How to Request Credit Line Increases: Double Your Limits
How to request and get credit line increases on business and personal cards. Optimal timing, soft vs hard pull issuers, scripts, and how to double limits.
How to Request Credit Line Increases: Double Your Limits
Your credit limit isn't permanent. It's a starting point.
Most cardholders never ask for increases—they accept whatever limit they're given and assume that's final. Meanwhile, the people who ask regularly see their limits double, triple, or more within a year or two.
Credit line increases (CLIs) are free money capacity. Higher limits mean lower utilization, better credit scores, and more purchasing power. Here's exactly how to get them.
Why Credit Line Increases Matter
1. Lower Credit Utilization
Utilization = balance ÷ credit limit
Before CLI: $3,000 balance / $10,000 limit = 30% utilization After CLI: $3,000 balance / $20,000 limit = 15% utilization
Same spending, better utilization, higher credit score.
2. More Purchasing Power
Higher limits mean you can make larger purchases without maxing out cards or hurting your credit.
3. Emergency Buffer
Higher limits provide cushion for unexpected expenses without credit damage.
4. Qualification for Better Products
Higher limits on existing cards often lead to approvals for premium cards.
Soft Pull vs. Hard Pull CLIs
This is the most important distinction.
Soft Pull (Preferred)
- No impact on credit score
- Not visible to other lenders
- Can request frequently without consequence
Issuers that typically do soft pulls:
- American Express
- Chase (usually)
- Discover
- Capital One (usually)
- Citi (usually)
Hard Pull
- Counts as new credit inquiry
- May lower score 5-10 points temporarily
- Visible to other lenders
Issuers that may do hard pulls:
- Bank of America
- US Bank
- Some credit unions
- Any issuer if you request a very large increase
How to Check
Before requesting, ask: "Will this result in a hard inquiry on my credit report?"
Most issuers will tell you upfront. If they won't answer, assume hard pull.
When to Request a CLI
The 6-Month Rule
Most issuers allow CLI requests after 6 months from:
- Account opening
- Last CLI request
- Last credit limit change
Some issuers (Amex) may allow earlier requests for established customers.
Best Timing
Request after:
- Statement closes with high spending (shows you use the card)
- On-time payment posts
- Income increase (update income first)
- 6+ months of perfect payment history
Avoid requesting:
- Right after a late payment
- When utilization is very high
- Immediately after opening new accounts
- During financial hardship
Optimal Request Cycle
- Month 6: First CLI request
- Month 12: Second CLI request
- Month 18: Third CLI request
- Continue every 6 months
How to Request by Issuer
Chase
Method: Online, phone, or app
Online:
- Log into Chase.com
- Go to account services
- Select "Request credit limit increase"
- Enter requested amount
Phone: 1-800-432-3117
What to expect:
- Usually soft pull
- Decision often instant
- May ask about income
Typical increase: 25-100% of current limit
American Express
Method: Online, app, or chat
Online:
- Log into Amex account
- Click card > Account Services
- Select "Credit Limit Increase"
- Submit request
What to expect:
- Soft pull for existing customers
- Often generous increases
- May offer 2-3x current limit
Tip: Update your income in your profile before requesting. Amex factors this heavily.
Capital One
Method: Online or phone
Online:
- Log into Capital One
- Select card
- Look for "Request credit line increase"
What to expect:
- Usually soft pull
- More conservative increases
- May require waiting period between requests
Discover
Method: Online, app, or phone
Online:
- Log into Discover account
- Go to card services
- Request increase
What to expect:
- Soft pull
- Reasonable increases
- Clear communication about decision
Bank of America
Method: Online or phone
What to expect:
- May be hard pull
- Ask before submitting
- Preferred Rewards members may get better treatment
Phone: 1-800-732-9194
Citi
Method: Online or phone
What to expect:
- Usually soft pull
- Income verification may be requested
- Can request specific amount
What to Say When Requesting
Online Requests
Most online forms are straightforward:
- Current income (be accurate)
- Requested new limit (aim high but reasonable)
- Reason (optional—"increased spending needs")
Phone Requests
Script:
"Hi, I'd like to request a credit line increase on my [card name]. I've had the card for [X months], always paid on time, and my income has [increased/remained stable]. I'd like to request an increase to [$X amount]."
