topic Question about Discover Card CLI in Credit Card Applications

Question about Discover Card CLI

Jordan23ww — Mon, 23 May 2022 23:24:34 GMT

I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

AverageJoesCredit — Mon, 23 May 2022 23:58:13 GMT

@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!

No one can tell you how to get a cli from Miss Disco, spend or no. Doing BTs sometimes help but not always.

I'm surprised you don't want a double cash back card for a year lol. I would get the second card and after a year see if you are eligible for a cli then combine limits and close the new one

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

SUPERSQUID — Tue, 24 May 2022 11:25:12 GMT

@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
No one can tell you how to get a cli from Miss Disco, spend or no. Doing BTs sometimes help but not always.

I'm surprised you don't want a double cash back card for a year lol. I would get the second card and after a year see if you are eligible for a cli then combine limits and close the new one

Mysterious Miss Disco. My first year ends in june, 10 pct back on gas is monster right now.

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

AverageJoesCredit — Tue, 24 May 2022 11:55:22 GMT

@SUPERSQUID wrote:
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
No one can tell you how to get a cli from Miss Disco, spend or no. Doing BTs sometimes help but not always.

I'm surprised you don't want a double cash back card for a year lol. I would get the second card and after a year see if you are eligible for a cli then combine limits and close the new one
Mysterious Miss Disco. My first year ends in june, 10 pct back on gas is monster right now.

Lol you don't say. I'm using Disco at 5% right now with occasional Citi CC

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

Jordan23ww — Tue, 24 May 2022 12:45:07 GMT

@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
No one can tell you how to get a cli from Miss Disco, spend or no. Doing BTs sometimes help but not always.

I'm surprised you don't want a double cash back card for a year lol. I would get the second card and after a year see if you are eligible for a cli then combine limits and close the new one

@AverageJoesCredit thanks for chiming in. Discover is ALWAYS sending me balance transfer offers. Since I pay in full I literally have nothing to even transfer. Last month I had my Amex BCP annual fee hit for $95 so my reported balance across my 21 cards was $110. Normally it is $15 from me doing AZEO.

There's multiple reasons I don't want another Discover Card. I'm trying to get under 5/24 for the Chase Ink Cash, I already have 5 cards that give 2% back already, sometimes I struggle to max out the 5% categories as is due to what has been chosen lately so I wouldn't benefit from having 2 Discover cards/ $3000 available each quarter. I was hoping to grow this one card. Thanks again though for your input!

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

Jordan23ww — Tue, 24 May 2022 12:47:09 GMT

@SUPERSQUID wrote:
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
No one can tell you how to get a cli from Miss Disco, spend or no. Doing BTs sometimes help but not always.

I'm surprised you don't want a double cash back card for a year lol. I would get the second card and after a year see if you are eligible for a cli then combine limits and close the new one
Mysterious Miss Disco. My first year ends in june, 10 pct back on gas is monster right now.

@SUPERSQUID you picked a fantastic time to have the double cash back match offer. That 10% on gas is clutch right now! Best wishes to you whenever you go for your first increase. I suggest spending as much as you can in month 12 and letting that 12th statement post before you ask for an increase. Best wishes to you when the time comes!

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

SUPERSQUID — Tue, 24 May 2022 13:41:01 GMT

@Jordan23ww wrote:
@SUPERSQUID wrote:
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
No one can tell you how to get a cli from Miss Disco, spend or no. Doing BTs sometimes help but not always.

I'm surprised you don't want a double cash back card for a year lol. I would get the second card and after a year see if you are eligible for a cli then combine limits and close the new one
Mysterious Miss Disco. My first year ends in june, 10 pct back on gas is monster right now.
@SUPERSQUID you picked a fantastic time to have the double cash back match offer. That 10% on gas is clutch right now! Best wishes to you whenever you go for your first increase. I suggest spending as much as you can in month 12 and letting that 12th statement post before you ask for an increase. Best wishes to you when the time comes!

