Building strong credit can be a long process, and one of the most important parts of doing it is using credit cards responsibly. If you want to achieve a higher credit score, pay less interest on loans and have the ability to buy almost anything you want, you'll need a healthy credit history.

One of the many ways to keep your credit looking good to potential lenders is showing that you have high credit limits. Even if you don't plan on using that credit, higher limits make it easy to keep your credit utilization low and also obtain other cards with higher starting limits.

Many banks offer credit cards that are automatically reviewed at predetermined intervals. Based on certain criteria - and if you meet that criteria - your card's credit limit will automatically be raised. However, that's not always the case. Some companies may give you an initial limit increase after 6 months to a year automatically but then never do it again. Other companies will never increasing your credit limit unless you ask them to. It all depends on the lending insitution, your banking relationship with them, and the history of your spending habits and card usage.

Assuming that your credit is in good standing and you haven't had any issues with payments or delinquencies, here are a few tips on how you can raise your credit card limit to continually maintain the best credit possible:

1. Check Your Online Banking App

Most banks and credit card companies have dedicated apps to help you manage your spending, budget, and payments. If you have an app like this, you might already have an option to request a credit increase directly from your app. This is the easiest way to get it done, and it's usually instant. But remember, not all banks are the same. This may or may not cost you a hard credit inquiry on your report, so be sure that you're aware of the policy before making the request. You don't want it to have a negative impact.

2. Call Your Bank or Credit Card Issuer Directly

If there isn't an option within your app, take a look at the back of your credit card and call the customer service line. Explain to them that you'd like to inquire about a credit increase, and they'll help you from there. Be prepared to answer some questions about income, your current employment status, etc., as they may require this info to help them make a decision.

3. Only Opt for Cards & Creditors Who Are Known to Raise Limits

It might sound strange, but there are many credit card providers who either don't raise limits at all. Other times, certain cards have set limits and the the companies never allow the limit on that specific card to go above a pre-defined amount, regardless of who you are or your payment history. This is why it's important to do your research and choose your cards wisely.

If you find yourself in a situation where they will not raise your card limit because you have a secured card, or because the card you hold has a maximum limit which is lower than what you're seeking, ask the bank about graduating to a higher limit card. This may require forfeiture of the current card or account, so be sure that the terms are clear and agreeable with your goals.

What if My Credit is Not Good Enough for a Limit Increase?

There could be many reasons that a card issuer might deny you an increase. Sometimes this includes the length of your credit history, the number of revolving accounts, or your current utilization rate. Don't assume that you'll get an increase just because you always pay on time. Many lenders set a maximum on the number of times a cardholder can apply or be approved for a limit increase. Usually, this is every 6 months to 1 year. Depending on the lender, your results may vary.

If you need help improving your credit score to achieve higher limits on your personal cards, or for any other reason, you should definitely consider the option to buy tradelines. When you buy a tradeline, you'll get an increase in the age, limit, and payment history on your credit report making it much easier to achieve higher and better credit lines of your own. You can learn more about buying tradelines today from this guide and get started right away.

Apart from everything else, be patient when trying to raise your credit card limit. Good things come with time, and while there are ways to speed up the process, sometimes you just have to wait it out. The easiest way to build your credit for the long-term is with patience and by utilizing good spending and payment habits. It's really not that hard. If you're interested in learning how authorized user tradelines can turbocharge the process, learn more here.