How To Request a Discover Credit Line Increase

By Kathy Evans

July 25, 2022

Dmytro Skrypnykov / iStock.com

A credit limit is the most that a person can spend on a line of credit or credit card. Discover cardholders already enjoy cash back and reward miles without paying an annual fee. New cardholders may start with a low credit limit or line of credit. However, Discover cardholders can request a credit line increase.

How To Request a Discover Credit Line Increase

There are a lot of reasons a cardholder may have a lower credit limit than they’d like. For instance, a minimal credit history doesn’t usually provide enough justification for giving a cardholder access to a significant line of credit. Once the customer builds trust using the initial credit limit and establishes a good credit history, they can request that Discover increase their credit limit.

Discover cardholders can contact a customer service agent at the number listed on the back of their Discover card to request a credit line increase. To request a credit limit increase online or on the Discover mobile app, users can simply select “Card Services” and then “Credit Line Increase.”

For customers in good standing, there is no set interval between credit limit increases. If a cardholder stays on top of their payments after an increase, their credit score will increase and Discover may then approve an even higher credit limit several months after the last request.

How Often Does Discover Increase Your Credit Line Limit?

Discover raises credit limits based on how much borrowed money a cardholder is expected to be able to manage responsibly. Discover periodically looks at a cardholder’s credit history, income and the amount paid in mortgage or rent.

The components of a cardholder’s unique credit profile help decide whether a line of credit is increased. These components include:

• Payment history
• Credit history length
• Credit utilization percentage
• Recent credit inquiries
• Monthly income and expenses
• Employment history

Does Discover Increase Credit Limit Automatically?

Discover cardholders need not be alarmed if they aren’t granted a high enough credit limit after applying for a card. Discover can automatically increase credit limits over a period of time after regular use without missed payments or other negative card activity. 

How High of a Credit Limit Can You Get With Discover?

A high limit on a line of credit allows Discover cardholders to spend more on the items they purchase. Although having a high credit limit can boost a credit score, it can also cause overspending. Credit card limits can vary, and the highest rates are achieved through responsible use of credit. Credit limits depend entirely on how individual cardholders manage their money and use their credit card.

Final Take

For cardholders whose credit needs have changed since applying for a Discover card, it might be a good idea to request a higher credit limit. For the best chance to get an increased credit limit, use the card responsibly, pay bills on time and don’t max out the card too often.

Information is accurate as of July 25, 2022.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by Discover. 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 Discover.

About the Author

Kathy Evans

‌Kathy Evans is a personal finance freelance writer and entrepreneur with a technical writing and instructional systems design background. She holds an MS in technical writing and informational design and is currently a doctoral student in instructional technology at Towson University. Through work experience in the federal government as well as commercial and nonprofit industries, she has focused her freelance writing on finance, investing and economic content with a specialization in budget coaching.