Thank you for the well wishes. I tried for my first cli at 9 months and was denied, but at some time i will try again, I'm a glutton for punishment.

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

SouthJamaica — Tue, 24 May 2022 19:37:07 GMT

@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!

Back in the day when Discover CLI's were the talk of this town, there were dozens of different theories being bandied about. People were having such different experiences. Some got big CLI's with heavy use, some got big CLI's with light use, some got big CLI's with no use. Some, like me and @AverageJoesCredit, couldn't buy a big CLI no matter what we tried.

I eventually came to the conclusion that Discover's CLI "policies" were written by a roomful of monkeys with keyboards.

In the years since, nothing has caused me to waver from that conclusion.

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

AverageJoesCredit — Tue, 24 May 2022 22:53:57 GMT

@SouthJamaica wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
Back in the day when Discover CLI's were the talk of this town, there were dozens of different theories being bandied about. People were having such different experiences. Some got big CLI's with heavy use, some got big CLI's with light use, some got big CLI's with no use. Some, like me and @AverageJoesCredit, couldn't buy a big CLI no matter what we tried.

I eventually came to the conclusion that Discover's CLI "policies" were written by a roomful of monkeys with keyboards.

In the years since, nothing has caused me to waver from that conclusion.

Ah yes the good old days. Back then we began our beloved journey with the South Jamaican Special at a robust $300 which grew into an AJC Special at a blissful $500 , onwards to the @joltdude Special at $3000 until we all clamored for the BrutalBodyShots Special at $5000.

To wit, she is as mysterious as ever just not as fun

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

AverageJoesCredit — Tue, 24 May 2022 22:56:26 GMT

@Jordan23ww wrote:
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
No one can tell you how to get a cli from Miss Disco, spend or no. Doing BTs sometimes help but not always.

I'm surprised you don't want a double cash back card for a year lol. I would get the second card and after a year see if you are eligible for a cli then combine limits and close the new one
@AverageJoesCredit thanks for chiming in. Discover is ALWAYS sending me balance transfer offers. Since I pay in full I literally have nothing to even transfer. Last month I had my Amex BCP annual fee hit for $95 so my reported balance across my 21 cards was $110. Normally it is $15 from me doing AZEO.

There's multiple reasons I don't want another Discover Card. I'm trying to get under 5/24 for the Chase Ink Cash, I already have 5 cards that give 2% back already, sometimes I struggle to max out the 5% categories as is due to what has been chosen lately so I wouldn't benefit from having 2 Discover cards/ $3000 available each quarter. I was hoping to grow this one card. Thanks again though for your input!

No worries my friend. I'm so past thinking in terms of how much rewards I can get , it's fun just to get a new card for the collection..once you get past.....6.....lol it's on . I think I'm at 36 now 😁

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

Aim_High — Wed, 25 May 2022 00:24:01 GMT

I wish I had more definitive guidance to give you, @Jordan23ww, but the Discover formula is mysterious. My card is almost 29 years old and sits at $52K. Much of that growth has been in the past eight to ten years as my FICOs grew, my income grew, and my debts fell. I've never used anywhere close to that limit. My high balances were on some balance transfers, and I do think they like those. I had a couple many years ago with up to about $16K (when my limits were much lower) and paid them off. In the fall, I temporarily moved some large balances ($35K?) over there which may have helped my CLI's from $50K to $51K to $52K. I paid it off quickly, though.

I think they reward longer-term cardholders who use their cards regularly and pay responsibly. I believe the cards will grow (up to a point) in excess of what you're spending. And even with that, it took those profile improvements above to drive me up to $50K, along with persistent CLI requests.

On the other hand, I've always said that for someone who uses the Discover IT card only on 5% categories at $6K or less per year, you're not exactly motivating them to give you a higher limit. Sometimes, I think if higher limits is a goal that rewards optimization needs to take a back seat, even if just temporarily. JMHO. Most lenders, including Discover, appreciate when you give their cards some attention.

