Credit limit is the maximum amount that a creditor may extend to a borrower on any credit.It is the total amount of credit that a creditor is willing to make available to a borrower.It is like a credit ceiling that lenders use to set the maximum amount of credit that a borrower can borrow.
The credit limit is determined by several factors including the borrowers credit score, the borrowers income, the types of accounts the borrower has, and the lenders risk tolerance.A higher credit score generally indicates a lower credit limit as the creditor assumes the borrower is a greater risk.On the other hand, a higher income indicates a higher credit limit as the creditor sees the borrower as having more financial capacity to repay any debt.The types of accounts a borrower has also affects the credit limit.These accounts may include credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, etc. A lender may view one account versus another as more of a risk which may lead to a lower credit limit.The lenders risk tolerance also is a key factor in determining a credit limit.
The lender may want to protect itself from bad debt by setting a credit limit that limits the amount that can be borrowed.Therefore potential losses can be minimized by limiting the amount lent.This helps protect the lender by preventing the borrower from taking on too much debt at once.
In order to receive a higher credit limit, one must demonstrate good financial habits.Making consistent payments and responsibly using credit are two way to do this.Having a lengthy credit history also helps by showing that the borrower has been making timely payments on their debt for multiple years.
Credit limits can be beneficial for borrowers as long as they adhere to responsible credit usage.Failing to pay off credit cards on time could result in exceeding the credit limit and incurring penalty fees as well as damage to the credit score.On the other hand, if a credit limit is respected and paid off on time every time, then a borrower can use it to prove they are responsible with credit and receive a larger limit in the future.Considering all factors, a credit limit is a helpful tool to protect lenders as well as borrowers.