Credit card companies examine several factors in your spending history to determine your credit card limit. You must know exactly what they are looking for if you are hoping that your credit card company will raise your credit limit. Making a few preparations before you ask for a raise will increase the chances that you will receive the increase that you desire.
What Is a Credit Card Limit?
A credit card limit is the amount of money that your credit card issuer authorized you to charge to your credit card. For example, your credit card may have a $5,000 limit. This means that you can add charges to your account up to the amount of $5,000. Included in the credit limit are all of your purchases, any balance transfers, and cash advances. If there is an annual fee, the amount will come from your limit.
A consumer with good credit may be offered a credit limit between $2,000 and $10,000. It may be much lower for a consumer with bad credit.
How Do Credit Card Companies Set Limits?
Sometimes, the company offers you a predetermined limit. Others set limits based on your credit history and credit score. Some card issuers do an in-depth analysis of your credit history before making this decision.
Limits Based on Your Credit Score
The credit bureaus determine your credit scores by researching your credit history, credit utilization, payment history, length of your credit history, and recent inquiries. Therefore, credit card companies use these factors to determine your limit as well. In addition to that, they examine your monthly expenses, employment history, and income.
The credit card company may have a set limit between $1,000 and $5,000. If an applicant has high credit scores, this consumer receives the $5,000 limit. If the applicant has low credit scores, he or she receives a $1,000 limit.
Limits that Are Predetermined
Credit card companies also set predetermined limits. For example, entry-level credit cards offer limits of $500, and a credit card with several benefits may offer a limit of $2,000. Lastly, premium credit cards receive $5,000 limits.
A Credit Limit that Is Customized
This is when credit card companies spend more time evaluating your credit history before setting a limit. Some look at credit scores and whether or not you have a bankruptcy in your credit history. Others may use your debt-to-income ratio or your income. Some card issuers even set your limit based on the limits that other credit card companies set for you.
What Is a Credit Card Minimum Payment?
This is the lowest amount that your credit card company charges each billing cycle. It’s very important that you pay at least this amount because your credit card company will charge you a fee if you do not. In some cases, the credit card company also increases your interest rate and increases the amount of interest you must pay every month.
According to the experts at SoFi Invest, only paying the credit card minimum payment subjects you to add interest and can also hurt your credit scores. It is also a great way to remain in debt for as long as possible. The best option is to pay your credit card bills in full or at least pay more than the minimum payment every month.
