How To Increase Your Credit Card Limit

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

If you have a credit card but are fed up because you have a low limit, then now is the time to start getting your limit increased. It might seem tricky to get your limit increased, but if you follow a few simple steps then your credit limit will gradually increase to the level that you want.

Prove your creditworthiness

The most important step to getting a higher credit limit is to prove to the lender that you are worthy of a higher limit. This involves showing that you are financially stable and that you can make the payments back on what you borrow.

Borrow wisely

To show your lender that you are worthy to get a higher limit, you need to borrow wisely. If you use your card wisely and show that you can handle debt and pay back what you owe, then the lender will feel safe in lending you more.

Use you card regularly

If you want a higher credit card limit then you need to use your card on a regular basis. Keeping your card for emergency use will make it hard for the lender to understand your financial stability and payment history. If you use your card regularly then you establish a buying history and the lender is more likely to increase your limit.

Keep up with payments

Obviously, to prove yourself a good borrower you need to keep up with your payments. Make sure that you always pay on time, because paying late costs you money and will affect your chances of getting a higher limit. Also, make sure you always remain within your limit and that you pay more than the minimum each month. Using your card regularly and paying off the balance each month shows you are a good borrower and financially stable. This is the quickest way to improve your credit limit.

Advantages of an increased limit

Increasing your credit limit, even if you don?t want to use the credit, can be a good idea. With an improved limit you have increased buying power, and have the knowledge that you can afford purchases in an emergency situation. Also, having a higher limit can improve your credit rating, especially if you don?t spend the limit. It shows other lenders you are a trusted borrower but that you can control your spending.

Extra isn?t always best

Remember, although getting a higher credit limit can improve your buying power, unless you can afford to pay the money back it can be dangerous. The best way to use your credit cards is to get a limit that suits your needs and that you can afford to pay back easily. However, if your limit is too low for you right now, then simply keep paying on time and show you can handle a bigger limit. If you do this then you will quickly improve your credit limit to the level you need.