Applying for a new credit card might seem like the perfect solution when you want to manage your spending in a way that works for you.
Be it an intro 0% APR that you're after, or just more generous rewards on purchases, credit cards let you buy now and pay later, helping you take control of big projects like home renovations and even everyday spending.
As convenient as credit cards are, however, there's no guarantee that you'll be approved for the credit limit you want. It can be a let down to submit an application only to receive a credit limit that's lower than your expectations, and worse — it can put your goals up in the air.
On average, consumers who open a store card may only receive a limit between $2,000 to $2,500, and it can be below $1,000 in some cases, according to Equifax’s Credit Trends report. The average credit limit for general-use cards was higher, averaging between $5,000 to $6,000, but that can still be low for your needs.
Creditors look at a host of factors when deciding your limit, including their assessment of your credit risk, your income level, your credit score and issues they see on your credit report such as high revolving credit card balances, recent inquiries or large loan amounts.
But they take into account a few completely independent factors, too, like how well the economy is doing at the time you applied. There's no way to predict exactly how much you can expect to be approved for.
It can be disappointing to get a low credit limit, but you're not entirely without options. After a few months, consider asking for a credit limit increase on your new card, or you can request a higher limit on a card you've had for a while.
Here's a breakdown on how credit limit increases work and how you can request one.
How credit limit increases work
Credit limit increases can happen automatically for longstanding customers on occasion, or you can manually request one if you've only been a customer for a few months.
Card issuers are known to automatically increase cardholders’ credit limits from time to time (with no effect to your credit score), especially if you keep your income information up-to-date and have a good payment history.
However, not everyone will receive an automatic increase. And even if you get a higher credit limit, you may not receive the increase you need. It can therefore be a good idea to ask for a larger credit limit yourself.
Before you get started on your request, consider the three qualifications:
- You generally need to be a cardholder for at least three months.
- You typically can only request an increase once every six months.
- Card issuers may review your credit report if you request a specific credit limit.
These rules may not be an issue for you, but if you have bad credit or your score is under review (you're in the mortgage process or applying for a new apartment, for instance), consider holding off on submitting a credit limit increase to preserve your credit score (we explain why below).
How to ask for a credit limit increase
When you’re ready to ask for a credit limit increase, you’ll have the option of completing the request online or over the phone. You can submit the request via your card issuer’s mobile app or by logging into your online account.
Another option is to call customer service and ask for an increase. This option gives your request a personal touch and allows you to explain your reasoning why you need a larger credit limit and give reassurance that you can repay it. Discussing a recent raise or a longstanding, positive relationship can help strengthen your chances of getting an increase.
Requesting a credit limit increase may ding your credit score a few points if the card issuer pulls your credit report. It’s key to check the online form or ask the rep if your credit report will be reviewed.
Before starting your request, gather this information:
- Annual income
- Employment status
- Monthly housing payments (rent or mortgage)
- Desired new credit limit, which some issuers let you input during the request
You can typically expect to receive an instant decision on whether your credit limit increase is approved or denied.
If your request was denied, you may need to wait up to six months to try again. While you wait, aim to raise your credit score through on-time payments and boost your income, so you can strengthen the chance you get approved next time. You can also improve your credit score through *Experian Boost™, which allows you to get credit for on-time phone, utility and streaming service payments.
On Experian's secure site
Results will vary. See website for details.
How to sign up for Experian Boost:
- Connect the bank account(s) you use to pay your bills
- Choose and verify the positive payment data you want added to your Experian credit file
- Receive an updatedFICO® Score
Learn more about eligible payments and how Experian Boost works.
Read more
When are the best times and worst times to ask for a credit limit increase?
*Results may vary. Some may not see improved scores or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
FAQs
If your request was denied, you may need to wait up to six months to try again. While you wait, aim to raise your credit score through on-time payments and boost your income, so you can strengthen the chance you get approved next time.
What happens if your credit limit request is denied? ›
If you're denied, don't despair — a credit limit increase may still be in your future. There'll be a waiting period before you can reapply, but you can use that time to raise your credit scores. If you're eventually approved, remember not to abuse the additional credit.
