How to Get an American Express Credit Limit Increase (2024)

You can get an American Express credit limit increase by requesting one online or by calling either the number on the back of your card or (800) 528-4800. For phone requests, you’ll be dealing with an automated system at first, but if you enter your account number and answer the prompts, you can get you transferred to a representative.

To request a credit limit increase online, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Amex account using your credentials.
2. Click on “Account Services” and then “Credit Management.”
3. Finally, click on “Increase Line of Credit.

Those are the basics, but there are a few more things you should know before asking for a higher limit.

How American Express credit limit increases work:

• How credit limits are determined: American Express decides your limit based on your credit reports and scores, your total debt and your payment history with Amex. Your income and the amount of credit you use also play a role.
• How to increase your chances for a credit limit increase: You have a stronger chance of being approved for an increase if you’ve made at least your last five consecutive payments on time. Falling behind on your payments or going over your credit limit will most likely get you a denial.
• How credit limit increase requests affect your credit score: Amex will use a soft pull to evaluate your request for a higher credit limit, which will not affect your credit score. However, if you decline an Amex credit limit increase offer and request a higher amount, this will require a hard inquiry into your credit history, which may drop your credit score by around 5-10 points.
• When to ask for a credit limit increase: There are anecdotal reports of applicants being denied because they asked Amex for a credit limit increase within 60 days of opening their account. That’s not surprising. Credit card companies generally won’t even consider you for a higher limit unless your account has been open for at least six months.Some people also report that the biggest increase you can get is three times your current limit. But that is also unsubstantiated.

There’s no guarantee you’ll get an American Express credit limit increase, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. So long as you don’t use a higher limit to overspend, asking for one can be an easy way to improve your credit score. After all, spending the same amount of money with a higher limit means a lower credit utilization ratio.