Credit Limit
CreditGlossary term
Definition
The maximum amount of money a lender allows you to borrow on a credit card or line of credit. Your credit limit is determined by factors such as your income, credit history, and existing debt. Spending close to or above your credit limit can hurt your credit score and may result in over-limit fees.
Related terms
- Credit UtilizationThe percentage of your available credit that you are currently using, calculated by dividing your total credit card balances by your total credit limits. It is one of the most important factors in your credit score, and experts generally recommend keeping it below 30%. Lower credit utilization signals to lenders that you manage credit responsibly and are not overextended.
- Secured Credit CardA type of credit card that requires a cash deposit as collateral, which typically becomes your credit limit. Secured cards are designed for people with no credit history or poor credit who want to build or rebuild their scores through responsible use. After demonstrating good payment habits over time, many issuers will upgrade you to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
- Credit MixThe variety of credit account types you have, such as credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and student loans. Having a diverse credit mix can positively influence your credit score because it shows lenders you can manage different types of debt responsibly. However, credit mix is a relatively small factor in your overall score, so you should never take on debt just to diversify it.
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