There are a lot of great reasons to request a higher credit limit. Asking your card issuer for a larger credit limit can help reduce your overall credit utilization or help you afford a large purchase you plan on paying off over time (though, of course, we caution against getting a credit line boost to take on purchases you can’t afford). Show
If you own a Chase credit card, the process for requesting a higher credit limit is actually quite simple. It’s even possible to be targeted for a larger credit line without having to specifically request it. Keep reading to learn more about increasing your credit line with Chase. Eligibility requirementsAlthough there are no strict requirements for a credit limit increase with most banks, there are some good general principles to keep in mind to improve eligibility. You are more likely to qualify for a credit line increase if the following statements are true:
By following the above guidelines, you’re showing card issuers that you’re able to use your credit line responsibly. If you’ve demonstrated that you can make your payments on time, every time, it signals to Chase that you can handle a higher limit. Similarly, you can build a better reputation with a bank by demonstrating these behaviors over an extended period of time. The longer you have an account open with Chase, the more data they have to review and decide if you’re a responsible cardholder. Plus, if you applied for a new card less than six months prior to requesting a credit limit increase, it is unlikely that much has changed on your credit report warrant a higher credit limit. Before you request a credit limit increaseBefore you pursue a credit limit increase, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, you should decide exactly what credit line you’d like to have. In general, we recommend avoiding asking for too much at once – unless you are very confident in making your case for a big increase. For instance, try to avoid requesting too much too fast, such as trying to double your current limit. Boost your chances of approval and minimize the risk of putting yourself in debt by not asking for more than you can easily pay off. Reviewing your credit report and knowing your credit score before you request a higher credit line is also important. If you know how you look to lenders, you can make a better case for why you deserve a higher limit. Plus, you’ll see any late payments or negative marks that might cause your request to be denied. Finally, if you’ve been making minimum payments and carrying a balance, you might want to switch up your strategy before requesting a credit line increase. An issuer will be more likely to grant you a higher credit limit if you show the ability to pay back what you borrow. Process for requesting a credit limit increaseOnce you’ve reviewed your credit report and are confident you handle your credit responsibly, you can request a higher credit limit. Luckily, there are a few different ways to get a higher credit line from Chase. Automatic credit line increasesOccasionally, Chase might increase your credit limit without you having to submit a request. Chase regularly reviews your account and may raise your credit if you have a history of making on-time payments and keeping credit utilization low. However, there is no guarantee you’ll see such an offer, and Chase does not publicize a timeline for when your account might be reviewed. Targeted offers onlineNot every cardholder has the option to request a credit line increase for their Chase card online, but you might be able to score a targeted offer. You can log in to your account here to see if you have any current offers from the bank. If you don’t receive a targeted offer, however, you’ll have to complete your credit limit request over the phone. Keep in mind that just because you don’t have a targeted offer does not mean you won’t be approved, as Chase seems to extend such offers on a relatively limited basis. Calling customer serviceThe final and most common way to get a credit limit increase with Chase is to call the number on the back of your card and request one outright. You should be prepared to make a case for why you deserve the increase. The representative will likely ask why you need more credit, so have all suitable information readily available. Mention any changes to your situation that might warrant a higher credit limit – such as a raise in your income or a balance you’d like to transfer. You can also leverage your positive history with Chase to better make your case, such as how long you’ve been a customer and your reputation for on-time payments. Further, make sure to avoid requesting a credit limit increase that will result in you taking on more than you can pay off. If the customer service representative believes you can qualify for a higher credit limit, they will most likely pull your credit report to review your eligibility. You should prepare for a hard pull to your credit, which can result in the loss of a few points from your score. If your request for a credit limit increase is denied, don’t fretAfter you’ve made your case as to why you need an increase to your credit limit, Chase still might decide to deny your request. There are few consequences to being denied for a credit limit increase – especially if they didn’t pull your credit report. Ask the customer service representative why you weren’t approved so you can begin to better your chances for next time.
Pros and cons of a higher credit limitIf you are still deciding if requesting a credit limit increase is right for you, here’s a quick look at some of the pros and cons of taking advantage of this option with Chase. Pros:
Cons:
Bottom lineWhether you want to finance a large purchase, transfer a balance to a card with a lower APR or improve your credit score by lowering your credit utilization, requesting a credit limit increase from Chase can be a great move. While there are no strict requirements to be eligible for an increase, it’s important to make sure you’re showing good credit management to lenders. Typically, this is shown through a history of on-time payments and keeping credit utilization low. Before making a request for a higher credit limit, do your research and carefully consider why this is the best option for you. Editorial Disclaimer The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Emily Sherman is a senior editor at CreditCards.com, focusing on product news and recommendations. She is also one of the founders of To Her Credit, a biweekly series of financial advice by women, for women. When she's not writing about credit cards, she's putting her own points and miles to use planning her next big vacation. Erin Bendig Erin pairs personal experience with research and is passionate about sharing credit card information and personal finance advice with others. Can I request a credit limit increase on Chase?You may request an increase to your credit line by calling the number on the back of your credit card; you cannot submit a request online at this time. Your request for an increase to your credit limit is subject to the approval of Chase.
How do I check my credit limit on my Chase app?Cardholders can see their current Chase credit limit by logging into their online account or mobile app, checking their monthly statement or by calling Chase customer service. If you're looking online, open the card details — you'll be able to see it directly under your current balance.
Why did my credit limit increase Chase?Sometimes, your credit card issuer may automatically increase your credit limit based on certain factors such as having the card open for a long period of time and making payments on time. If this happens, they may send you communication that your limit has increased, so be sure to monitor for these notifications.
What is the credit limit on Chase Freedom Unlimited?Here's why: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a $500 minimum credit limit, but the limit is at least $5,000 if you're approved for the Visa Signature® version of the card. Beyond those minimum limits, this card offers plenty of opportunities to earn cash back.
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