A credit card limit is the maximum amount you can spend on your card. Your bank sets this limit based on your income and credit history. Monitoring your credit card limit helps you avoid declined transactions and over-limit fees. You can check your limit through online or offline methods.
A credit card limit is the total borrowing capacity your issuer approves on your card. This limit depends on your monthly income, CIBIL score, and repayment behaviour. Your total credit card limit remains fixed until your bank reviews and adjusts it. The available limit is what remains after you spend from your total limit.
When you spend ₹30,000 from a ₹100,000 limit, your available limit becomes ₹70,000. Banks review your credit card maximum limit periodically based on your usage patterns. Repaying your dues on time restores your available limit for the next billing cycle.
Your card has three main types of limits that serve different purposes. Understanding these helps you plan your spending better.
Total Limit: The maximum amount you can borrow during each billing cycle on your card.
Available Limit: The amount remaining after your current spending and all pending transactions are deducted.
Cash Withdrawal Limit: The portion of your total limit available for ATM cash advances only. This limit is usually lower than your total limit to manage risk. The maximum credit card limit in India ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹10 Lakhs or higher.
You can check your card limit through multiple digital channels anytime. Online methods provide instant access to your limit details without visiting branches.
Log in to your bank's internet banking portal using your credentials.
Navigate to the credit card section from the main menu.
Your total limit, available limit, and cash withdrawal limit appear on screen.
The portal also shows your current outstanding balance and payment due date.
Download your bank's official mobile banking application on your smartphone.
Log in and select the credit card option from the menu.
Your credit card limit details display along with recent transactions.
Most apps send notifications when your limit usage crosses certain thresholds.
Visit your bank's website and access the credit card information section.
Send a Short Message Service (SMS) to your bank's designated number.
The SMS format varies by bank, so check your bank's website first.
Some banks provide Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems through customer care numbers.
Offline methods work when you lack internet access or prefer traditional channels. These options provide the same information as online methods.
Visit any Automated Teller Machine (ATM) belonging to your card issuer.
Insert your credit card and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Select the balance enquiry option from the menu.
Your available credit card limit appears on screen along with outstanding balance.
Call your bank's customer service number printed on your card.
Follow the automated IVR prompts by entering your card number.
The system reads out your total and available limit details.
You can also speak to a representative for detailed information.
Visit your nearest bank branch during working hours with your card.
Carry valid identification documents for verification purposes.
Bank staff provide complete information about your credit card’s maximum limit.
You can also ask questions about limit increases or usage patterns.
Banks evaluate multiple factors before setting your credit card limit initially. Your monthly income is the primary factor banks consider first. Higher income indicates better repayment capacity and supports a higher limit. Your CIBIL score shows your past borrowing and repayment behaviour patterns. A score above 750 typically qualifies you for better limits. Payment consistency on existing loans and cards matters significantly to banks. Low credit utilisation on existing cards demonstrates responsible financial behaviour. Card tenure with the bank also influences your limit over time.
To check if you qualify for a credit card, you can check your eligibility for a credit card.
You can request a credit card limit increase through various channels. Banks also offer automatic increases based on your usage patterns.
Log in to your mobile banking app or internet banking portal.
Navigate to the credit card section and find the limit increase option.
Enter your desired new limit and update your income information.
Submit the request along with any required income documents.
Banks process these requests within 7 to 10 working days typically.
Call your bank's customer service number and request a limit increase.
Provide updated income details and any supporting documents if asked.
You can visit your branch and fill out a limit enhancement form.
Branch visits allow you to discuss your requirements directly with bank staff.
Banks review accounts every 6 to 12 months for automatic increases.
Good payment history and regular card usage trigger these automatic enhancements.
You receive a notification when your bank increases your limit automatically.
Permanent increases become your new baseline while temporary increases apply for specific periods.
Several factors influence how banks set and adjust your limit. Understanding these helps you improve your chances of getting higher limits.
Income Level: Your monthly income determines your basic creditworthiness and borrowing capacity directly.
Credit Score: Your CIBIL score reflects your overall financial reliability and past repayment record.
Repayment Track Record: Your history shows whether you pay bills on time consistently.
Credit Age: The length of time you have held credit products matters to banks. Longer credit history typically supports higher limits.
Card Type: Premium cards typically offer higher limits than standard or basic cards.
Usage Pattern: Your spending habits indicate how actively and responsibly you use existing credit.
Responsible credit management keeps your limit high and improves future borrowing capacity. Following these practices helps you maintain a strong relationship with your lender.
Maintain Low Utilisation: Keep your spending below 30% of your total credit card limit always. This shows you are not dependent on credit heavily.
Pay Bills on Time: Pay your bills on time every month without delays or defaults. Timely payments have the most significant impact on your creditworthiness score.
Avoid Multiple Applications: Avoid applying for multiple cards within short periods of a few months. Each application creates a hard inquiry that can lower your credit score.
Monitor Credit Reports: Monitor your credit reports regularly through official channels to identify errors. Regular monitoring helps you track your financial health and spot issues early.
Your credit card limit is decided based on several factors including your monthly income, credit score (CIBIL score), repayment history, existing debts, employment stability, and credit utilisation pattern. Banks assess your ability to repay by considering your financial profile and past credit behaviour to set a suitable limit.
The daily swipe limit is usually set by the bank within your total credit card limit and can vary based on your spending pattern. You can often request the bank to adjust this daily limit according to your needs, but it cannot exceed your overall credit card limit.
The total credit card limit is the maximum amount you can borrow using the card at any given time. The available credit limit is the remaining amount you can spend after deducting your current outstanding balance from the total limit.
Eligibility for a credit limit increase depends on your credit score, repayment history, income, employment status, existing debts, and relationship with your card issuer. Banks usually send pre-approved offers to customers who meet these criteria based on their internal assessments.
To increase your credit card limit, pay your bills on time, maintain a low credit utilisation ratio (below 30–40%), clear existing debts regularly, and update your income details with the bank if it has increased. You can also contact your bank directly to request a higher limit.
Increasing your credit card limit can be beneficial if you manage it responsibly. A higher limit lowers your credit utilisation ratio, which can improve your credit score. However, it is important to avoid overspending and maintain timely payments.
Banks periodically review your credit account and may increase your credit limit automatically or upon request if you maintain a good credit score, pay bills on time, and have stable income.
Reducing your credit card limit is generally not recommended as it can negatively affect your credit score by increasing your credit utilisation ratio. Keeping a higher limit available can be helpful during emergencies.
The process usually takes a few days once you submit the necessary documents and the bank completes the assessment. However, the time may vary across different banks.
You can request a limit upgrade typically after six months of consistent, timely payments and maintaining a good credit score, usually above 750.
For a monthly salary of ₹50,000, the credit card limit is typically 2 to 3 times your income, so you can expect a limit ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh.
You can use your full credit limit, but it is advisable to keep your utilisation below 30-40% to maintain a healthy credit score and avoid potential penalties.
You can find your credit limit by logging into your net banking account, checking your credit card statement, or contacting your bank’s customer care service.