Guides › Debt and Buy Now Pay Later › Credit Card Limit Raised Without Asking
Credit Card Limit Raised Without Asking
Credit card firms agreed that customers can opt out of automatic credit limit increases. Customers who have been in persistent debt for 12 months should not be offered limit increases. If you are worried about borrowing more, ask your card provider to lower your limit.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Your Options
The Rules
Credit card firms agreed voluntary measures giving customers control: you can opt out of automatic credit limit increases, and customers in persistent debt for 12 months will not be offered limit increases. The FCA rules started on 1 March 2018. source
If You Are Unhappy
If you are unhappy with how a lender treated you, ask it to put things right first. If you are still unhappy, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksFinancial Ombudsman complaintsLender has 8 weeks for most complaints, then you have 6 months from the final response
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask your provider to reduce your limit and opt out of increases.
Step 2 of 5
If you were struggling when it rose, say so.
Step 3 of 5
Complain if it was irresponsible lending.
Step 4 of 5
Get free debt advice.
Step 5 of 5
After 8 weeks, go to the Financial Ombudsman.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Lender's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and ask it to put things right.
Financial Ombudsman Service
After 8 weeks with no final response, or if you are unhappy with it. Refer within 6 months of the final response.
MoneyHelper Debt Advice
You are struggling with debt. Use the Debt Advice Locator to find free local advice.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
A lower limit can help you stay in control.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/new-credit-card-rules-introduced-fca Checked 13 October 2026
- fca.org.uk/consumers/buy-now-pay-later Checked 12 October 2026
- financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/expect/time-limits Checked 12 October 2026
- moneyhelper.org.uk Checked 12 October 2026