9 Tips To Increase Your Capital One Credit Limit (And What To Do if You Are Denied)

Key Takeaways

• Capital One allows you to request a credit limit increase online or by contacting customer service using only a soft credit inquiry that won’t impact your credit score.
• You can increase your chances of being approved for a higher Capital One credit limit by maintaining a strong payment history, responsible credit usage, and keeping your income updated.
• Capital One likes to see regular use of your credit card without maxing it out. If you consistently use your card and demonstrate good financial habits, you may be offered an automatic credit line increase.

If you’d like a higher credit limit on your Capital One card, you can ask for a credit line increase. But you might not get what you ask for, so it’s helpful to know how to improve your likelihood of getting approved for a higher credit limit.

This guide explains why you might want to increase your Capital One card’s credit limit, how Capital One handles requests for higher credit lines, what you can do to give yourself a better chance of getting a larger credit line, and what to do if Capital One turns down your request for a higher credit limit.

Reasons To Request a Capital One Credit Limit Increase

Asking Capital One for a credit limit increase can be helpful if you need a larger credit line for a big purchase, want to spend more each month without getting close to your credit limit, or just want to have a buffer in case of emergencies.

If you regularly spend more than 30% of your credit limit each month on your Capital One card, getting a credit limit increase could help improve your credit utilization ratio. When you keep balances low relative to your total credit line, it can boost your credit score.

Whether you have a big upcoming expense or you’ve increased your income and plan to spend more regularly, increasing your credit line can give you more room to spend what you need without getting close to your card’s limit. Spending more with a higher limit also allows you to earn more rewards.

Capital One’s Credit Limit Increase Policies

Capital One uses a few factors to determine your credit limit, including which card you have, how long you’ve had your account, your spending and payment history, credit utilization, and income. You can request a credit line increase as often as you’d like, but you shouldn’t expect to be able to get frequent credit line increases.

Understand what goes into a credit line decision with Capital One:

• Card product: The card you have with Capital One may have a minimum credit limit. For example, Visa Infinite cards have at least a $10,000 credit limit. Some cards, such as secured cards, are not eligible for a credit line increase.
• Account age and history: You should have had the card for at least 6 months before you consider a credit limit increase. Cards that have had a credit line change in the past several months may be ineligible for another increase or decrease soon after.
• Payment history: A positive payment history is critical for a credit limit increase, and Capital One looks for at least 6 months with no late payments before you can get a larger credit limit. This factor is important not just with Capital One but with all creditors. Capital One also looks for large monthly payments that pay down your balance.
• Spending habits: Capital One requires regular credit card usage, but not so much that you regularly max out your credit line. Your credit limit increase may be denied if you don’t use your card enough to justify a higher limit.
• Income: Your income should be enough to support the increased spending expected with a credit limit increase. Capital One will also consider changes in your employment status, such as going from part-time to full-time employment.

Your credit line increase request may be denied if your account is too new, you’ve recently changed the credit line, or have recently been past due. Other reasons include a too-low average monthly payment, low recent usage of your existing credit line, low credit score, or a recent delinquency on your credit report.

Hot Tip:

Capital One only uses a soft inquiry to check your credit when you request a credit line increase, so it won’t affect your credit score. There are no fees for requesting a credit line increase, and new limits are sometimes immediately approved.

9 Ways To Increase Your Capital One Credit Limit

1. Use Your Card Regularly With a Low Balance

Capital One prefers to increase credit limits for cardholders who use their cards often but don’t max them out. When you use your card regularly but responsibly, it shows Capital One that it’s likely you can handle paying higher balances on a larger credit limit. Keep credit utilization at or below 30% to improve your chances of an increased credit line approval. But also keep in mind that if you don’t use the card enough, Capital One may deny your request for a larger credit line.

2. Make On-Time Payments Every Month

Regularly making on-time payments is crucial to getting an increased credit limit with Capital One. You should pay at least the minimum balance on time, but it’s best to pay your balance in full each month, which can help keep your credit utilization low. Late payments disqualify you from approval for a credit limit increase, so you need to make on-time payments for at least 6 months before you can expect reasonable approval for a higher credit limit.

3. Update Your Income and Employment Information

Income is one of the factors Capital One considers when reviewing credit limit increases. You should keep your income and employment details up to date in your Capital One account. That could trigger an automatic credit line increase without requiring a request. But it’s also helpful to mention if you recently got a raise or transitioned to more stable employment, such as a full-time role, when you make a credit line increase request.

It’s easy to update your income information in your Capital One account online. Just log in to your online account and select the “I Want To…” menu.

Next, click on “Update Income Info.“

Then edit your income information, including your total annual income, employment status, and occupation. You can optionally add asset information, such as real estate or bank accounts you own. Then click “Submit” to complete updating your income with Capital One.

4. Request a Credit Limit Increase Online

Capital One allows for easy online requests for credit limit increases. Just like updating your income information, start in the “I Want To…” menu. Then, look under “Offers and Upgrades” near the bottom of the menu to find the link for “Request Credit Limit Increase.”

