How to Get a Walmart Credit Card Limit Increase

Having a higher credit limit on your Walmart credit card can be beneficial in several ways. It gives you more purchasing power and can help keep your credit utilization low, which is good for your credit score. Here’s what you need to know about getting a credit limit increase on the Walmart credit card.

What is the Walmart Credit Card?

The Walmart credit card is issued by Capital One and can be used to make purchases at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. There are two different Walmart credit cards:

• Walmart Rewards Card – This card earns 5% back on Walmart purchases (including groceries), 2% back at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% back everywhere else. There is no annual fee.
• Walmart Store Card – This card can only be used at Walmart and earns 2% back. There is no annual fee.

Both cards have no foreign transaction fees and offer special financing offers on Walmart purchases.

What Factors Determine Your Credit Limit?

When you apply for the Walmart credit card, Capital One will review your credit report and assess:

• Credit score – Your FICO score gives a snapshot of your creditworthiness. In general, the higher your score, the more likely you’ll be approved for a higher limit.
• Income – Your income helps demonstrate your ability to manage credit responsibly. Capital One wants to see you have enough income to make your minimum payments.
• Existing debt – Capital One will look at your credit utilization ratio across all your credit cards and loans. Too much existing debt can lower your chances of getting a high limit.
• Length of credit history – The longer you’ve had credit accounts open and in good standing, the better. This shows you can use credit responsibly over time.
• Types of credit – Having a mix of credit types (credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, etc) demonstrates you can manage different types of credit.
• Recent credit inquiries – Too many hard inquiries from applying for credit can lower your chances of approval. Spread out applications over time.

How Soon Can You Request a Credit Limit Increase?

Most credit card issuers make you wait at least 6 months before they will consider a credit limit increase request. This gives you time to establish a solid payment history with the card.

Capital One typically wants to see that you’ve made at least your minimum payment on time for 6 consecutive billing periods before approving a credit limit increase on the Walmart card.

When Will Capital One Increase My Limit Automatically?

Capital One may automatically increase your credit limit if you use your Walmart card responsibly. To qualify for an automatic increase:

• Make at least the minimum payment on time each month
• Keep credit utilization low (less than 30% on the card)
• Have an excellent or good credit score

Many issuers review accounts periodically for automatic increases. But there is no set timeframe – it’s up to the issuer’s discretion.

You’re more likely to receive automatic increases the longer you are a cardholder in good standing. But don’t count on them – it’s better to request an increase yourself.

How Often Can I Request a Credit Limit Increase?

With the Walmart credit card, you can request an increase every 6 months. Capital One will not approve more than one increase within a 6 month period.

It’s best to time your requests strategically. Ask for an increase every 6-12 months as your financial situation and credit score improves over time.

Space out increase requests and new credit applications by at least 6 months. Too many requests in a short timeframe can raise red flags.

How to Request a Credit Limit Increase on the Walmart Card

You can request an increase on your Walmart credit card in two ways:

Online

1. Log in to your account at WalmartMoneyCard.com
2. Go to Services > Request Credit Line Increase
3. Enter your requested limit and any additional details
4. Click “Submit Request”

You should receive an instant decision after submitting the request online.

By Phone

1. Call the number on the back of your Walmart credit card
2. Speak to a customer service representative and ask to request a credit limit increase
3. Provide details on your requested limit increase and the reason for your request
4. You may receive an instant decision, or they may conduct a review and decide within 30 days

What Happens After My Request is Approved?

If your request for a higher limit is approved, your new credit limit should be available to use right away.

Capital One will report your new limit to the credit bureaus, which will update your credit report within 30 days.

With a higher limit, make sure your spending doesn’t go up drastically. Try to keep utilization below 30% whenever possible.

Tips for Getting Approved for a Credit Limit Increase

Here are some tips to boost your chances of getting approved when requesting a higher limit:

• Wait at least 6 months – Issuers want to see a solid history of on-time payments before approving an increase.
• Keep utilization low – Allowing your balance to get too close to your limit signals risk. Experts recommend keeping utilization below 30%.
• Check your credit score – The higher your score, the better your chances. Scores above 700 give you good odds.
• Pay on time – Set up autopay so you never miss a payment. Late or missed payments can disqualify you.
• Increase income – Higher income helps justify a higher limit. Update your income if it has increased.
• Evaluate credit mix – Having credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages can help your case.
• Watch credit inquiries – Too many inquiries from new accounts makes lenders cautious. Wait 6 months between requests.
• Start small – Don’t request the maximum limit increase allowed. Take it slow with smaller increases.

Potential Downsides of a Credit Limit Increase

While getting approved for a higher limit comes with advantages, it also comes with some risks to be aware of:

• Increased debt temptation – With a higher limit, it can be tempting to overspend. Stick to a reasonable budget.
• Higher minimum payment – Your minimum due each month is based on a percentage of your balance. A higher balance equals a higher minimum payment.
• Lowering your credit score – If you max out your new limit, it could hurt your credit utilization and lower your credit scores.
• Difficulty getting other credit – High utilization on one card can impact your ability to get approved for additional credit.
• Lower chance of other increases – Maxing out your limit will likely disqualify you from getting another increase anytime soon.

Alternatives to Increasing Your Limit

If you get declined for an increase, here are some other options:

• Request reconsideration – You can provide additional information and ask Capital One to reconsider.
• Pay down balances – Pay off cards and loans to lower your utilization. Then try requesting again.
• Become an authorized user – You can be added as a user on someone else’s card to benefit from their higher limit.
• Build your credit – Give your score and history time to improve before requesting again.
• Apply for a different card – See if you may qualify for a higher limit with another card.

Should You Accept a Credit Limit Increase?

Before accepting an automatic increase from Capital One or requesting one yourself, make sure it aligns with your financial goals and you can manage it responsibly.

Ask yourself:

• Will a higher limit cause me to overspend?
• Do I have major purchases planned that require a higher limit?
• Is my income and budget adequate to handle a higher minimum payment?
• Will increased utilization from a higher limit hurt my credit score?

If you feel confident you can manage it wisely, a limit increase can be beneficial. But proceed with caution if the risks concern you.

Bottom Line

Used prudently, a credit limit increase can provide convenience, flexibility, and in some cases, a credit score boost. But it also comes with responsibility. Take a balanced approach when requesting more credit – don’t take on more than you can manage.

With responsible use over time, the Walmart credit card can serve as a useful credit building tool. Eventually, your improved credit standing may help you qualify for premium rewards cards with even higher limits and more perks.