Apple Card is a versatile financial tool that is gaining popularity among iPhone and iPad users. With its sleek design, distinctive benefits, and accessibility, the Apple Card has become one of the most sought-after credit cards on the market.
In this article, we will detail everything you need to know about Apple Card’s credit limit increases, its unique features, and why it could be the perfect credit card alternative.
Requesting an Apple Card Credit Limit Increase
When using your Apple Card, it is essential to know that you can increase your credit limit at any time. It is especially vital for people who need to make a high purchase or those who plan to travel.
To request a credit limit increase on an iPhone, you need to open the Wallet app and select your Apple Card. Then, click on the three dots located in the corner and tap on ‘Message.’ You can ask for a credit increase there, and the customer support team will get back to you promptly.
For those using an iPad, go to the ‘Settings’ app and choose ‘Wallet & Apple Pay.’ Then, select your Apple Card and select ‘Credit Line Increase.’ From there, you can initiate a credit line increase. There are various reasons why people request a higher credit limit.
It could be to improve their credit score or have more cash in their emergency fund. Others may want to accommodate unexpected expenses or improve cash flow for their business while others may simply want to spend more.
If you have never requested a credit limit increase, it is vital to monitor your spending habits and be responsible for your finances. It is also critical to check your current credit limit, which you can do in the Wallet app by selecting your Apple Card and going into the details section.
Factors that improve your chances of getting a credit limit include your debt-to-income ratio, payment history, and income. If your request is denied, you can try paying off your debts, improving your credit score, postponing the request for some time, or seeking ways to increase your income.
Features of the Apple Card
One of the most appealing features of the Apple Card is its versatility. You can use it anywhere, whether you are making in-store purchases, online orders, or over-the-phone orders.
Suppose the merchant does not have a credit card reader. In that case, you can use your iPhone or Apple Watch as a substitute for the transaction by using Apple Pay.
Moreover, the Apple Card offers advanced security technologies compared to other credit card offerings. The card uses face ID and touch ID, which enhances its security since your face and fingerprints are unique.
When making a transaction, the device will use either feature to authenticate the user. The moment you select the Apple Card, your iPhone will generate a credit card number that is unique to that transaction.
It means that you can use the card for in-store transactions using a virtual card number on your device while preventing your physical card’s information from being compromised.
Conclusion
Apple Card is a versatile financial tool that has increased the convenience of financial transactions for people that prefer iPhone and Apple products. From its ease of use, improved security features, and credit limit increases, Apple Card continues to become more popular with time.
By following the steps detailed in the article, you can request a credit limit increase, and with responsible finances, it’s a versatile tool you can use anywhere. With such benefits, the Apple Card has become a credit card for any occasion.
3) Benefits of a Higher Credit Limit
Having a higher credit limit comes with multiple benefits. Here, we discuss some of the main reasons why having a higher credit limit could be advantageous:
Improving Credit Utilization Ratio and Credit Score
One of the key reasons to seek a higher credit limit is to improve your credit score. That’s because having access to more credit without overspending increases your credit utilization ratio, which is the percentage of available credit that you use each month.
Credit utilization ratio accounts for 30% of your credit score. Experts recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio at or below 30% to boost your score.
For instance, let’s say your credit limit is $1,000, and you tend to spend around $800 every month. From a credit scoring standpoint, using 80% of your available credit limit, which is equivalent to $800 out of $1,000, harms your score.
However, having a credit limit of, say, $5,000 while continuing to spend $800 monthly brings down your credit utilization ratio to 16%, which is viewed positively by credit bureaus.
Building a Safety Net and Accessing Funds in Emergency Situations
Another benefit of a higher credit limit is that you will have a more extensive safety net should an emergency arise. The world is unpredictable, and things happen that can often leave us unprepared.
With an increased credit limit, you can have some peace of mind, knowing that you have a fallback option to help you navigate an emergency. For instance, suppose you’re involved in a car accident and your insurance company categorizes the incident as a high-risk claim, which spikes your premiums.
In that case, you could borrow against your credit line to pay for the repairs, or even the increased premiums, before your finances stabilize.
Consolidating Spending and Generating More Rewards
With a higher credit limit, you can consolidate your monthly spending on a single card instead of using two or three different credit cards, thus simplifying your finances. This consolidation could also allow you to earn more credit card rewards since you will be earning more points by making all of your purchases on one card.
It could also help you manage your finances better, making tracking expenses a less complicated task. For instance, suppose you have two credit cards, each with a $2,500 limit, and spend approximately $1,500 on each card every month.
However, if you merge the cards and combine an overall limit of $5,000, the same monthly purchases bring down your credit utilization ratio to 30%, and you make all your rewards on one card.
4) Next Steps After a Denied Request
Denied requests for a credit limit increase can be frustrating, particularly if you need the funds to cover costs or finance unexpected expenses. However, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of a successful application should you decide to request a credit limit increase again in the future:
Paying Off Debts to Improve Debt-to-Income Ratio
Creditors not only consider an individual’s credit score when approving credit limit increases; they also evaluate a creditor’s debt-to-income ratio. The debt-to-income ratio is the amount of debt you have relative to your income.
Creditors look into this to determine whether you’re a high-risk borrower and if your income can keep up with the credit limit. A high debt-to-income ratio makes creditors nervous and lowers your approval rate.
Paying off debts reduces your debt-to-income ratio and could dramatically increase your chances of approval. The less debt you are demonstrating, the more likely you are to increase your credit limit and improve your credit score.
Increasing Income through Career Advancement or Side Gigs
Another way of increasing your approval chances is by increasing your income. If you’re planning on applying for a credit limit increase, making an effort to increase your income through advancing your career or initiating a side gig could help.
A higher income demonstrates stability and a greater capacity to manage more credit significantly.
Paying Bills on Time to Improve Payment History
Your payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, making it vital that you keep up with your bills. Missing or late payments can significantly harm your chances of receiving a credit limit increase.
A good payment history demonstrates financial discipline and the ability to manage credit. If you’re struggling to remember due dates, consider setting calendar reminders, auto-drafts, or payment alerts.
In conclusion, having a higher credit limit can have several benefits, including boosting your credit utilization ratio and credit score, consolidating spending, and building an emergency fund. However, if a credit limit increase request is denied, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of a successful application in the future.
Paying off debts, increasing your income, and paying bills on time are some of the strategies that could improve your creditworthiness and increase your approval chances for a credit limit increase. In conclusion, understanding the benefits of having a higher credit limit is vital for anyone looking to improve their financial stability.
It can lead to an improved credit utilization ratio, build an emergency fund, and consolidate spending. However, a rejected request is not the end of the road, as you can take steps to enhance your creditworthiness, such as paying off debts, increasing your income, and paying bills on time.
With these steps, you could apply again and significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, responsible financial behavior is key, and with that, you’re on your way to financial success.