What happens if I overlimit my credit card?
William Jenkins
Updated on February 07, 2026
If you opted into over-limit protection, your charge might go through—but you could get hit with fees, higher interest rates or lower credit limits. You might even see your credit score drop due to the increased balance on your card. Your credit card could be declined. You could pay an over-limit fee.
Does overlimit fee affect cibil score?
You might have a doubt in your mind on if paying a credit card over limit fee will it end up affecting your credit score and if it will be reported to the credit bureau. A payment of credit card over limit fee will not be reported to the credit bureau and it will not affect your credit score.
Can credit cards charge over limit fees?
A card issuer cannot charge an overlimit fee unless you have opted in to permit the card issuer to allow charges that put you over your credit limit. Before you opt in, the issuer must give you certain disclosures, including the amount of the over limit fee.
What is an overlimit fee on a credit card?
An over-limit fee is a penalty charged by credit card companies when cardholders’ purchases exceed their credit limit.
How many years will CIBIL keep record of defaulters?
7 years
For how many years does CIBIL keep track of defaulters? The Credit Information Bureau of India Limited gathers and syncs all information to make a Credit Information Report containing an individual’s details of credit and defaults. This record stays with them for minimum 7 years from the date of first late report.
Can I waive overlimit fee?
Your credit card issuer may be willing to waive the over-the-limit fee the first time you go over your credit limit. Just call your credit card issuer and ask if you can have the fee waived. They may be willing to remove the fee from your account as long as you’ve otherwise kept your account in good standing.
Is there a fee for going over your credit limit?
If your card issuer does charge a fee, the fee can’t exceed the amount that you’ve gone over your limit. 3 For example, if you go over your credit limit by $15, the maximum fee you can be charged is $15.
What happens when your credit card balance goes over the limit?
When you get approved for a credit card, you’re typically assigned a credit limit that defines the maximum balance you can have at any given time. If you make purchases that cause your credit card balance to surge over that limit, then it’s possible you’ll be hit with an over-the-limit fee.
What’s the best way to avoid going over your credit limit?
A low balance – 30% of your credit limit or lower – gives you room to make purchases without going over your limit. Not only that, it’s better for your credit score. On a credit card with a $1,000 credit limit, keep a balance of $300 or lower. If you’re not sure, check.
Can you opt out of going over your credit limit?
You Can Opt Out of Over Limit Charges. Credit card issuers are required to give you the option to have transactions that would put you over the limit declined. You can opt in or opt out of over limit transactions at any time.