How can I regain my credit limit? ›
1. Ask for raising the credit limit: Contact your credit card issuer and request a credit limit increase. Many issuers allow you to request increases online or through their mobile apps. Be prepared to provide information about your income and employment.
Why is my credit limit not available? ›
The reasons for the hold may include exceeding your credit limit or missing payments, especially if you do so repeatedly. Other possible reasons could include making an unusually large payment, having a new credit card account, or making a payment from a newly-linked bank account.
Is $8000 a good credit limit? ›
Generally, a high credit card limit is considered to be $5,000 or more, and you will likely need good or excellent credit, along with a solid income, to get a limit of $20,000 or higher. You can learn more about the best high-limit credit cards on WalletHub.
Does getting rejected for credit limit increase affect credit score? ›
Getting denied credit itself doesn't affect your credit score, but the hard inquiry from applying for credit could impact it slightly.
What is a reasonable credit limit to request? ›
If you're just starting out, a good credit limit for your first card might be around $1,000. If you have built up a solid credit history, a steady income and a good credit score, your credit limit may increase to $5,000 or $10,000 or more — plenty of credit to ensure you can purchase big ticket items.
What is the highest credit card limit? ›
On our list, the card with the highest reported limit is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which some say offers a $100,000 limit. We've also seen an advertised maximum credit limit of $100,000 on the First Tech Odyssey Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard®, a credit union rewards card.
How do I guarantee a high credit limit? ›
If you've paid all of your bills on time in the past, you're likely to get a larger limit than if you've missed several payments. Issuers will also consider how many accounts you have open and the amount of credit available to you vs.
How do I replenish my credit card limit? ›
This limit is set by your lender or credit issuer and is the highest balance you can carry at a given time on a credit card. As you pay off your balance with each billing cycle, your credit limit replenishes and you can again spend up to that amount.
You can either call the customer care service, unblock your credit card through the bank's online portal, email them, or visit the bank directly.
What is the credit limit for Capital One Quicksilver $10000? ›
You can get a Capital One Quicksilver credit limit of $10,000 if your credit score and overall creditworthiness are good enough. You will need at least good credit (a credit score of 700+). But the higher your credit score is, the better are your chances of getting a $10,000 credit limit.
How to get available credit back? ›
How to Increase Your Available Credit
- Paying down your card balances: Each time you pay down your credit card balance, you increase your available credit until you put a new charge on the card. ...
- Getting a new credit card: You can apply for a new credit card to increase your available credit.
Yes, $25,000 is a high credit card limit.
How much credit limit can I get with 700 credit score? ›
It's really hard to pinpoint what credit limit you'll be granted with a credit score of 700. But since it's good credit, you maybe able to get as high as a $5,000 limit. A credit score of 750+, which is excellent credit, should put you in the $10,000 limit zone. But that's not a given.
What is the lowest credit card limit? ›
The lowest credit card limit generally starts at $200. It can be better to opt for such low-limit credit cards sometimes as they can help provide quick funding in case of an emergency while limiting one from overspending and falling into debt.
What does it mean when your credit request is declined? ›
Keep track of spending, your account balance, or how close you are to your card's credit limit — the maximum amount of credit you're approved for. If the balance on your bank account is too low, or you get close to or go over your credit card's credit limit, your card may be declined.
What will the credit company do if you are denied? ›
The Fair Credit Reporting Act provides consumer credit protections that include a requirement for issuers to tell you why your application was rejected. This document is called an adverse action notice or adverse action letter, and you can expect it to arrive between seven and 10 business days after your rejection.
Is it bad if I get denied for a credit card? ›
A hard inquiry from a card application can cause a small, temporary drop in credit scores. A denial or approval won't hurt your credit scores, because decisions aren't reflected in credit reports. When making lending decisions, card issuers use credit reports and credit scores to determine creditworthiness.
Is it bad to request a credit limit decrease? ›
Requesting a decrease to your credit limit can hurt your overall credit score by impacting your credit utilization rate. The more of your credit limit you're using, the lower your credit score can be.
