Top Tips For Increasing Your Credit Card Limit

Having a credit card gives you flexibility and purchasing power that you have grown used to. But what about when it comes to making those big purchases, or consolidating your debts? There are times when everyone wants to charge more on their card, but banks are not always quick to offer a credit card limit increase. What can you do to sway the banks decision in your favor and take that dream holiday in the sun a bit quicker? Here are some tips that should make you a shoo-in.

The banks want to know that you are a good risk; you have to prove to them you deserve it. The easiest and most obvious first step is to abide by terms and conditions set by your bank.

A less obvious, but equally important strategy, is to prove your overall credit rating. Banks immediately look to your credit score to determine whether you might be a bad credit risk. Keep up on your loan (mortgage, student, car) repayments to avoid damaging your credit rating.

Maxing out the card to the limit is bad news, so use your card sparingly. Keep your outstanding balance to less than thirty percent of the limit, even if you pay off the outstanding amount in full every month. When your credit score is calculated, it will also help to have a low balance on your card relative to your available credit. Remember the thirty percent limit.

The older your active credit history is, the better, in the eyes of the bank. Got any old cards lying around that you haven't used for a while? Pull them out and put them to work. If you use your old card once in a while for a small purchase and pay off the full amount before the due date, the information will be updated at the credit bureau and your rating will be positively affected. Don't use your credit card for emergency purposes only. Use it every chance you get. This is another way to increase your credit limit.

Of course you should always make payments on time - nothing damages your credit rating the way consistently overdue payments can. But if you've been a good customer and can't avoid one late payment - you can request a 'goodwill adjustment' to prevent the incident from damaging your record. And it's never too late to start paying on time - if you make 12 consecutive prompt payments, your lender may re-adjust your account to erase a poor track record.

When you do make your payments, try making more than the minimum. The whole lot if possible. The bank will see that you are comfortable making repayments above your current minimum, proving you will be able to cope with the increased minimums that come with a higher limit.

Ironically, having a higher limit can itself improve your credit rating, which makes it something worth striving for. Once you get your increase - spend wisely and protect it by budgeting carefully. Soon enough, you'll have the credit you need - and more - for a comfortable, stress free lifestyle.

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