Editorial Note: IntuitCredit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.
We think it's important for you to understand how we make money. It's pretty simple, actually. The offers for financial products you see on our platform come from companies who pay us. The money we make helps us give you access to free credit scores and reports and helps us create our other great tools and educational materials.
Compensation may factor into how and where products appear on our platform (and in what order). But since we generally make money when you find an offer you like and get, we try to show you offers we think are a good match for you. That's why we provide features like your Approval Odds and savings estimates.
Of course, the offers on our platform don't represent all financial products out there, but our goal is to show you as many great options as we can.
A credit limit dictates how much you can charge on your credit card.
The terms credit card limit and credit line are used to describe how much you can charge on a card. If you have a $5,000 credit limit, you have access to a $5,000 credit line and can charge up to $5,000 maximum at any time. As you pay down what you’ve charged, you can charge again and again as long as you keep your total card balance $5,000 or less. But remember, only spend what you can afford to pay back — just because you have a high credit limit doesn’t mean you should max it out.
Some credit card issuers will start you off with a small credit line, which means you can’t charge much. Often, you have to ask for a higher credit limit, and then the creditor will evaluate your credit, income and other financial details to decide whether to increase your credit limit.
But with some Capital One cards, you have a chance to get a credit line increase in as few as six months with on-time payments. Here’s how that works.
Building credit?Explore Secured Credit Cards Now
- How does Capital One’s credit line increase program work?
- Which Capital One cards offer a possible credit line increase?
- What if your card doesn’t offer the opportunity for a credit line increase?
How does Capital One’s credit line increase program work?
For certain cards, Capital One indicates that it will automatically review your account for credit line increases after as few as six months.
But it’s important to note that Capital One also says it may decline credit line increases for a number of reasons, such as if credit reports show a late payment to another creditor.
If you get a higher limit, you’ll be able to charge up to the new amount. This can mean you have more of a safety net in case of an emergency expense or a bigger purchase that comes up. Just be careful to spend only as much as you can afford. A higher credit limit can be tempting to use, but you might end up carrying a balance and paying interest on anything you charge and can’t pay off on time and in full.
Along with getting more access to credit, a credit line increase might improve your credit scores. Your credit card utilization ratio is one of the factors that make up your credit scores. Your credit can benefit from lower credit card utilization because it indicates that you can manage your credit. Experts recommend keeping your ratio below 30%. So getting a higher credit line could benefit you, because you’ll have more credit available, which keeps your credit card utilization ratio lower as long as you don’t start spending more.
Building credit?Explore Secured Credit Cards Now
Which Capital One cards offer a possible credit line increase?
These are the cards that Capital One says automatically consider you for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card
- Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
What if your card doesn’t offer the opportunity for a credit line increase?
If your credit card doesn’t offer an opportunity for a credit line increase, you can call your creditor to ask for a higher credit limit — or you can sometimes make the request online.
You will usually be asked some questions to help the credit issuer make sure it’s really you. You may also have to provide info on things like your income, job, house payments and other expenses. How long you’ve had the card, if you’ve been making more than the minimum payments, and whether you’ve been paying on time could also be factors that your issuer will consider when deciding whether to approve or deny your request. The issuer also may check your credit, which could result in a hard credit inquiry on your reports.
One other thing to note: Sometimes credit card companies will give you a credit line increase without you even applying for it. This sometimes happens after you’ve been using your card reliably for a while. Don’t count on it, though. If you really want a credit line increase, it’ll probably be faster to ask than to wait around.
Bottom line: A Capital One credit line increase is a great cardholder perk
If you’re interested in building credit, a Capital One card that offers a chance for a credit line increase after you make your first five consecutive monthly payments on time might be an option.
You can apply for one of these cards knowing that if you make at least the minimum payments on time, a greater spending limit — and possibly an improved credit profile — may be yours within just a few months.
Building credit?Explore Secured Credit Cards Now
About the author: Christy Rakoczy Bieber is a full-time personal finance and legal writer. She is a graduate of UCLA School of Law and the University of Rochester. Christy was previously a college teacher with experience writing textbo… Read more.
FAQs
The following list are examples of factors we consider when determining your request for a credit limit increase: If you make on-time payments (with all creditors) If you make larger monthly payments that pay down your balance. Changes in your employment status, total annual income, or credit score.
