Here's What Happens When You Qualify for a High-Limit Credit Card

Want to boost your credit score and get your hands on some VIP travel perks? You're in luck.

Qualifying for a high-limit credit card can help you do both -- without spending a dollar more than you already are.

Here's what you can expect from getting a high-limit card, and how to make the most of it.

Your credit score gets a quiet little boost

The first cool thing about high-limit credit cards is they can lower your credit utilization ratio. This super important factor makes up 30% of your credit score.

Credit utilization is basically how much of your total available credit limit you're using. If you get a new card with a higher limit, but your spending habits stay the same, you're instantly using a much smaller percentage of your available credit.

That's a signal to lenders that you're managing credit well with a lower utilization.

Here's a quick example:

• Current card: Let's say you have a credit limit of $5,000, and your typical monthly balance is $2000. That's a utilization ratio of 40% (yikes!).
• New high-limit card: If you get approved for a card with a $15,000 limit, and keep your same spending level at around $2,000 on average, your utilization drops to around 13% (nice!).

That shift alone could nudge your score upward within a few months, assuming you keep up on payments.

Some cards offer limits up to $50,000, or even higher. This can bring your utilization ratio into single digits. Explore all the best high-limit credit cards here, and pick the one that best suits your lifestyle.

You gain access to premium perks and better protections

Many travel rewards cards offer high credit limits. And these tend to come with better benefits, especially for travel. These might include:

• Annual travel credits (can be $50 to over $400)
• Access to airport lounges and hotel status
• Higher cash back or point multipliers on spending
• Travel insurance and purchase protection
• 24/7 concierge or customer service

Personally, I use this high-limit travel rewards card. Not only is it my go-to travel card for earning points, but I just requested a limit increase and got approved for $23,000 (and it can still go way higher than that).

You'll have more flexibility (and more responsibility)

It can feel great having a higher credit limit. Just knowing you've got that extra safety net for emergencies relieves a bit of stress and makes you feel more confident.

But just because you're able to spend more, that doesn't mean you should! If high limits are abused, you might rack up debt that will be incredibly tough to repay.

Credit card debt is not cool. No matter your approved limit, never spend more than you can pay off.

The bottom line

When you get a high-limit credit card, you can immediately improve your utilization ratio and get access to some wicked perks.

These perks can save you money while traveling, and you'll have extra flexibility to make big purchases or emergencies less stressful.

Just remember to keep your habits smart.

Ready to boost your credit potential and tap into better benefits? Compare today's top-rated cards and find the right fit for you.