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Getting approved for a credit card with a high limit can be a great way to increase your purchasing power and potentially improve your credit. But what exactly is considered a “high limit” and how high can you realistically go when applying for a new card? Let’s take a look at what factors into your credit limit and how to get the highest limit possible for your situation
What is Considered a High Credit Limit?
There’s no definitive threshold for what makes a credit limit “high” but generally cards with limits above $10000 would fall into that category. Premium travel cards aimed at frequent travelers often have minimum limits in the $5,000 to $10,000 range.
For an everyday consumer just looking to maximize rewards, a limit between $5,000 to $20,000 is still excellent and can provide ample purchasing power and credit line to keep utilization low. Credit cards with limits above $20,000 are less common and would be considered exceptionally high for most cardholders.
As a point of reference, the average credit limit across all credit cards is around $5,000. So anything above that mark starts entering high limit territory.
What is the Highest Credit Card Limit You Can Get?
The highest credit card limits can reach into six figures, generally between $100,000 and $150,000. However, limits that high are very rare and reserved for only the most creditworthy applicants.
Some premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum are known to approve limits upwards of $100,000 for selected applicants. The highest limit I’ve personally seen reported is $150,000 for the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
But for most consumers a credit limit between $10,000 to $50000 is much more realistic even with pristine credit and high income. Anything above $50,000 would be an exceptionally high limit. Reaching the vaunted six-figure credit lines likely requires a perfect FICO score over 800, an individual income over $500,000, and flawless credit history.
How Credit Card Companies Determine Your Limit
When you apply for a new card, the issuer will review your credit report, income, and other financial information to make a limit determination. Here are some of the key factors they consider:
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Credit scores – This gives the best snapshot of your overall credit health. FICO scores above 700 have the best chance for higher limits.
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Income – Lenders want to see you can afford the limit extended. Expect higher limits with reported individual or household income above $100,000.
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Debt-to-income ratio – Measures your current debts against income. A ratio below 30% is ideal, giving room for a higher limit.
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Credit history length – A longer history with established accounts demonstrates reliability and lower risk.
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Types of credit – A healthy mix of credit types (credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, etc) improves limit potential.
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Inquiries and new accounts – Too many recent inquiries and new accounts can raise red flags on risk, potentially lowering limits.
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Relationship with issuer – Current cardholders may get higher limit approvals, especially if in good standing.
Tips for Getting the Highest Possible Credit Limit
If your goal is to get approved for the highest limit within your reach, keep these tips in mind:
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Have excellent credit -Aim for FICO scores above 750 to boost chances. Pay all bills on time and keep balances low.
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Lower credit utilization – Keep balances below 10% of limits on existing cards when applying for maximum effect.
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Increase income – Higher incomes equate to higher limits. Provide updated documentation if income has risen recently.
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Have long credit history – Allow accounts to age and build history over many years.
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Hold accounts with issuer – Apply with issuers where you already have a card in good standing.
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Meet high annual income requirements – For elite cards, issuers may require annual income above $200,000.
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Ask for expedited handling – This can help get app in front of an underwriter rather than relying on automatic system.
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Call reconsideration line if denied – Discuss denial reasons and provide updated financial details for possible approval.
Alternatives if You Can’t Get a High Limit
Even following the best practices, some consumers may have trouble getting approved for really high limits due to credit challenges or low incomes. Here are some alternatives in those cases:
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Apply for lower limit cards first to establish positive history with issuer.
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Request periodic limit increases on existing cards as you build credit over time.
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Be authorized user on spouse or partner’s account to benefit from higher limits.
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Explore alternative funding options like personal loans or lines of credit.
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Improve credit and income fundamentals before reapplying in future.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of High Credit Limits
While high credit limits have some potential benefits, they also come with risks to weigh carefully:
Pros
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Increased available credit and purchasing power
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Ability to finance large purchases or life events
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Lower credit utilization resulting in credit score boost
Cons
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More available credit could encourage overspending
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Higher potential debts and interest charges
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Hitting the limit can severely damage credit scores
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Becoming an attractive target for fraudsters
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Difficulty getting limit decreases if no longer needed
The bottom line is high credit limits can be powerful financial tools but also require fiscal discipline. Make sure you carefully consider whether an ultra-high limit aligns with your spending habits and budget before pursuing approvals.
Final Thoughts on Maxing Out Your Credit Limit
Achieving elite credit card limits above $50,000 or $100,000 is likely out of reach for many consumers. But with responsible financial management, you can request periodic limit increases with issuers over time to maximize your purchasing power. Just be sure to use the higher limits wisely and not take on more debt than you can readily afford.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
28.99 – 30.99% Variable Reward Details
- 1.5%Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
- 1%1% cash back on eligible purchases right away.
- One of the most accessible cards for building credit because it doesn’t require credit history.
- This card offers rewards, rare for credit-building cards.
Cons
- Its incentive-based rewards structure requires 12 on-time monthly payments before you can maximize your earnings.
- Its highest credit limit may not be available for people with no credit history or poor credit.
- Its ongoing APR range is relatively high at 28.99 – 30.99% Variable.
Best for small business owners
17.49% – 57.49% variable Reward Details
- 1.5%1.5% unlimited cashback with no annual fee
- This business card does not charge an annual fee or a foreign transaction fee.
- You won’t impact your personal credit score with an application.
Cons
- This card does not offer a welcome offer.
- While the low end of the card’s ongoing APR is below the current average credit card interest rate, the high end of the range is extremely high (17.49% – 57.49% variable APR, based on your creditworthiness).
Remove a card to add another to compare Error Icon
Remove a card to add another to compare
Decide if you want to earn rewards, as well as what type of rewards
If your goal is to earn rewards with a credit card, you should decide ahead of time which type of rewards you want to earn. Compare cards based on the type of rewards they offer to find the one that matches your spending and redeeming strategies.
5 Steps to get MASSIVE CREDIT Limit Increases (FAST)
FAQ
What is the highest credit card limit?
The highest credit card limits are typically offered on charge cards like the American Express Platinum and Black cards, with some users reporting limits of $100,000 or more. Some traditional credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, can also offer high limits, with some users reporting limits up to $100,000.
How to get a $30,000 credit card limit?
To get a credit limit this high, you typically need an excellent credit score, a high income, and little to no existing debt.
Is $20000 a high credit limit?
Yes, $20,000 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 $20,000 or higher.
Can you get a $50,000 credit limit?
If you have excellent credit, high income and low credit utilization among other variables, issuers may offer you a credit line of $30,000 to $50,000.Apr 23, 2025