How to increase your Discover credit limit

Written by: Ben Luthi
• Updated •4 min read
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
Young woman in front of her computer, with her credit card in hand, considering a Discover credit limit increaseImage: Young woman in front of her computer, with her credit card in hand, considering a Discover credit limit increase

In a Nutshell

If you’ve got a Discover card and want Discover to increase your credit limit, you can submit a request through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your credit card. But you'll need to meet Discover’s eligibility criteria to get approved.
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Qualifying for a Discover credit limit increase can potentially help improve your credit and also boost your spending power.

If you spend responsibly, an increase to your credit line can help lower your credit utilization rate and give you more flexibility with how much you can spend on a monthly basis or for large purchases.

If you have a Discover credit card, here’s how to request a Discover credit limit increase.

Getting a Discover credit limit increase

Your Discover card’s credit limit is the maximum amount you can spend. If you try to exceed that limit, your transaction may be declined. Upping your credit limit may not be the right move if you struggle with overspending.

But if you’re looking to improve your credit utilization rate or your limit is too low for a purchase you want to make, here are some ways you may be able to get an increase to your credit line.

Does Discover increase credit limit automatically?

It doesn’t appear that Discover will increase your credit limit automatically. But using your credit cards positively can show the card issuer that you won’t abuse a higher credit limit. Swipe your Discover credit card regularly, but don’t run up too high of a balance or miss a payment.

Additionally, the card issuer recommends updating your income when it changes. As your income increases, so does your ability to pay off a higher credit card balance.

Keep in mind, too, that a card issuer may lower your credit limit if you max it out regularly.

How can I increase my Discover Card limit?

You can request a Discover credit limit increase by calling the number on the back of your credit card or by logging into your online account or Discover mobile app. If you want to submit your request online, click on Card Services at the top of the page, then select Credit Line Increase from the drop-down menu.

You’ll be asked to provide your current annual income and your monthly housing payment. Enter that information and submit your request. According to Discover, more than 95% of people who apply get an instant decision.

Apply for another Discover credit card

While it won’t impact the credit limit on your existing card, applying for a new Discover credit card could increase your total available credit and also open up opportunities for other benefits. You can compare different benefits and rewards rates and potentially choose from no-interest credit cards, airline credit cards, travel credit cards or even business credit cards to find the best card for you.

Just keep in mind that applying for a new Discover credit card will result in a hard inquiry, so make sure your credit scores are in good shape before you submit your application.

Does Discover do a hard pull for a credit limit increase?

While some credit card issuers may run a hard inquiry on your credit reports when you request an increase to your credit line, Discover doesn’t do that. As a result, you can submit your request without worrying about risking an impact on your credit scores.

What to consider when requesting a credit limit increase

If you’re thinking about applying for a Discover credit limit increase, it’s important to consider the potential impact if you get approved and how it might impact your financial situation.

If you’ve had trouble with maxing out your credit card in the past, or you regularly carry a balance and want more breathing room, a credit limit increase could put you into more trouble. In this scenario, it may be better to evaluate and adjust your spending habits to avoid high-interest debt.

But if you generally use your credit card positively, keeping your credit utilization rate low and paying your balance in full every month — or only occasionally carrying a balance from month to month — a credit line increase could help boost your credit scores and also give you more flexibility with larger purchases. Think carefully about your situation and whether a credit line increase could help or hurt your financial health in the long run.

What to do if Discover denies your request

If your request is declined, Discover will send you a letter within three to five business days detailing the reasons. Use those reasons to determine your next steps, and then consider applying again once you’ve managed to make the necessary improvements to your financial situation.

Alternatively, you can try to apply for a credit limit increase on a card you have with another issuer or even apply for a new credit card. Again, it’s important to carefully consider your situation and options to determine the best path forward for you.

About the author: Ben Luthi is a personal finance freelance writer and credit cards expert. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance from Brigham Young University. In addition to Credit Karma, you can find his wo… Read more.