How to Get Approved for a High-Limit Credit Card

By Jerel Jacobs

  • Overview

    Getting a credit card is easy; however, getting a top-tier credit card with a high limit takes work. Building up a reputation as a responsible borrower is the first step toward being able to flash that gold card with pride.

    • Step 1

      Maintain a good credit history. Pay your bills on time. Missing a payment on a loan or another credit card will hurt your credit score and lessen your chances of getting a high-limit credit card.

    • Step 2

      Diversify your lines of credit. Don't have only one type of credit, like a car loan. Try to maintain several different types of credit in good standing. You could have a car loan, a department-store credit card and perhaps another bank-issued credit card with a lower limit.

    • Step 3

      Keep your balances low to keep your credit as high as possible. This is called having a low debt-to-income ratio. Try to pay off the credit cards you already have each month, and don't take out too many unnecessary loans.

    • Step 4

      Make sure your income qualifies you for a high-limit credit card. Even if you have excellent credit, if you do not meet a bank's minimum income requirements, you will not qualify for a high-limit card. You must have the income to pay back the money while meeting your other financial obligations.

    • Step 5

      Ask a friend or relative to co-sign. If you do not meet the requirements on your own, having a co-signer can strengthen a weak credit history or allow you to meet the bank's income requirements.
    • Skill: Moderate
    • Tip: When applying for any credit card, always read the fine print carefully.
    • Tip: It pays to shop around. Different banks offer different interest rates.
    • Tip: Check your credit report regularly to make sure the information it contains is valid and accurate.
    • Warning:
    • If a bank makes you an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of banks that prey on consumers by offering cards with high limits--but with very high interest.
    • If you are turned down for a credit card, don't keep reapplying over and over again. Too many inquiries will hurt your credit score even more.
    • A co-signer bears equal responsibility for your credit-card account. Make your payments on time to keep this person's credit score from being affected negatively.

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