How did you get out of toy limits and get big boy limits?

[Razeus]

From my latest app spree, I was successful and finally got myself big boy limits.  

I've also had a hard time getting decent limits due to past credit issues, but I've been working to resolve that issue, and the hard work has paid off.  Hopefully, I'll continue to get big boy limits in 6 months when I go for the Citi Diamond Preferred and CSP since I'll have "experience" with $5k+ limits.  In 60 days, hopefully AMEX will bump my BCE to $3k (and in 6 months, $9k, in a year, $15k+).

I've had 3 CapOne's for $300 and 2 $500's, which I was able to merge as one account, and a Barclay's card for $500, which I recently CLI'd to $850.  They've served their purpose and got me through rough times, but once I get acquainted with my new cards, they'll be put to pasture.  Those days are behind me.  I don't want any signs of them lingering around remind me of my past.

Finally, big boy limits!

[LS2982]

Mine started to grow to "big boy" limits after I got a CLI from Barclays from 1K to 2.2K, then PSECU gave me a 9K VISA. I was floored.

I'm hoping Discovr gives me a nice boost 2 weeks from now, my 6th month.

[Anonymous]

American Express got me into "big boy" territory.  Charge cards are great for getting high limits, because their internal limit will grow quickly, much quicker than most credit cards.  After using that for almost 2 years I got a Blue with a $6K limit, which enabled me to close the 2 Cap Ones I had started with and finally be completely done with toy limits.

As long as you give that Amex decent, pay-in-full usage, I definitely think you'll be able to get your limit up there quickly.

[DaveSignal]

Started with a USAA $1k secured and Military STAR.  Then USAA approved me for higher limit rewards card only a few months later.  After that, I have only seen limits that are greater than my monthly spending capabilities.  I never have to make multiple payments and my util is always good.

[Anonymous]

I just recently been migrating away from Toy Limits. Have two Cap1 cards ($300.00 and $750.00). My Orchard was $750.00 but that just got bumped to $950. Recently approved for a $3k Target, $2k Barclay's, $1k Merrick and $600.00 Walmart (that will grow). My credit is gaining momentum now! This time next year, I hope to have the Barclay's close to $3k and Walmart over $1k along with 1-2 Prime cards with CLs of $3k+.

When lenders look at your current credit and decide on what to give you, does it matter if you've had a high balance or just a high limit when they determine if your worthy of a higher limit?  Like my $3k Target, I doubt I'll run it that high Maybe $1k and will try to pay it down quickly. Will future lenders be more likely to give me $3k+ limits because I currently have one?

[Wolf3]

Secured cards with big limits.

[rtw]

Credit Unions seem to be more willing to extend larger credit lines. 

[Revelate]

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@rtw wrote:

Credit Unions seem to be more willing to extend larger credit lines. 

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Depends on the CU honestly.  Not all are created equally, and NFCU is not a good measuring stick to go by: they're completely exceptional even when compared to other CU's.

I think it's worthwhile cultivating a relationship with a CU or two, a diversity of accessible lenders is never a bad thing.  I wish I could split up my financial life in a few more ways; however, I'm already struggling to spread my business as it is between BOFA / Chase / USAA / DCU... and Amex "has" to be added in there hopefully sooner rather than later too.  

[webhopper]

Discover card started with a 1200 limit. They have given me small but steady increases over the last 7 years. My new cards with nice limits have a lot to do with my limit on discover in my opinion.

Also, improved income helps as well.

[XxRaVeNxX]

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@Razeus wrote:

I've had 3 CapOne's for $300 and 2 $500's, which I was able to merge as one account,

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How did you do this? I was told this wasn't possible...