What is a credit limit?
A credit limit is the maximum amount you can spend on your credit card. Credit card providers set a limit based on what you would ideally like it to be, whilst taking into consideration credit and affordability checks.
A credit limit increase is where you can either request, or where we offer you, a higher credit limit on your credit card.
How can my credit limit be increased or decreased?
We may offer to increase your credit card limit automatically, based on how responsibly you use your card. If we feel like you would benefit from a credit limit increase, we will always notify you in advance of amending your credit limit.
Alternatively, if we don't offer an automatic increase, you can apply for an increase yourself. You'll need to fill in a short application in the M&S Bank app and it will be credit assessed, like other lending applications. This will leave a hard search on your credit records and could affect your credit score. Learn more on how to check your credit score and understand what a hard credit check is and how it affects you. You can also apply to decrease your credit limit.
You can manage your credit limit preferences and opt out of automatic credit limit increases anytime by using our 'Chat with us' service or call us and one of the team can help.
How to request a change to your credit limit in the M&S Bank app
Not yet registered for digital banking?
Find out how to download and set up the M&S Bank app to apply to increase or decrease your credit limit.
Received a text to say you've nearly reached your credit limit?
If you've received a text message from us regarding how much of your credit limit you've used, you can follow the below steps:
- Check your available balance in the M&S Bank app or Online Banking.
- If you need to make a payment to your credit card you can view the various ways to pay. Please note, if you've made a payment in the last 48 hours, it may not have credited your account yet.
- You may want to consider turning on spend notifications in the M&S Bank app so you can keep track of your spending. Learn more about spend notifications.
- If you think you need a higher credit limit, you can follow the steps to request a credit limit increase.
You can change your credit limit notification preferences anytime by using our 'Chat with us' service or by calling us.
If you go over your credit limit you will incur a fee. To understand more about this, you can view our fees and charges page.
