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Is it bad to request a credit card limit increase?

Author

Andrew Campbell

Updated on January 25, 2026

Oftentimes, a limit increase request will trigger a hard pull on your credit report. This can hurt your credit, especially if you have a short credit history. If you call your credit card issuer, you can ask whether a hard inquiry will be initiated. “Asking for an increase could affect your credit score.”

What is a reasonable credit limit increase to request?

You might have your credit line doubled, but it’s not recommended to request such a significant increase as it may signal financial trouble to your creditor. Instead, you can typically count on a 10-20% increase, and there’s no harm in asking for a number on the higher end of this range.

Does requesting credit increase affect score?

Does Requesting a Credit Limit Increase Affect Your Credit Score? A hard inquiry could affect your credit score, since credit score models consider how recently and how frequently you’ve applied for credit. If you have a Capital One® credit card, requesting a credit limit increase will not result in a hard inquiry.

How often can I ask for a credit limit increase?

every 4-6 months
You can request a credit line increase every 4-6 months, or even more frequently. But your chances of being approved for an increase are best if you wait at least 6 months from when you opened your account or last requested a higher limit.

Does credit increase denial hurt credit?

Getting declined for a credit limit increase might impact your credit scores. If it’s a soft inquiry, your credit scores won’t be affected at all. However, similar to when you apply for a new credit account, a hard inquiry might hurt your scores.

How much should I ask for a credit line increase?

As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to use less than 30% of your limit — the lower, the better. Keeping that number down can be easier with a higher limit.

When to ask for a credit card increase?

An increase in income means you’ll be able to cover an increase in credit card expenses. Note: You may need to provide proof of your new income to get approved for a higher credit limit. “You’ll have a better chance if the account has been open at least six months to a year.”

How long does it take to get a credit limit increase?

If you are eligible for a credit limit increase, your request may be approved immediately. But sometimes requests can take a few days to review. And sometimes your issuer may ask for additional information before it can approve your request.

When is the best time to ask for new credit?

Whether your request will be approved, however, is a matter of timing. It’s often said that the best time to ask for new credit is when you don’t need it (at least, not yet). When you’ve recently gotten a raise. An increase in income means you’ll be able to cover an increase in credit card expenses.

Can you request a credit limit increase on Capital One card?

Capital One doesn’t disclose its parameters for automatic credit limit increases on its website, but it does state that if you have a Capital One card, you can request a credit limit increase. To make the request, you’ll have to share some information, such as your: