How do I get a higher credit limit?

Use your card regularly and pay on time for 6+ months, then request an increase. You can also apply for a new card (separate limit), or update your income with the bank.

Does requesting a limit increase hurt my score?

Ask your lender - some assess an increase without a new credit enquiry, others record one. Since 2019 lenders can't send you unsolicited offers to increase your limit, so you have to ask.

Can I have too much credit?

Yes. Each application is recorded on your credit report, and the limits you hold count against you when you apply for a home loan, even if you never use them. Keep only the limit you need.

Credit Limit Calculator

Estimate your likely credit limit and understand what affects it

Updated October 2026Built and checked by MaverickHow it's calculated Report an error

Your numbers

Updates as you type

Credit limit you could repay

New limit capacity

$43,238

after the limits you hold

Combined limits

$48,238

repayable within 3 years

Monthly surplus

$1,823

after expenses and debts

Repayment needed

3.78%

of a limit a month, to clear it in 3 years

New limit you could repay at different rates

At the RBA's average low-rate and standard card rates, and the rate you entered.

How lenders assess a limit

Since 2019, lenders must assess whether you could repay a card's whole limit within three years. This calculator does the same with your take-home pay, expenses and other repayments, counting the limits you already hold. A lender also checks your credit report and may use its own expense benchmarks, so its figure can differ.

How it works

Wondering what credit limit you'll get? Lenders look at your income, existing debts, and credit history. This calculator estimates your likely limit.

1Enter your income and other regular earnings
2Add your existing credit limits
3Include monthly expenses and debt repayments
4Enter your card's interest rate
5See your estimated limit range

The figures today

As of 7 November 2026, the lowest credit card purchase rate is 7.49%, from Unity Bank's Low Rate Visa Credit Card, while the typical best across 51 institutions is 12.49%.

Credit card rates

Worked examples

First-Time Applicant

$70,000 income, no existing cards, $2,500 of monthly expenses and no other debts, for a card at the RBA's average standard rate.

Annual gross income: $70,000
Other regular income: $0
Existing credit card limits total: $0
Monthly living expenses: $2,500
Monthly debt repayments (excl cards): $0
Card interest rate: 21.24%

Take-home pay of $4,757 a month leaves $2,257 after expenses. Clearing a limit in three years at 21.24% takes 3.78% of it a month, so that surplus could repay about $59,700 of limits. A lender will apply its own checks, and taking a much smaller limit keeps repayments manageable.

Questions people ask

How do I get a higher credit limit?: Use your card regularly and pay on time for 6+ months, then request an increase. You can also apply for a new card (separate limit), or update your income with the bank.
Does requesting a limit increase hurt my score?: Ask your lender - some assess an increase without a new credit enquiry, others record one. Since 2019 lenders can't send you unsolicited offers to increase your limit, so you have to ask.
Can I have too much credit?: Yes. Each application is recorded on your credit report, and the limits you hold count against you when you apply for a home loan, even if you never use them. Keep only the limit you need.

The terms, in plain English

Credit Limit: The maximum amount you can charge to your credit card.
Available Credit: Credit limit minus current balance - what you can still spend.
Responsible Lending: Regulations requiring lenders to ensure you can afford repayments.

Official sources

Credit Utilization

How limits affect your score

Card Comparison

Compare card options

Good to know

Lenders must assess whether you could repay the whole limit within three years
Existing limits reduce what you can get
Banks must ensure you can repay (responsible lending)
Your income, expenses and other debts set what you could repay

Tips

Request a limit increase after 6+ months of good behavior
Limits you hold count against you when you apply for other credit, even if unused
You can request a lower limit if tempted to overspend
Reduce existing limits on unused cards before applying

Common mistakes

Making several credit applications close together - each is recorded on your credit report
Forgetting existing limits reduce new availability
Overestimating what income supports
Not checking credit report before applying

Compare the real products

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Interest rates, fees and policies change frequently. Always verify with lenders directly. General information, not personal financial advice.