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

Jordan23ww — Wed, 25 May 2022 16:59:35 GMT

@Aim_High wrote:
I wish I had more definitive guidance to give you, @Jordan23ww, but the Discover formula is mysterious. My card is almost 29 years old and sits at $52K. Much of that growth has been in the past eight to ten years as my FICOs grew, my income grew, and my debts fell. I've never used anywhere close to that limit. My high balances were on some balance transfers, and I do think they like those. I had a couple many years ago with up to about $16K (when my limits were much lower) and paid them off. In the fall, I temporarily moved some large balances ($35K?) over there which may have helped my CLI's from $50K to $51K to $52K. I paid it off quickly, though.

I think they reward longer-term cardholders who use their cards regularly and pay responsibly. I believe the cards will grow (up to a point) in excess of what you're spending. And even with that, it took those profile improvements above to drive me up to $50K, along with persistent CLI requests.

On the other hand, I've always said that for someone who uses the Discover IT card only on 5% categories at $6K or less per year, you're not exactly motivating them to give you a higher limit. Sometimes, I think if higher limits is a goal that rewards optimization needs to take a back seat, even if just temporarily. JMHO. Most lenders, including Discover, appreciate when you give their cards some attention.

@Aim_High Thank you so much for sharing this info! That all makes sense. Oh how I wish I could've gotten to my goal of 20K on my limit increase last year. Then I'd be set.

Down the road hopefully I can add more spend to the Discover It to help persuade them to increase me again. Currently working on 2 welcome offers, Amex Platinum and Citi Custom Cash, so they are occupying a lot of my current spending.

Congratulations on reaching such an awesome limit on your card! That's phenomenal!

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

Jordan23ww — Wed, 25 May 2022 17:02:17 GMT

@SouthJamaica wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
Back in the day when Discover CLI's were the talk of this town, there were dozens of different theories being bandied about. People were having such different experiences. Some got big CLI's with heavy use, some got big CLI's with light use, some got big CLI's with no use. Some, like me and @AverageJoesCredit, couldn't buy a big CLI no matter what we tried.

I eventually came to the conclusion that Discover's CLI "policies" were written by a roomful of monkeys with keyboards.

In the years since, nothing has caused me to waver from that conclusion.

@SouthJamaica thank you for sharing this info!

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

Fated4Credit — Thu, 26 May 2022 11:46:36 GMT

@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
No one can tell you how to get a cli from Miss Disco, spend or no. Doing BTs sometimes help but not always.

I'm surprised you don't want a double cash back card for a year lol. I would get the second card and after a year see if you are eligible for a cli then combine limits and close the new one
@AverageJoesCredit thanks for chiming in. Discover is ALWAYS sending me balance transfer offers. Since I pay in full I literally have nothing to even transfer. Last month I had my Amex BCP annual fee hit for $95 so my reported balance across my 21 cards was $110. Normally it is $15 from me doing AZEO.

There's multiple reasons I don't want another Discover Card. I'm trying to get under 5/24 for the Chase Ink Cash, I already have 5 cards that give 2% back already, sometimes I struggle to max out the 5% categories as is due to what has been chosen lately so I wouldn't benefit from having 2 Discover cards/ $3000 available each quarter. I was hoping to grow this one card. Thanks again though for your input!
No worries my friend. I'm so past thinking in terms of how much rewards I can get , it's fun just to get a new card for the collection..once you get past.....6.....lol it's on . I think I'm at 36 now 😁

😱 @AverageJoesCredit: how do u manage it all? Do you use them all throughout the yr? I just get approved for my 6th card, the PCR this week & I'm slightly wondering if I can keep them in good continuous rotation 😅

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

Anonymous — Sat, 28 May 2022 04:53:52 GMT

@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@SUPERSQUID wrote:
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
@Jordan23ww wrote:
I have been wanting to get a limit increase on my Discover Card but the last 2 times I've asked I was denied for having not spent enough of my current available limit. Now I'm curious if anyone has any data points on what Discover might deem an acceptable amount of one's limit to qualify for a CLI. Is there perhaps a certain percentage of one's current limit we should target spending?