This will bring up a form to request your credit line increase. Fill in information about your income, employment status, occupation, housing payment, how much you plan to spend on the credit card each month, and the maximum credit line you want to ask for.

Capital One should then ask why you’re requesting a credit line increase. Your options include “a large upcoming one-time purchase,” “higher expenses over the next few months,” “long-term spending needs,” “other,” or “prefer not to answer.”

A good range to ask for is 10% to 25% of your current limit, as asking for too much could result in a denial.

Once you’ve submitted the form, you may get an instant approval or denial online for your credit limit increase request. Otherwise, you may be directed to check your online document center for the outcome of the review in approximately 2 to 3 business days.

5. Call Capital One Customer Service

If you’re denied a credit limit increase online, you might have better luck speaking to a Capital One customer service agent. Capital One credit card customer service can be reached at 800-227-4825.

You should be ready to explain why you deserve an increase, such as higher income, responsible usage, or planned increased spending, and how much of an increase you’re requesting. Even if you can’t get approved on the phone, a customer service representative could offer more information on why your request was denied.

6. Consider Applying for a New Capital One Card

If your current Capital One card isn’t eligible for a credit line increase, you could open a new Capital One credit card to increase your total available credit.

These are some of the best Capital One cards Upgraded Points recommends:

TOP PICK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome Offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

20,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee (rates & fees)
• No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
• Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Having multiple cards can improve your credit utilization ratio, so a new card could help you achieve that goal if you’re not able to get a credit line increase.

Hot Tip:

Capital One allows you to check for preapproved offers without a hard credit check. Another option is using the CardMatch tool to view targeted credit card offers.

7. Avoid Requesting Too Often

Although you can request a higher credit limit as often as you’d like with Capital One, frequent requests are more likely to be denied. That’s because Capital One counts it as a mark against you if your account is too new or you’ve gotten a credit limit increase within the past several months.

If you were recently denied a credit limit increase with Capital One, we recommend waiting at least 90 days before trying again. This is especially helpful if you can improve your payment history, credit utilization, or income during that time period.

8. Watch for Automatic Credit Line Increases

You might not have to ask for a credit line increase with Capital One. The issuer typically reviews accounts every few months for credit line increase eligibility. Capital One looks for consistent usage, on-time payments, and increased income. If you’ve practiced good credit habits, such as regular use, on-time payments, and updated income, that may trigger an automatic increase.

9. Ask for a Balance Transfer

Capital One may be more willing to offer a credit line increase if you request a balance transfer to go with it. Balance transfers can help you consolidate credit card debt, but typically have a 3% to 5% fee. Capital One can collect that fee as well as any interest charges associated with the transferred balance, so it could be worth it to increase your credit limit to make room for that opportunity.

What To Do if Your Capital One Credit Limit Increase Is Denied

If you’re not approved for a credit line increase on your Capital One card, find out why you were denied and figure out what you can do to improve your chances the next time you make a request. Common reasons are not using your credit card enough, too many recent inquiries, late payments, or low income.

Use Your Capital One Card

A common reason for credit limit increase denials with Capital One is limited card usage. Capital One can’t justify increasing your credit limit to allow more spending if you haven’t spent much on your card lately. Using your card regularly for purchases could demonstrate active use of your account and encourage Capital One to approve your request for a larger credit line.

Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score could be holding you back from an increased Capital One credit line, so take a look at where your credit stands. You have various options for checking your credit score, and many are offered for free from financial institutions. Capital One CreditWise offers free access to your credit report and score so you can assess your credit health and identify areas for improvement.

Pay down existing balances to reduce your credit utilization, and make sure you’re making all your payments on time. Avoid opening multiple new accounts within a short period.

Try Again in a Few Months

If you’re not approved at first, give it some time. It’s a good idea to wait 90 days or more before you make another credit line increase request. During that time, continue to use your card, pay on time, and keep your income information updated.

Consider Applying for a Different Credit Card

If Capital One won’t increase your credit limit, another issuer might. You can look for preapproved offers to avoid hard credit inquiries and identify the cards that you’re likely to be approved for before you submit a formal application.

Hot Tip:

Getting a new card could be easier than increasing the credit limit on your current card. You could access more credit with a new card, so check Capital One’s preapproval tool for new cards with a higher limit, or check with another issuer for a new credit card.

Final Thoughts

Getting a higher credit limit on your Capital One card can help improve your financial flexibility and increase your credit score. If you’re approved for a Capital One credit line increase, you should use your credit responsibly. Don’t overspend just because you have more credit — you’ll eventually have to pay back any balances you owe.

If you’re denied a credit limit increase with Capital One, you can always try again later. Stay patient, improve your financial habits, and ask again. Capital One can sometimes be more selective than other credit card issuers about credit line increases, but it rewards responsible and active customers over time.