How to stop your credit card limit from being increased

Nearly 20% of people in the UK struggling with credit card debt have had their card limits increased, claims a charity.

Card companies can choose how much money is available to spend on your account and when to increase it.

Citizens Advice says it wants companies to be banned from doing that without a cardholder's permission.

Newsbeat spoke to Matthew Upton from the charity about what consumers can do to stop their limits being increased.

"We have about £67 billion worth of credit card debt in the UK and lots of people would have experienced the letter through the door saying they're having their credit limit increased, usually when not asked for at all," Matthew says.

"Our research has shown it's those people struggling most to make the payments on their credit cards who are more likely to be targeted by an unprompted increase.

"We think it's irresponsible of lenders and there's really no justification for it.

Matthew explains that the Financial Conduct Authority, which oversees companies involved in lending money, does set rules but they're quite vague.

"There's a huge variation between lenders and the credit they offer.

"Companies have to give people 30 days' notice if they want to raise their credit limit so they can opt out.

"Also if they're going to give them what is called a significant increase in credit limit, then they have to do a credit check to make sure the person can afford the extra money.

"The word 'significant' can be interpreted in different ways though, so the credit increases on different cards vary.

"The practices vary too. Some companies do actually ask people for their explicit permission before raising their limit, whereas others go ahead and do it."

Matthew has also offered some advice to people who have had their credit limit raised.

"It doesn't mean you have to spend the money. Think about whether you can afford it and whether having it makes sense.

"You shouldn't be going into debt unless it's for something essential or it genuinely makes sense to help you until you get more money.

"People also don't realise they can say no - they can just opt out, or if they think their credit limit is too high anyway, they can get in contact with their company and get a decrease and that would usually get accepted."

He also has some general advice for people struggling with credit card debt.

"One of the best steps someone can take is to work out their budget - think about how much your income is and how much you have to spend on essential things like food and transport."

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