I've had the card since June 2020. Starting limit was $13,500. At 12 months due to certain 2020 CLI Covid Rules (at the time you had to wait 12 months to be eligible for your 1st increase, this has now changed) I asked for my first limit increase. It was denied for my card not being old enough. After checking in on this forum it was recommended to try again after I got my 12th statement, so I did and I got denied for not spending enough of my current limit. So in month 13 I spent approximately $300 and I tried again and got a $4000 increase ($3500 automatically and did a phone call and double dipped for $500 more) making my limit $17,500. When I first got the card I had a goal to get the limit to $20,000. I am just $2500 away from this goal but I'm stuck.

Fastforward 8 months to March 2022, I decided to ask for another increase and it was denied for not spending enough of my current limit. That was both fair and true. Because I was getting some better multipliers on other cards I have in Qtr 1 of 2022 for the categories they chose I barely used the Discover card at all the 1st qtr of 2022. I had racked up a lot of charges in 2021 Qtr 4 but that looked to have no impact on my request in Qtr 1. So March and April 2022 I tried to spend $300 to $400 each month and asked again both times I was denied a CLI for not spending enough of my current limit, so what worked last time wasn't working this time. I haven't asked again since April. I figured if I'm not spending more the result would likely be the same. Has anyone had any success in finding out how to get past this hurdle? Not sure if I need to spend 10% of my total limit, 30%, etc? Any data you can share is much appreciated!

*FYI: I follow AZEO so this is the card I use to report a balance each month. Other than that small balance I usually pay the card in full then pay the small balance off after the statement cuts. I usually only spend on the 5% categories so no more than $1500 in a 3 month period but usually closer to $300 to $400 a month. I checked the preapproval on the Discover website and I'm preapproved for another Discover card but I am not interested in a 2nd Discover card but just want to grow this one a little more. Thank you in advance for your insight!
No one can tell you how to get a cli from Miss Disco, spend or no. Doing BTs sometimes help but not always.

I'm surprised you don't want a double cash back card for a year lol. I would get the second card and after a year see if you are eligible for a cli then combine limits and close the new one
Mysterious Miss Disco. My first year ends in june, 10 pct back on gas is monster right now.
Lol you don't say. I'm using Disco at 5% right now with occasional Citi CC

Used Disco It CB for gas 5% for travel in Ilinois and today bought $350 airbnb cards at Target(also 5%) and used it to book for San Diego in August 😁 1st yr anniversary is next February lol, a long way to go..

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

Credit456 — Sat, 28 May 2022 18:08:18 GMT

They are a mystery indeed.

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

Antredd — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 02:56:48 GMT

I opened a Discover card in September 2019 with an inital $5000 credit limit. What worked for me was, I started using the card for everything, maxing out the card, paying it down, maxing it out again etc. Then I started requested credit limit increases around 6 months apart and was approved each time I requested them. I am now at 14,500, and I also have a second Discover card at another inital $5000 limit.

Re: Question about Discover Card CLI

LADave — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 22:06:30 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Used Disco It CB for gas 5% for travel in Ilinois and today bought $350 airbnb cards at Target(also 5%) and used it to book for San Diego in August 😁 1st yr anniversary is next February lol, a long way to go..

100% this. The best way I've found lately to increase my cashback on Discover right now is to check Target's gift card selection for everything I normally buy for which gift cards are available, including restaurants where I place online orders. They arrive by email within 5 minutes or so for my making online purchases. Right now I'm in the first year "double cash back" period so it seems worth it, but I would also do this if I needed to increase my spend on Discover for some reason.

If this was in a different quarter and Target wasn't in the Cashback Bonus category, I'd see about using one of the other methods. For example, this year between July and September I could use PayPal to buy gift cards, and between October and December I could buy them from Amazon.