition can sometimes mean:
- Higher interest rates
- More fees for certain services
- Fewer promotions like 0% intro APRs or big sign-up bonuses
Now, this does not mean fees will go up right away. But it is something you should watch for in the months following the merger.
Will Discover cards still work outside the U.S.?
Here is where things might get a bit tricky. Discover has never had the same reach as Visa or Mastercard internationally. And with Capital One now owning Discover’s payment network, the focus could shift even more toward the U.S. market.
That means:
- Your Discover card may still not work in many countries abroad
- If you travel internationally often, you might want to keep a Visa or Mastercard as backup
Will Capital One stop using Visa and Mastercard?
One of the biggest behind-the-scenes changes is Capital One’s new power over its own payment network. This could mean the company begins to move away from Visa and Mastercard in the future.
You might start seeing:
- New Capital One cards using Discover’s network
- Changes in how your purchases are processed, especially online and in stores
This would not affect your day-to-day use right away, but over time, it could make Capital One more independent and possibly more innovative—or more limited—depending on how things play out.
Will Discover customers get more physical branches?
Yes, that is actually one of the benefits Discover customers might see. Discover has mainly been an online bank with very few physical branches. Capital One, on the other hand, has hundreds of locations across the country.
After the merger:
- Discover customers may get access to more branches and ATMs
- This can make it easier to deposit cash, speak with a banker, or get support in person
What about customer service?
Both companies have said you will continue to deal with the same customer support teams for now. But down the road, services might be merged or restructured, which could:
- Change how quickly you get help
- Change the quality of support depending on how the transition is handled
If you rely heavily on customer service, keep an eye on any updates that come from either company after the merger takes place.
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