If asked why:
"My business expenses have grown and I'd like more flexibility for larger purchases. I also want to keep my utilization low."
If asked for income:
Be honest. They may verify.
How Much to Request
Conservative Approach
Request 25-50% increase over current limit.
- Current: $10,000
- Request: $12,500-$15,000
Higher approval odds but smaller gains.
Aggressive Approach
Request 100% increase (double current limit).
- Current: $10,000
- Request: $20,000
Lower approval odds but bigger payoff if approved.
Strategic Approach
Request slightly more than you expect to get. If denied for $20,000, they may counter-offer $15,000.
Automatic Credit Line Increases
Some issuers increase limits automatically without you asking.
Issuers Known for Auto-Increases
- Discover: Regular automatic reviews
- Capital One: Periodic increases for good accounts
- American Express: Often increases limits proactively
- Chase: Occasional automatic increases
How to Encourage Auto-Increases
- Use the card regularly
- Pay on time (ideally in full)
- Keep utilization moderate
- Update income when it increases
What If You're Denied?
Ask Why
Call and ask for the specific reason:
- Too many recent inquiries?
- Income too low?
- Account too new?
- Recent late payment?
Understanding the reason helps you fix it.
Wait and Retry
Most denial reasons are temporary:
- Wait 3-6 months
- Address the issue (pay down balances, wait for inquiries to age)
- Request again
Try Different Approach
If online denied, try phone (or vice versa). Human representatives sometimes have more flexibility.
Request Smaller Increase
If denied for doubling, request 25% increase instead.
CLI Strategy for Card Stacking
If you're building a credit card stack, CLIs are essential for maximizing total credit.
The 6-Month CLI Rotation
Month 6: Request CLI on Card 1 Month 7: Request CLI on Card 2 Month 8: Request CLI on Card 3 Month 12: Request CLI on Card 1 again Continue rotating
Example Stack Growth
| Card | Opening Limit | Month 6 CLI | Month 12 CLI | Final Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ink Unlimited | $20,000 | $30,000 | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Chase Ink Cash | $15,000 | $25,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Amex Blue Business | $25,000 | $50,000 | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| Capital One Spark | $20,000 | $30,000 | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Total | $80,000 | $135,000 | $195,000 | $195,000 |
Original stack: $80,000 After 12 months of CLIs: $195,000 Increase: 144%
Common CLI Mistakes
Mistake 1: Never Asking
The biggest mistake is assuming limits are fixed. They're not. Ask regularly.
Mistake 2: Asking Too Soon
Requesting before 6 months often results in denial. Be patient.
Mistake 3: Requesting During High Utilization
If your card is at 80% utilization when you request, it signals risk. Pay down first.
Mistake 4: Not Updating Income
If your income increased, update it in your profile before requesting. Higher income = higher limits.
Mistake 5: Accepting Hard Pulls Unnecessarily
Always ask if it's a soft or hard pull first. Don't take hard pulls for small increases.
CLI Checklist
Before Requesting
- Account is 6+ months old
- All payments on time
- Current utilization under 30%
- Income updated in profile
- Confirmed soft pull (or acceptable hard pull)
During Request
- Request specific amount (aim high)
- Have income figure ready
- Be prepared to explain business needs
After Request
- Note the outcome
- If denied, ask why
- Schedule next request for 6 months later
- Track all limits in spreadsheet
Next Steps
Credit line increases are the easiest way to expand your credit capacity without new applications. If you haven't requested a CLI in the past 6 months, you're leaving money on the table.
Pick one card. Check if it's been 6 months. Request an increase today.
Need help optimizing your credit limits? Freedom Consulting helps business owners maximize credit access. Book a free consultation to build your credit expansion strategy.
Related: Credit Card Stacking | 0% APR Business Funding
Disclaimer: Credit decisions are made by card issuers. Results vary based on individual credit profiles and issuer policies.
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This article is part of our 0% APR Business Funding: How to Access $50K-$300K Interest-Free guide series.
Related articles in this series:
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