What is the maximum credit limit for Capital One? ›
According to anecdotal reports, the card's credit limit can be as low as $750 and as high as $10,000. However, Capital One does not list a minimum or maximum credit limit in the card's terms and conditions. If you want to aim for a higher credit limit, there are a number of areas...
How does a credit line increase work? ›
Because your lender sets your credit limit, they can adjust it up or down in response to changes in your financial profile. On the plus side, some lenders even offer automatic increases after borrowers display positive financial behavior. However, be aware that exceeding your credit limit can cost you.
Is there a downside to increasing credit limit? ›
The number one downside of increasing your credit card limit is that you could start to spend more – due to the available credit – and therefore your credit card balance could increase. You owe more! That could mean you get into more debt, if you don't manage it, which could have a negative impact on your credit score.
How does credit one increase credit limit? ›
Automatic: It may be possible to get an increase every six months. By request: You can request a credit limit increase every six months. No guarantee: Credit limit increases are never guaranteed, but you can improve your chances with responsible card use and a history of on-time payments.
How often does Capital One do credit limit increases? ›
Capital One lets you request a credit limit increase online as often as you want, but you can only be approved once every six months. If you've received a credit limit increase or a credit limit decrease in the last six months, you won't be approved for a credit limit increase.
Does Capital One automatically increase credit limit? ›
Yes, credit limit increases can happen automatically if your information is kept up to date, like employment status and total annual income. Cardholders in good standing (e.g. good credit score, consistent on-time payments) may also receive an automatic credit limit increase once or twice a year.
Is it good if my credit line increases? ›
Increasing your credit limit could lower your credit utilization ratio. If your spending habits stay the same, you could boost your credit score if you continue to make your monthly payments on time. But if you drastically increase your spending with your increased credit limit, you could hurt your credit score.
What is the highest credit limit for Capital One Quicksilver? ›
Carmen Peters, Member. The Capital One Quicksilver credit limit depends on your income, creditworthiness and payment history, which are evaluated once you apply for the card. According to anecdotal reports, the card's credit limit can be as low as $750 and as high as $10,000.
What is the highest credit limit for Capital One Platinum? ›
The Capital One Platinum credit limit can be as high as $3,000 according to online cardholder reports, but it will depend entirely on the specifics of each applicant's credit and their overall financial situation.
If you have a Capital One credit card, requesting a credit limit increase won't result in a hard inquiry. Keep in mind that too many hard inquiries in a short period of time may have a larger negative impact on your scores.
Is it better to request a credit line increase or get a new card? ›
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.
What is the credit limit for credit one up to $2000? ›
Credit One Platinum's maximum credit limit is around $2,000, according to customer reviews. Some people report being approved for this amount right away, while others have worked up to it over years of responsible card use. The minimum credit limit for Credit One Platinum is just $300.
Why did my credit limit increase automatically? ›
What triggers a credit limit increase? Some card issuers will increase your credit limit automatically if you show a regular history of responsible use and on-time payments. If you receive a raise and update your income with your credit card issuer, you might also become eligible for a higher limit.
How many credit limit increases can you get? ›
Before you get started on your request, consider the three qualifications: You generally need to be a cardholder for at least three months. You typically can only request an increase once every six months. Card issuers may review your credit report if you request a specific credit limit.
Will 2 credit cards build credit faster than 1? ›
If your goal is to get or maintain a good credit score, two to three credit card accounts, in addition to other types of credit, are generally recommended. This combination may help you improve your credit mix.
How to get a 10k credit limit with Capital One? ›
To get a $10,000 credit limit on a Capital One credit card, you will need to apply for a high-end card like Capital One Venture X and meet the income requirements. Other Capital One cards may offer $10,000 starting credit limits to qualified applicants, but the odds of getting a limit that high are not as good.
What is the highest credit limit for Capital One Savorone? ›
Capital One Savor cardholders report credit limits between $5,000 and $30,000, but you won't know your actual credit limit until you're approved.
What is the credit limit for Capital One QuicksilverOne? ›
Anna Leah, Member. The Capital One QuicksilverOne credit limit is $300 - $5,000, according to cardholder reports online. But it will depend entirely on the specifics of your credit and your overall financial situation. So, the better your credit is, the higher you can expect your spending limit to be.
