How to get a credit limit increase with an Apple Card

Apple launched its first credit card in August 2019, and in early 2022 the Apple Card had about 6.7 million users, according to Cornerstone Advisors. Whether you applied for the card to take advantage of the benefits of cash back, privacy, or special financing on Apple products, you might be wondering if it’s possible to get your credit limit increased.

There are several reasons why you might want more credit. Here’s how you can request a credit limit increase on your Apple Card and what you need to do to get it.

How to Increase an Apple Card Limit

When you first apply for an Apple Card — or any other credit card, for that matter — the card issuer will calculate your debt-to-income ratio by comparing your income to the amount of debt you owe. This tells the issuer if you can afford to take on more debt and by how much, and it defines your Credit limit Consequently.

To request an Apple Card limit increase, follow these steps:

1. Open the Wallet app on your phone.

2. Select the Apple card.

3. Tap the “Plus” icon (a circle with three dots).

4. Select the Message icon to send your request to Goldman Sachs, the card issuer.

After you submit your application, a representative may ask you a few questions to determine your eligibility. At this point, ask if the card issuer will re-investigate your credit reports. Goldman Sachs will then evaluate several factors to determine whether to approve your application.

How to determine your current credit limit

Once you’ve selected the Apple Card in the Wallet app, tap the “More” icon and scroll down to “Credit Details.” There, you’ll be able to see your account’s credit limit, your available credit, and your card’s annual percentage rate.

[Read: Best Cash Back Credit Cards.]

How to Qualify for an Apple Card Credit Limit Increase

In general, the requirements for getting a higher credit limit on a credit card are similar to what they are for getting account approval in the first place. The card issuer wants to make sure you are able to repay any debt you may incur on the card. “These requirements are pretty standard among all credit card companies,” says Howard Dvorkin, president of Debt.com.

If your credit score has improved and your DTI has decreased, a credit limit increase is not guaranteed, but your chances are good.

In addition to these basic credit and income requirements, Goldman Sachs also reviews your Apple Card activity. Therefore, it can take at least six months after opening an account (and sometimes longer) for the issuer to gather enough information and consider raising your limit.

Why You Might Want to Increase Your Apple Card Limit

It’s important to note that if you’ve already reached your card limit — or are close to it — due to overspending, access to more credit may not be in your best interest.

If so, take steps to settle your balance and work to pay it off. This process will not only give you the available credit you are looking for, but it will also help improve your credit score. With that in mind, here are some reasons why you might request an increase to your Apple Card limit:

— You want to reduce your use of credit. Your credit utilization rate is the percentage of your available credit that you are using at any given time. Even if you pay your bill in full each month, you may still have a high usage rate if your limit is relatively low, which can hurt your credit. Raising your credit limit and keeping your spending the same will lower your utilization rate. “The higher credit limit can give you a bit more flexibility and breathing space,” says Jason Krueger, Certified Financial Planner at Ameriprise Financial.

— You want the extra credit just in case. It’s generally not a good idea to put large emergency expenses on a credit card – that’s what an emergency fund is for. But if you couldn’t save money and set up an emergency funda credit card is better than using a payday loan. Adding available credit to your Apple Card will make it easier for you to avoid higher interest loan options. The higher limit will also make it easier for you to make larger purchases.

— Your credit situation and income have improved. If you received a relatively low credit limit when you opened your Apple Card account, but your credit score and income have improved since then, asking Goldman Sachs to consider the new information could help you to get a higher credit limit because you are less of a credit risk. The same applies if you have paid other debts and your debt/income ratio has decreased.

Before requesting a credit limit increase, check your credit score and reports to see where you are. If your credit is in excellent condition, it may be time to apply. Otherwise, use the information found in your credit reports to troubleshoot issues and improve your score.

[Read: Best Personal Loans.]

What to do if you are denied a credit limit increase?

Even if your credit and finances have improved since opening your account, there is no guarantee that you will qualify for an Apple Card credit limit increase. The card issuer may also consider your other debts, your history with the Apple Card, and even broader economic conditions.

Getting a credit limit increase during an economic downturn can be difficult. Indeed, at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, many credit card companies have reduced their credit limits to reduce the risk of potential failures, says Dvorkin. Some issuers have even canceled cards.

In most cases, however, the denial is likely personal and relates to credit, income, or debt issues. If you haven’t done this before you apply, check your credit score and reports to see if there are any issues you can fix.

This may include disputing inaccurate information on your credit reports, paying off other debts and credit card balances, and catching up on past due payments.

It may even be a good idea to simply apply for a new credit card. “In some cases, it’s actually easier to get approved for a new card than a credit limit increase,” says Dvorkin.

This approach can be particularly attractive if your credit is not in top shape. Some banks offer credit cards designed for people with fair or poor credit.

[Read: Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit.]

Just be sure to consider both the pros and cons of opening a new credit card. While it may give you extra available credit, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the amount you’re looking for, and just like getting a higher credit limit, opening a new card increases risk. to go into debt.

Maintain good credit for future credit applications

You may not know now when you’ll need your next loan, credit card, or credit limit increase. Building and maintaining a good credit score can make it easier to get approved without having to work on your credit first.

“The largest component of an individual’s FICO score is their payment history,” says Krueger. “So the most important thing anyone can do is keep making their payments on time.” The second most influential factor is your credit usage, so keeping your card balances low is also crucial.

It is also important to avoid applying for credit too often. Every serious inquiry on your credit file can cause your credit score to lose points, and apply for multiple loans or credit cards over a short period of time can cause lenders to view you as a risk of default.

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How to get a credit limit increase with an Apple Card originally appeared on usnews.com

Update 08/11/22: