A higher credit limit could help improve your credit score and give you more breathing room on big purchases. Whether you’re planning a home project or want to lower your credit utilization, requesting a credit line increase from Chase might be the right move.
But Chase doesn’t offer an online form for this. You’ll need to know the right way to ask—and when. This guide breaks down how to request a credit limit increase with Chase, what to expect, and how to boost your odds of approval.
Why You May Want a Chase Credit Limit Increase
Increasing your credit limit can give you more flexibility with spending, but the biggest benefit might be what it does for your credit score.
When your limit goes up and your balance stays the same, your credit utilization ratio goes down. That ratio—how much of your available credit you’re using—is one of the biggest factors in your credit score. Keeping it under 30% is generally recommended.
For example, if your card has a $1,500 limit, you’d want to keep your balance below $450. But if Chase raises your limit to $3,000, that same $450 balance now counts as just 15%. That lower ratio can help improve your credit score over time.
Just remember, increasing your credit limit isn’t a license to spend more. The goal is to create more room between your balance and your limit—not to close that gap.
How to Request a Chase Credit Line Increase
Chase doesn’t let you request a credit line increase online, so you’ll need to go through one of the options below.
Option 1: Call Chase Customer Service
The most direct way to request a credit limit increase is by calling the number on the back of your Chase card. A representative will walk you through the process and ask for permission to pull your credit report. This will be a hard inquiry, which can slightly lower your score in the short term.
Make sure you have your account number and income details ready before calling. If you’re approved, the new limit usually takes effect right away.
Option 2: Wait for an Automatic Increase
Chase sometimes offers automatic credit limit increases based on your account activity. You may get a notification when you log into your account or receive a letter in the mail.
To increase your chances, pay your bill on time, keep your balances low, and make more than the minimum payment each month. It also helps to update your income in your account if it has gone up. To do that, log in, go to your Profile Settings, click “Personal Details,” and update your income under the “Income” section.
Option 3: Respond to a Chase Offer
Occasionally, Chase may offer you a credit limit increase without you having to ask. These targeted offers usually appear in your online account or via email. Accepting one may not require a hard credit inquiry, but it depends on the offer.
If you get one of these, it’s worth taking a closer look, especially if you’ve been building good payment history.
Option 4: Apply for a New Chase Card or Combine Limits
If you’re planning to open a new credit card anyway, applying for another Chase card could be a way to boost your total credit limit. In some cases, Chase may approve you for a higher limit on the new card than what you currently have.
You can also call and ask to move available credit from one Chase card to another. Just make sure the card you’re moving the limit from has no balance. Keep in mind, Chase has a 5/24 rule which means you can’t apply for more than 5 Chase cards in a 24-month period.
Why Chase Might Deny Your Request
Chase doesn’t approve every credit limit increase request, even for long-time customers. Here are the most common reasons your request might be denied:
- Limited Credit History: Chase typically wants to see at least six months of account activity before considering a limit increase.
- High Credit Utilization: If you’re using a large percentage of your available credit, it can signal higher risk.
- Recent Negative Marks: Late payments, collections, or a string of new credit applications may lower your chances.
- Insufficient Income: If your reported income doesn’t support a larger limit, Chase may reject the request.
If you’re denied, you’ll get a letter explaining the decision. You can work on improving these areas and try again later—there’s no limit on how many times you can request an increase.
How to Increase Your Chances of a Chase Credit Limit Approval
If you’re hoping for a higher credit limit, a few simple moves can improve your odds before you make the request.
- Use Your Card Regularly: Chase is more likely to approve an increase if you consistently use your card and make on-time payments.
- Keep Balances Low: Credit scoring models reward a low credit utilization ratio, which is the percentage of your available credit that you’re using. Most experts recommend staying under 30%, but lower is better if you want to improve your credit score.
- Update Your Income: If your income has gone up, log into your Chase account and update the number under “Personal Details.” A higher reported income can help support your request for a larger limit.
- Transfer Available Credit From Another Card: If you have more than one Chase card, you can call and ask to move some of your available credit from one card to another. This can lower your utilization on the card you use most. It also makes sense if you’re trying to maximize rewards—especially if the card you’re increasing earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
- Request a Reasonable Increase: Asking for a small bump—typically between 10% and 25%—is more likely to be approved than a large jump that isn’t backed by income or credit usage.
- Apply at the Right Time: The best time to request an increase is after a raise, a drop in expenses, or at least six months of responsible card use. Avoid asking right after opening new accounts or missing payments.
Final Thoughts
Chase won’t guarantee a credit limit increase, but there are clear steps you can take to boost your chances—use your card responsibly, keep your balances low, and update your income when it rises.
Whether you’re trying to improve your credit score or need more room for a major purchase, the right timing and a solid credit profile can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a credit limit increase from Chase?
It will depend on the individual circumstances of your credit card account and the information you provide when making the request. You may receive approval immediately, or it may take up to 30 days.
Does Chase pull my credit when I request a credit limit increase?
Yes, when you request a higher credit limit, Chase will pull your credit report. This may lead to a temporary drop in your credit score as a result.
However, when Chase offers you a credit limit increase, they typically do a soft credit pull, which will not affect your credit score.
How often can I request a credit limit increase from Chase?
It’s best to wait at least 6 months between credit limit increase requests.
Does Chase automatically increase credit limits?
Chase may increase credit limits on eligible credit card accounts through periodic account reviews, which typically start six months after an account is opened. These automatic credit limit increases are at the discretion of Chase, and there is no guarantee as to when one may occur.
Can Chase decrease my credit limit?
As long as it is permitted in the credit card agreement, a bank or credit card issuer can reduce your credit limit at any time without notification. This is often done due to a significant change in your credit score or other risky behavior, such as missed or late payments or opening multiple credit accounts recently.
