How and When to Request a Credit Line Increase From Chase

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Requesting a credit limit increase on a credit card is not a wise financial choice for everyone, but it can benefit some cardholders. A credit line increase can often improve a cardholder’s credit utilization score while providing more spending power in case of significant unexpected expenses.

Here is how to request a Chase credit line increase and when a cardholder should and should not consider an increase.

How To Request a Chase Credit Line Increase

Unlike some card issuers, Chase does not currently allow cardholders to make a credit line increase request online. A cardholder must call Chase. Cardholders can call the number on the back of their Chase card to speak with a Chase representative.

Those requesting an increase may need to provide personal information before a request can be considered, including income and employment information, their monthly rent or mortgage amount and other personal details. Chase may also ask how much of an increase a cardholder would like. Cardholders should not request an amount greater than they can responsibly manage.

Some credit line increase requests might be approved immediately, but others may take up to 30 days before a decision is reached.

Will Chase Automatically Increase a Cardholder’s Credit Limit?

Chase may periodically review accounts and automatically increase the credit limits of eligible cardholders.

A cardholder’s payment history, credit score, debt ratio and other factors will often determine eligibility. Some card issuers may not automatically increase credit limits for accounts that have not yet been open for six months or longer.

How Can a Cardholder Improve Their Chances of Receiving a Credit Line Increase?

A Chase credit card holder may increase their chance of receiving a credit limit increase by:

• Establishing a history of on-time payments
• Paying more than the monthly minimum payment
• Reporting any income increases to Chase
• Maintaining a good credit score and credit utilization ratio

Those who were denied a previous increase request may become eligible by taking the steps outlined above.

When To Consider a Credit Line Increase

Not everyone in need of a credit line increase should get one. For some, it could make a bad financial situation even worse. However, cardholders who meet most or all of the following criteria may want to consider an increase.

Have a Specific Need for the Credit Line Increase

A credit limit increase can positively or negatively impact a cardholder’s credit score, so a cardholder should only consider one if they have a specific need. Primary reasons to request a credit limit increase include:

• To make a large purchase
• To improve a credit utilization ratio and credit score
• To use as a temporary emergency fund
• To transfer a balance from another card with a higher interest rate

Have Good To Excellent Credit

Those with good to excellent credit are likely already in the habit of making more than just minimum payments and not charging more than they can afford to pay. Chase is more likely to grant an increase request to those with these good credit habits. Continuing these habits after an increase will help ensure an increase does not harm the cardholder’s credit score.

Any cardholder considering a credit line increase should determine their credit score before making a request. A Chase cardholder can get an estimate of their credit score by using the Chase Credit Journey score simulator online or with the Chase mobile app.

Have Recently Received an Income Increase

A cardholder who has received a raise or taken a higher-paying job should be better able to manage additional credit even if they borrow against it.

However, even with an increased income, a cardholder should be careful not to overcharge and end up unable to meet minimum monthly payments. It’s always better to pay more than the minimum.

Have a Record of On-Time Payments

Cardholders with a history of late payments should not risk further harm to their credit score by requesting more credit than they can manage. If current payments are tough to make, higher payments will only be more difficult. However, cardholders with a good payment history will likely be granted a credit limit increase, providing they meet other Chase requirements.

Cardholders who have experienced a pay cut, been denied a new line of credit or have a less-than-good credit score should wait to request a credit line increase until their financial situation improves.

Takeaway

Before requesting a Chase credit line increase, cardholders should carefully evaluate their financial situation and credit score to determine whether an increase makes sense. If possible, those with poor credit or a high debt-to-income ratio should take steps to better their financial situation before considering an increase request since they will likely be denied. 

Cardholders with good credit who need a credit limit increase can quickly request one by calling Chase at the number on the back of their card.

Some card issuers may perform a hard credit score pull when evaluating a credit line increase. A hard pull could temporarily negatively impact a cardholder’s credit score.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by Chase. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase.

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