Credit Card Programs - Better to switch to no annual fee CC than to close CC and transfer credit balance?

I'm sure this is answered somewhere, but I did a quick search and can't find it. If Citi or Chase will allow you to change your hotel or airline affiliated CC from one with an annual fee to an unaffiliated CC that doesn't have a fee, and if you're no longer interested in the points from the affiliation, you're better off converting to the unaffiliated card rather than closing the card entirely and transferring your credit balance to a CC you already have. Is that correct? Is the card conversion route less of a hit on your credit score, or are both courses equally harmless (or harmful)?

I'm sure this is answered somewhere, but I did a quick search and can't find it. If Citi or Chase will allow you to change your hotel or airline affiliated CC from one with an annual fee to an unaffiliated CC that doesn't have a fee, and if you're no longer interested in the points from the affiliation, you're better off converting to the unaffiliated card rather than closing the card entirely and transferring your credit balance to a CC you already have. Is that correct? Is the card conversion route less of a hit on your credit score, or are both courses equally harmless (or harmful)?

IF they let you switch to a card with no annual fee it's better for your credit score to do that. Length of credit "open" is a key factor in the ratings process. Also, when I get a new card, I always call the bank and lower my available credit to about $2000. This makes it easier to get multiple cards from the same bank. I also carry no balances.

Personally I would:

1. Find another Chase/Citi card with a signup bonus or points I could use
2. Apply / get approved.
3. Call to reallocate limit from fee based card to new card
4. Close fee based card.

This will avoid dropping your available credit and utilization percentage. It might hurt your account age, but if you already have established credit it is probably not a problem.