Ranking Credit Cards and Banks by Average Credit Limits from Highest to Lowest

When choosing a credit card, one of the key factors many consumers consider is the credit limit. A higher credit limit can offer more spending flexibility, improve credit utilization ratios, and provide a safety net for emergencies. But not all credit cards or banks offer the same average credit limits. This post ranks popular credit cards and banks by the average credit limits they provide, helping you understand where you might get the most borrowing power.

Average credit limits offered by different credit cards and banks

How Credit Limits Are Determined

Credit limits depend on several factors including your credit score, income, debt levels, and the bank’s policies. Banks assess risk and set limits accordingly. Premium cards often come with higher limits but may require excellent credit and higher income. Conversely, entry-level cards tend to have lower limits to reduce risk.

Understanding average credit limits by card and bank can help you target options that match your financial profile and spending needs.

Top Credit Cards with Highest Average Credit Limits

Some credit cards stand out for offering significantly higher average limits. These cards usually target consumers with strong credit histories and higher incomes.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve

Average limit: $20,000 to $50,000

This premium travel rewards card is known for generous credit limits, often starting at $20,000 and increasing with responsible use.

• American Express Platinum Card

Average limit: $15,000 to $40,000

Amex Platinum offers high limits, especially for long-term cardholders with excellent credit. It also features a unique charge card model with no preset spending limit.

• Citi Prestige Card

Average limit: $12,000 to $35,000

This card targets affluent consumers and offers high credit limits to match its premium benefits.

• Capital One Venture Rewards

Average limit: $10,000 to $30,000

Known for travel rewards, this card offers competitive limits for consumers with good to excellent credit.

These cards provide flexibility for large purchases and travel expenses but often require strong credit profiles.

Banks Offering the Highest Average Credit Limits

Banks differ in their credit limit policies. Some banks consistently offer higher average limits across their credit card products.

• Chase Bank

Known for premium cards like Sapphire Reserve and Freedom Unlimited, Chase offers some of the highest average credit limits in the industry.

• American Express

Amex’s charge cards and premium credit cards typically come with high or flexible limits, appealing to consumers with strong credit.

• Citibank

Citi’s premium cards often feature generous credit limits, especially for customers with established credit histories.

• Capital One

While Capital One offers a range of cards, its Venture and Quicksilver cards tend to have higher average limits compared to entry-level cards.

By contrast, some banks focus on starter or secured cards with lower limits to help build credit.

Mid-Tier Credit Cards and Banks

Many popular credit cards fall into a mid-range average credit limit category, typically between $3,000 and $10,000. These cards suit consumers with good credit but moderate income or less credit history.

• Chase Freedom Unlimited

Average limit: $5,000 to $15,000

A popular cash back card with flexible limits based on creditworthiness.

• Discover it Cash Back

Average limit: $3,000 to $10,000

Known for rewards and no annual fee, Discover cards often have moderate limits.

• Bank of America Cash Rewards

Average limit: $4,000 to $12,000

Bank of America offers competitive limits for mid-tier credit profiles.

• Wells Fargo Active Cash

Average limit: $3,000 to $10,000

Wells Fargo’s cards tend to have moderate limits, balancing risk and reward.

These cards provide solid credit limits for everyday spending and rewards without requiring premium credit scores.

Entry-Level and Secured Credit Cards with Lower Limits

For consumers building or rebuilding credit, entry-level and secured cards offer lower limits, typically ranging from $200 to $3,000.

• Capital One Platinum

Average limit: $300 to $1,000

Designed for fair credit, this card helps build credit history with modest limits.

• Discover it Secured

Average limit: $200 to $2,500

Secured by a deposit, this card offers a path to higher limits over time.

• Citi Secured Card

Average limit: $200 to $2,000

Helps consumers establish credit with low initial limits.

• OpenSky Secured Visa

Average limit: $200 to $3,000

No credit check required, but limits are tied to the security deposit.

These cards are essential for credit building but come with lower spending power.

What Average Credit Limits Mean for You

Knowing the average credit limits can guide your card choice based on your spending habits and credit profile. Higher limits can:

• Improve your credit utilization ratio, which can boost your credit score

• Provide flexibility for larger purchases or emergencies

• Offer better rewards opportunities with higher spending capacity

  
  

However, higher limits also require responsible management to avoid debt accumulation.

Tips to Increase Your Credit Limit

If your current credit limit feels too low, consider these steps:

• Request a credit limit increase after 6 months of on-time payments

• Improve your credit score by paying down debt and avoiding late payments

• Provide updated income information to your card issuer

• Apply for a premium card if your credit profile qualifies

  
  

Increasing your limit can enhance your financial flexibility but always spend within your means.

Summary

Credit cards and banks vary widely in the average credit limits they offer. Premium cards from Chase, American Express, and Citi generally provide the highest limits, often exceeding $20,000. Mid-tier cards from banks like Discover and Bank of America offer moderate limits suitable for most consumers. Entry-level and secured cards provide lower limits but are valuable tools for building credit.