Can my credit limit change?
Your credit limit can increase or decrease from when you first get your card. This can happen either at your request, or because the bank needs to make a change due to a change in circ*mstances. Here are some of the possibilities.
What if my credit limit is decreased
Occasionally we may have to reduce your credit limit. This usually happens because of how you’re using your Barclaycard or credit from other lenders, and from information we’re sent from Credit Reference Agencies about your credit history. Reasons can include:
- multiple missed payments
- going over your credit limit
- making low repayments to pay off your balance
- making a high number of cash-like transactions
- applying for multiple new types of credit in a short space of time
- being made bankrupt or having a history of County Court Judgements (CCJs)
We’ll think about it carefully before we decide to reduce your limit. We’ll look at how you’ve used your card in the past – and how you’re using it now. We’ll look at other types of credit you’ve got too.And if we do decide to lower your limit, we’ll send you a letter to let you know – your new limit will take effect three days after the date on this letter.
It’s not an easy decision, but we want to make sure you don’t get into more debt than you can manage. A lower credit limit can help you to stay on top of your finances in the long-term. It can even help you build up your credit rating again over time.
Of course, you can also reapply for a credit limit increase – but you should wait several months. You may want to use this time to improve your credit score. This will significantly improve your chance of being approved for your next increase. Here are some tips for how to raise your credit score even further.
Get in touch if you’d like to speak to us about reducing your credit limit.
Changing your credit limit
You can ask for an increase or decrease in your credit limit online. Just tell us what you'd like your credit limit to be and we'll see what we can do for you. If we decide we can change it, we’ll update it. If we can’t change it, we’ll let you know – usually within 24 hours.
You can also ask us to increase or decrease your credit limit in Barclaycard online servicing.
What you need to know before you ask us to change your limit
Things you need to know before you make a request
- If you're already a customer, you can request a decrease in your limit whenever you want, as long as your new limit isn’t below the balance still outstanding on your account, plus a level of future spending
- We can only increase your credit limit if it's been at least four months since your last credit limit increase or at least six months since a credit limit decrease. Make sure you ask for a manageable amount you think you'll need so you don't have to wait to ask again
- We make decisions on credit limit increases based on information we already hold on you from credit reference agencies and how you’ve used your Barclaycard in the past. Your credit file won’t be searched unless you give us approval to do so
- If we can’t offer you the full amount of any credit limit increase you ask for, we could still offer a smaller increase. This will be the highest we can offer you
- If you’re not eligible for a new credit limit but your situation changes, we’re happy to look at a new request if at least one month has passed since your request. If you are eligible for a credit limit increase, you need to wait until at least four months have passed before requesting another increase
Once you’re happy, use the quick guide below to request your credit limit change.
Quick guide
- Step one–log in to your account and select ‘Manage account’ in the top menu
- Step two–select ‘Change your credit limit’ and tell us the new limit you’d like, then enter your employment and income details
- Step three–submit your request – we’ll usually give you an instant decision.
Log in to change your credit limit
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Why has my credit limit increase request been declined?
We make decisions on credit limit increases based on information we already hold on you from credit reference agencies and how you’ve used your Barclaycard in the past. As a responsible lender, we may have to decline your request for a credit limit increase to make sure you don’t get into more debt than you can manage. There are a number of reasons why we might decline your request – here are some of the most common ones:
Your credit score
Your credit score is how lenders assess your suitability for many different products and services. A poor credit rating could be the reason we decline your request to increase your credit limit. Find out the common causes of bad credit, and how to improve your credit score.
Stuck in a state of credit rating confusion?
You can also try our handy Credit Builder tool to better understand what impacts your credit rating. We’ll even give you personalised tips to help improve your rating.
Give it a go
A recent credit limit increase or decrease
Lenders need to see a history of responsible borrowing and repayments before increasing your credit limit. If you’ve not had your new limit for very long, it’s harder for us to measure your creditworthiness. We can only increase your credit limit if it's been at least four months since your last credit limit increase or at least six months since a credit limit decrease.
You’re already at your maximum credit limit
Credit cards aren’t suitable for large amounts of borrowing as it can be expensive. Every credit card is different, but if you already have a high limit, it could be that you’ve reached the maximum for that particular product
You’ve only been making minimum payments each month
If you’ve only been making the minimum monthly payment (or close to the minimum) for a while, this could suggest that you can’t pay more. We don’t want you to get into more debt than you can handle. Paying a higher amount each month will save you money on interest, help you clear your balance quicker, and show us that you could potentially cope with a higher limit
Generally speaking, we wouldn’t increase your credit limit if you’re unemployed – there’s a risk that you won’t be able to keep up with repayments which can have a negative effect on your credit rating. If your income changes, get in touch with us so we can update your information
You’ve missed several payments
If you don’t make your minimum payment several months in a row, this will have a negative effect on your credit rating and will stay on your credit history for a long time. You can set up a direct debit to make at least the minimum payment each month, or change you payment due date to one that’s more convenient for you
Important things not to do
When it comes to credit limits, there are a few things you should avoid doing. Don’t try to increase your credit limit by spending beyond it. Going beyond your overdraft limit is likely to cost you in higher fees or penalties. It may also go on your credit history and harm your chance of being approved for a credit limit increase.
You should also try to avoid asking for a credit limit increase if you’re struggling to meet your expenses and repayment costs. It may seem like a tempting option, but can often lead to even deeper debt.
However, if you need to increase your credit limit for a single purchase, some banks will let you shift your lines of credit between different cards. For example, if you have a £2000 credit limit on one card and a £6,000 credit limit on a different one, you might ask for £1000 to be moved to the other card so you can make purchases without exceeding your credit limit. Not all banks will agree, but it’s worth calling. If you need help managing your spending and borrowing, just call and see if we can help.
If you’re looking for ways to manage debt, you’ll find some answers at Money worries? We can help for additional help.
