How To Get A Credit Card Limit Increase - NerdWallet Australia (2024)

There are approximately 16 million credit cards issued in Australia. Nearly one in every two Australians uses at least one credit card. Credit cards are a helpful part of one’s finances. However, consumers aren’t given any professional advice about the best credit limit for their financial goals and circ*mstances. Take control of an important part of your wallet and find the right credit card limit for you.

What does it mean to increase your credit card limit?

A credit limit is the maximum amount you can spend on a credit card and is pre-approved by the bank. For example, if your credit limit is $5,000, you cannot incur charges that exceed that amount. You won’t be able to use your credit card until a payment is made to bring it back under the limit.

Some cards come approved with a high minimum credit limit, while others start low. The application process for higher credit limits is more stringent than the entry-level cards.

Credit limits depend on the card you choose, your financial situation, current debt and credit score. While credit cards come with a limit, this isn’t a fixed figure — you can increase or decrease it during the years you use it. Increasing your credit limit means having more available funds.

How banks set credit card limits

Lenders set a maximum credit limit based on your income and financial history. Or, you can set your own limit during the application process.

Credit limits between products from the same bank can differ widely. Westpac, for example, offers cards with a $500 minimum credit limit through to a $15,000 limit. The higher limit requires an annual income of $75,000 and good credit standing (up-to-date repayments on all bills and debt). In short, what matters to banks is the income you’re making and your ability to repay debt.

What is a normal credit limit increase?

There is no standard, ‘normal’ credit card increase, as it depends on each consumer’s situation. However, credit limits can range from $1,000 for beginner and student cards to $75,000 for high-end black and metal cards.

It’s illegal for banks to make unsolicited offers to increase a credit card limit. In other words, credit card increases must be initiated by consumers, not lenders. There are no unsolicited or automatic credit card limit increases in Australia.

How to request a credit card limit increase

The fastest and easiest way to arrange an increase is through your online banking. You can also call your bank’s customer service line or go to a branch. If your credit score is strong and you’re using the card responsibly, you could consider a second card to access additional credit. Take the time to reflect on why you want a credit increase. Is it for a specific purchase or purpose, or just to serve as a buffer? Your goal will direct your decision-making.

Here’s the process if you’re with one of the Big Four banks.

Commonwealth Bank

Apply for an increase, decrease your limit and set a spending cap, all via the CommBank app or NetBank. As a customer, you can apply for a credit limit increase anytime. If approved, the new limit will reflect immediately in your online banking dashboard.

Westpac

You can apply for an increase through online banking. It’s an easy online application with an instant response. You can also call 1300 651 089 or visit a nearby branch. Make sure you have proof of regular Australian income, a fixed address, and haven’t been declined for an increase in the past six months.

ANZ

To apply for a credit card limit increase, visit ANZ internet banking. Select your credit card and follow the prompts. You can also do this via telephone banking on 13 22 73.

NAB

For NAB customers, use the app to change your limit. From the Cards menu, select your card, then Usage controls to request a limit change. Have your key documents ready, including current employment, income, assets and expenses. The assessment takes a few days, so don’t expect an instant answer.

» MORE: What affects your credit score?

What to consider before increasing your credit card limit

Depending on your personal situation, a credit card limit increase can be both good and bad. If your credit score is solid, you’re comfortably using and fully paying off your card every month and you are planning to make a big purchase, a higher limit could help you.

On the other hand, if you don’t know your credit score (or it’s not in the healthy range), an increase could hurt you if you tend to overspend and haven’t got the equivalent amount in savings. Ask yourself, why do I want a credit card limit increase, and what will I use it for? Do I want it or need it? If you need it, it’s likely not the best option.

As with all things financial, self-awareness is an underrated asset to have. Before making any big financial decisions, spend time in reflection. Give your finances the same amount of forethought as your other big life choices. Because when it comes to credit and debt, it’ll impact all future goals and decisions.

Frequently asked questions credit card limit increases

Is it better to get a new credit card or increase the limit of your current card?

In most instances, if you have a history of on-time repayments and reliable income, you’ll have more negotiation power with your bank — as long as it’s a credit card working for you, with a fair interest rate and fees.

If you’re building your credit score, it could help to add another product to showcase you can handle a variety of debt repayments. Talk to your bank before you make a decision.

How many times should I increase my credit limit?

While there’s no specific rule for when to increase a credit limit, you can review it every six to 12 months, along with your credit report. Credit cards are ‘revolving debt’, so you’ll have various limits over the years with the same card.

» MORE: Personal loan vs. credit card: What’s the difference?

