A credit card offers customers the convenience of cashless payments along with financial flexibility for shopping, travel and emergencies. Every credit card comes with a pre-approved spending limit, known as the credit card limit, which is the maximum amount a customer can use.
With credit card usage in India crossing ₹1.8 lakh crore in monthly spending, banks carefully decide these limits based on factors such as income, credit score, repayment history and existing debts.
Read on to understand how credit limits are set and what steps you can take to get a higher one.
What is Credit Limit in a Credit Card?
The credit limit is the maximum amount you can spend on your credit card in a billing cycle. The card issuer sets this limit after checking your credit profile, income and repayment history. Each card has a fixed monthly limit. You can use the card for purchases or payments only up to that limit. Once you reach it, new transactions will be declined until you repay the dues.
When you pay your bill in full, your credit limit is restored. But if you cross the limit, it can affect your credit score negatively. It can even lead to higher charges on the outstanding amount.
How Card Issuers Determine Your Credit Card Limit?
Credit card issuers look at a few key factors before setting your credit limit. Here’s what they consider:
Your monthly and yearly income play a big role. Issuers also look at how stable your job is, how long you’ve been with your company and the type of job you have. A full-time, long-term job in a reputed company usually improves your chances of a higher limit.
How you use your money matters. If you pay bills on time and don’t overspend, you’re seen as responsible. But if you regularly use up your entire limit, banks may perceive this negatively.
This compares your monthly debt to your income. A high ratio means less room for new credit. Issuers may lower your limit if they feel repayment could be tough. You can improve your ratio by reducing debts, increasing repayments and avoiding new loans.
Issuers also check how much debt you already have. If you’re juggling multiple loans or cards, they may give you a lower limit. Keeping your dues low and credit usage under control shows you can handle more credit.
Paying your full dues on time boosts your credit image. If you have a clean repayment history, issuers are more likely to offer a higher limit when you request one or when your income grows.
What are the basic eligibility criteria for a credit card?
Before applying for a credit card, banks and financial institutions usually check a few important factors to determine your eligibility. Here are the most common criteria:
- Age Requirement
- Applicants should generally be 18 years or older.
- Some banks may require the applicant to be 21 years old for premium credit cards.
- Stable Source of Income
- Salaried or self-employed individuals should have a regular and stable income.
- Income helps lenders assess your repayment capacity.
- Credit Score
- A good credit score (usually 700 or above) increases the chances of approval.
- It reflects your credit repayment history and financial discipline.
- Employment Status
- Banks may prefer applicants who are:
- Salaried employees with a stable job
- Self-employed professionals/business owners with consistent earnings
- Minimum Monthly/Annual Income
- Most credit cards require a minimum income threshold.
- The required income may vary depending on the type of credit card.
- Residential Status
- Applicants are generally required to be:
- Non-resident Indians (NRIs) meeting specific bank criteria
- KYC & Documentation
- Basic documents are needed for verification, such as:
- Income proof or salary slips
- Existing Financial Obligations
- Banks may review your current loans or EMIs to check your debt burden.
- Lower existing liabilities can improve approval chances.
- Relationship with the Bank
- Having an existing savings account, salary account, or loan relationship with the bank may improve eligibility and approval speed.
Credit Card Limit Calculator
While a calculator that calculates your exact credit card limit is still a work in progress, you can do minimal calculations to get an estimate.
Step 1: Check your credit score
Firstly, check your credit score. A score above 750 improves your chances of approval.
Step 2: Aim higher for better limits
The closer your score is to 900, the higher your chances of getting a better credit limit.
Step 3: Calculate your debt-to-income ratio
Divide your total monthly debt by your net monthly income to get this ratio.
Step 4: Keep the ratio low
A lower debt-to-income ratio shows good repayment capacity. It can help you qualify for a higher limit.
These steps can help you get a fair idea of what credit limit you might receive.
Also Read: Learn To Use Credit Card Responsibly
How to Increase Your Credit Limit?
