Credit Card Tips

How to Get Approved for High-Credit Limit Credit Cards in the Philippines

Credit Card Tips
October 10, 2024
5 min. read



Is the credit ceiling not for you? You can unlock opportunities and financial freedom by securing high credit limit credit cards in the Philippines. If you’re eyeing that dream vacation, planning a big purchase, or wanting peace of mind with more purchasing power, getting approved for one isn’t as complex as it seems—if you know what to do.

For starters, you need to contemplate: “Do I need a perfect credit score?” or “Will my income be enough to secure the limit I aim for?” These are valid questions, and the answer is “Yes.” With the right strategy, you can increase your chances of approval for high credit limit credit cards even if you’re not rolling in cash or have a spotless credit score.

Discover the different strategies to get the high-limit credit cards you’ve been eyeing with the help of this guide.

What Are High-Limit Credit Cards?

High-limit credit cards are a credit card type that surpasses the credit limit offered by standard ones. You can start at nearly ₱300,00 ($5,000) and go up to over ₱5 million ($100,000) or more.

These financial products are typically for individuals with excellent credit scores and strong financial profiles, as lenders view them as low-risk borrowers.

One of the advantages of having a high-limit credit card is its positive impact on your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount you use in relation to your total limit. Just remember that a lower utilization ratio (below 30%) can improve your credit score. With good credit standing, you can have a better chance of receiving better loan terms, like lower interest rates on home or auto loans.

Credit cards with big limits also often come with premium perks, such as higher reward rates, access to select events, and comprehensive travel insurance.

Beyond the perks, high-limit credit cards are beneficial for managing significant expenses without maxing out your card. These high-end cards provide more flexibility for emergencies, large purchases, or business-related expenses without additional financing.

6 Tips to Easily Secure Credit Cards with Big Limits

Acquiring a credit card with a high limit might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips on how to do it:

  1. Demonstrate a robust financial profile
    Large credit lenders want to see that you’re financially responsible and stable. As such, you must present proof of a steady income, a low debt-to-income ratio, and a diverse financial portfolio.

    For instance, if you have various income sources, such as a full-time job and a side hustle, you can include supporting documents when applying. The more reliable your income appears, the more confident lenders will be in extending a higher credit limit to you.

    Remember to keep your existing debts under control, too. Lenders look into your debt-to-income ratio, which compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly gross income.
  2. Build trust with your credit history
    Indicators of responsible credit management may include a comprehensive reference of on-time payments and responsible credit usage, which can significantly increase your chances of securing a high-limit card. Also, steadily paying off your credit cards in full every month proves to lenders that you can handle a higher limit without defaulting.

    Consider starting with a lower-limit card and gradually increasing your limit over time. As you build a record of responsible credit use, lenders will likely approve your request for a higher limit on future cards.
  3. Leverage additional income and assets
    Don’t rely on your primary income source when applying for a high-limit credit card. If you have other assets or sources of income—like rental properties, investments, or freelance work—strategically use them. Document these sources clearly to demonstrate your financial capacity.

    If you recently started earning more from an investment portfolio or a side business, mention that information in your application. Money lenders may approve a higher limit if your income comfortably supports it.
  4. Request additional credit from your bank
    You can appeal for a credit limit increase if you already have a credit card. Typically, banks review their clients’ credit card accounts every 6 to 12 months.

    You only need to know when and how much to ask for. If you’ve been a customer for less than a year, requesting an increase might raise red flags. Similarly, asking for a massive hike—say, more than 25%—can scare lenders.

    A prudent approach is to request a 10% to 25% increase after showing consistent and responsible card usage. If you can, pay your credit card balance in full and on time and never max out your card. Then, keep your spending below 30% of your current limit—these factors can work in your favor.
  5. Apply for a new card to boost your total available credit
    One effective way to increase your chances of getting approved for a high-limit credit card is to apply for a new one.

    Adding another card to your portfolio increases your total available credit, positively impacting your credit utilization ratio. Likewise, it can expand your credit score and make you a more attractive applicant for future high-limit credit cards.

    For example, if you currently have a credit card with a nearly ₱300,000 ($5,000) limit and you apply for a new card with an over ₱550,000 ($10,000) limit, your total available credit jumps to nearly ₱900,000 ($15,000.) Maintain the same level of spending and your utilization ratio drops. This way, you can boost your credit score and increase your chances of getting higher limits on other cards.
  6. Conduct a “soft credit” check
    Before applying for a high-limit credit card or requesting a credit limit increase, it’s wise to conduct a “soft credit” check. Unlike a hard inquiry, a soft check won’t touch your credit score, but it can give you a good idea of where you stand with potential lenders.

    This method is beneficial if you’re unsure about your creditworthiness or want to gauge how much limit increase you might be eligible for without the risk of a hard inquiry.

    You can do a soft check through credit monitoring services. Many offer simulations showing how different actions—like applying for a new card or increasing your limit—might impact your score. This step can help you strategize your next move and confidently approach lenders​.

The Sky’s the Limit with Higher Credit

A high-credit limit card can be a way to flex your purchasing power. More importantly, it’s a critical step toward expanding your finances.

You can boost your odds of approval by showcasing a robust financial profile, building a trustworthy credit history, leveraging all your income sources, and strategically applying for new cards.

If you’re in the market for flexible credit cards that offer unparalleled financial flexibility, or if you’re looking to apply for new cards to enhance your purchasing power, look no further than RCBC Credit’s offerings.

Our range of options at RCBC Credit Cards fits various spending habits and needs with fantastic perks and convenient customer support.

Want an RCBC Credit Card?
Apply Now