How to Increase a Credit Card Limit

At some point, you're bound to be in the position of wanting to increase your credit card limit. The spending limit on a credit card varies from person to person. Whether you want to increase the limit to consolidate the balances of all your other credit cards or are simply eager to make larger purchases, there are a few things to know that will help you increase your spending limit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Credit card

How to Increase a Credit Card Limit

1. Read the terms and conditions of your credit card and stick to them.
2. Know the implications of increasing your credit card limit. While you will be able to make larger purchases, you will also be carrying higher balances and therefore accruing larger interest charges. To keep your credit in good standing, you need to be able to keep up with the higher payments.
3. Pay more than your monthly minimum balance. Aiming to pay the entire outstanding balance not only will improve your standing in the eyes of your creditors, but will also help to reduce your finance charges. Since finance charges are assessed on the balance left on your account after your grace period is over, paying it in full will help you avoid extra fees.
4. Avoid paying bills late, and keep your spending within your credit limit. Your goal is to show credit card companies that you are a good credit risk. Having a record of paying in a timely manner and staying within a budget will cast you in a favorable light when you ask to increase your credit card limit.
5. Build a predictable credit record by using your credits cards on a regular basis, as opposed to just in emergencies. As counterintuitive as this sounds, financial institutions prefer to see reliable patterns of expenditures and payments before increasing a credit line.
6. Locate the toll-free number for your credit card company or bank. It's usually located right on the back of your credit card and printed statements. Ask about the procedure for requesting an increase in credit, and ask whether it can be done over the phone or whether you will need to fill out an application.
7. Go to the website for your financial institution and download an application for credit increase (if necessary). Fill out the form in as much detail as possible, and forward it to your credit card company.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use credit cards wisely, keeping in mind that you will ultimately be responsible for paying back any charges you make. A credit card may feel like "free money," but this feeling is decidedly false.