About the Author

Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on personal finance, technology, culture, and human interest. Amanda has written stories about retirement planning for Business Insider, the connection…

Read more about Amanda Smith and explore their articles

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How To Get A Credit Card Limit Increase - NerdWallet Australia (2024)

FAQs

How To Get A Credit Card Limit Increase - NerdWallet Australia? ›

The higher limit requires an annual income of $75,000 and good credit standing (up-to-date repayments on all bills and debt). In short, what matters to banks is the income you're making and your ability to repay debt.

How to get a $30,000 credit limit? ›

To get a credit limit this high, you typically need an excellent credit score, a high income, and little to no existing debt. What qualifies as a good credit limit differs from person to person, though.

How do I ask my credit card limit to increase? ›

Call your credit card company.

The back of your card has a customer service number you can call and learn if you're eligible for an increased limit. You may have to answer some questions regarding your request and financial situation, but if you meet the requirements they can put in a request for you.

How to get a 20k credit card limit? ›

How to Get Approved for a High Limit Credit Card
  1. Improve your credit score. High limit credit cards typically require good or excellent credit. ...
  2. Increase your income and reduce your debt. ...
  3. Apply for a credit card with a high starting limit. ...
  4. Get a credit limit increase.

How to increase credit card limit to 50,000? ›

Annual increase – Most banks offer an annual increase in credit limit if you have paid the balance on time. You can check with your bank about the same. Most banks themselves offer an annual increase. Even if you don't need one, it can help to take the annual credit limit increase.

Is $25,000 a high credit card limit? ›

Yes, $25,000 is a high credit card 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 $25,000 or higher.

What credit card has a $100,000 limit? ›

On our list, the Ramp Corporate Card and the Chase Ink Business Premier Credit Card offer the best opportunity to access a $100,000 credit limit. Ramp determines your spending limit based on factors like your cash on hand and monthly expenses, while Chase uses creditworthiness to calculate your credit limit.

Does asking for a credit increase hurt? ›

If the credit increase is not automatic and you actively request it, expect your lender to conduct a hard credit inquiry. While this could temporarily lower your score by a few points, likely no more than 10, the effect is generally short-lived.

What's a reasonable credit limit increase? ›

Typically, the bank will consider increases from 10% to 25% of your current limit. Anything higher could trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report, and that can in turn lower your credit score.

What is considered a high credit limit? ›

High-limit credit cards generally come with credit limits of $10,000 or more. Of course, what's considered a high credit limit will vary depending on a person's credit history, income and the card they're interested in, among other factors.

Is it hard to get a $10,000 credit limit? ›

You will typically need a high income and little to no existing debt to get a limit that high, too. But even if your credit score is at the low end, there still is a possibility to get a $10,000 limit.

What is most people's credit card limit? ›

What is considered a “normal” credit limit among most Americans? The average American had access to $29,855 in credit across all of their credit cards as of the third quarter of 2023, according to Experian. But the average credit card balance was $6,501 during the same quarter— well below the average credit limit.

Is it better to get a new credit card or increase the limit? ›

If you like your current card, asking for an increase could be the right move. But if you're looking for additional rewards or a better rate, opening a new line of credit may be the right option. No matter what you choose, always remember to use credit responsibly and spend within your means.

How do I trigger a credit limit increase? ›

Keeping your financial information up to date, making on-time payments and monitoring your credit reports may help you qualify for a credit limit increase. How you use credit determines how a credit limit increase will affect your credit scores.

Why is it so hard to increase credit limit? ›

You could be denied a credit limit increase for many reasons, such as a history of late payments, too low of a credit score, too little credit history, too many recent applications, or an inadequate verifiable income. If you were already approved for a credit limit increase recently, that could be another reason.

How do I negotiate a higher credit limit? ›

Submitting a request for a credit limit increase is typically very straightforward. The options include reaching out to your current credit card issuer either online or via phone. Yet another approach is to open an entirely new credit card that comes with a higher spending limit.

What credit score is needed for a 30000? ›

Requirements For A $30,000 Personal Loan

The average minimum credit score for a personal loan is in the 610 – 640 range, but this range can vary from lender to lender. Some lenders may even approve a credit score as low as 500. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will likely be.

Is 30k a high credit limit? ›

Yes, a $30,000 credit limit is very good, as it is well above the average credit limit in America. The average credit card limit overall is around $13,000, and people who have limits as high as $30,000 typically have good to excellent credit, a high income and little to no existing debt.

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 highest credit limit you can get? ›

The highest credit card limit you can get is over $100,000 according to reports from credit card holders. But like most credit cards in general, even the highest-limit credit cards will only list minimum spending limits in their terms.

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