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The Daily Insight Hub

Is it bad to have a high credit limit?

Author

Jackson Reed

Updated on January 29, 2026

Increasing your credit limit can lower credit utilization, potentially boosting your credit score. A credit score is an important metric lenders use to determine a borrower’s ability to repay. A higher credit limit can also be an efficient way to make large purchases and provide a source of emergency funds.

How high can credit limits go?

A high-limit credit card typically comes with a credit line between $5,000 to $10,000 (and some even go beyond $10,000). You’re more likely to have a higher credit limit if you have good or excellent credit.

How does a high limit credit card affect your credit score?

The “ amounts owed ” category of FICO’s traditional credit scoring formula accounts for 30 percent of your score. If you carry high balances relative to your overall credit limit, it can weigh down your score. But adding a card with a high limit increases your total available credit, potentially giving your score a lift.

Is it bad to have a high credit card balance?

Weekly updates let you track your progress. Carrying a high balance on a credit card for a short period of time won’t do long-term damage, but it’s still important to keep your credit utilization ratio low. Experts advise keeping your usage below 30% of your limit — both on individual cards and across all your cards.

Can a high credit utilization hurt my credit score?

A high credit utilization can hurt your credit score, though your score can recover quickly once the balance is under control.

What makes you eligible for a credit limit increase?

A: Using your card responsibly—paying on time, paying more than the minimum, etc.—can help you become eligible for a credit limit increase. Your lender may increase your limit if they notice you’ve been on your best credit card behavior. Q: How Does an Increase Affect My Credit Score? A: It depends on what you do with your new limit.