Here are some simple ways to increase your credit card limit over time:
- Maintain a good CIBIL score: Keep your credit score above 750 by paying dues on time and avoiding excess borrowing.
- Use less credit: Keep your credit utilisation under 30% to show you’re not dependent on your card.
- Show extra income: Share proof of other income sources like rent, dividends or investments to support your request.
- Update salary details: If your income has increased, submit your latest salary slips to your card issuer.
- Apply for another card: If eligible, get a second credit card to raise your total credit limit. But, avoid applying with multiple issuers at once.
Also read: Apply For Instant Personal Loan
Advantages of Increasing Your Credit Limit
A higher credit limit gives you more spending flexibility and can also help improve your overall credit health.
- More money available for shopping, bills, or emergencies
- Helps improve your credit score by lowering credit usage
- Easier to manage bigger expenses when needed
- Better chances of getting loans or credit cards in the future
- More flexibility in monthly spending
- Higher spending can help you earn more rewards and cashback
- Extra financial support during unexpected situations
- Access to better card offers and benefits
Impact of credit score on your Credit Card limit
Your credit score plays a critical role in determining your credit card limit. Here’s how:
1. Higher Score = Higher Limit
A strong credit score (typically 750+) signals to the bank or lender that you’re a reliable borrower. This often results in:
- Better offers and rewards
2. Moderate Score = Moderate Limit
If your score falls between 650–749:
- You may still get approved, but with a lower credit limit
- Lenders might view you as somewhat risky
- Your spending power on the card could be limited initially
3. Low Score = Low or No Limit
A score below 650 might lead to:
- Rejection of your application
- Very low credit limits if approved
- Higher interest rates or the need for a secured card
Also read: Apply For Instant Cash Loan Online
How to Check Your Credit Limit Online?
You can check your credit card limit quickly by calling customer care and following the IVR instructions. You can even visit your nearest bank branch to ask directly. Here’s how you can do it online:
- Internet banking: Log in to your bank’s net banking portal and check the credit limit under the credit card section.
- Mobile app: Open your bank’s mobile app, log in and view your credit limit in the card details section.
Choose the Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card to enjoy a high credit limit as per your eligibility. As India’s first numberless credit card, it offers a host of benefits ranging from complimentary access to domestic airport lounges to cashback of up to 3%. You can also link this RuPay card to your UPI and complete transactions without any hassles.
Download the Fibe App or register on our website to apply online for this lifetime-free credit card!
FAQs on How Credit Card Companies Determine Credit Limit
What is the credit card limit for a salary of ₹40,000?
Issuers calculate credit card limits through different methods. It’s generally 2 – 3 times your current monthly income. If your salary is ₹40,000, your credit limit may be between ₹80,000 to ₹1.2 lakhs.
What is the credit card limit for a salary of ₹50,000?
The maximum limit in India for a salary of ₹50,000 usually goes up to ₹1.5 lakhs if the issuer uses the 3X calculation. However, this also depends on your:
What is the credit card limit for a salary of ₹30,000?
The minimum and maximum limit on a ₹30,000 monthly salary is based on a variety of factors. However, the minimum credit card limit in India is 2 times your monthly income and the maximum can be 3 times. This comes to a credit limit between ₹60,000 and ₹90,000.
What is the credit card limit for a salary of ₹25,000?
It starts from ₹50,000 and extends up to ₹75,000 if the card issuers use the 2X-3X method of calculation.
What is the credit card limit for a salary of ₹18,000?
If a person has a salary of ₹18,000, the credit card limit they can enjoy may range between ₹36,000 and ₹54,000, i.e., 2X to 3X of their monthly salary.
How much credit limit should I have based on my income?
The minimum credit card limit in India is generally 2 times your monthly income, and it can go up to 3 times.
What is the minimum credit card limit in India?
In India, the minimum credit limit is usually twice your monthly salary. However, it also depends on your creditworthiness, existing debt and income.
