How much could you borrow on a new credit card? ClearScore data shows typical advertised limits from £350 to £1,500, depending on your score.

Key takeaways

• Among ClearScore users approved for a credit card between February and April 2026, the median advertised limit ranged from £350 for scores of 199 or below to £1,500 for scores of 800 and above.

• The median advertised limit was £1,200 for both the 600-699 and 700-799 score bands, and only rose again for scores of 800 and above.

• Your credit score is only one of the things lenders look at, so two people with the same score can be offered very different limits.

• The limit shown in a credit card advert isn't always the limit you're given, because lenders set your actual limit after checking your application.

• A lower starting limit is common and isn't a judgement on you. Limits can change over time as you build a track record with your lender.

• Checking your eligibility with a soft search lets you see likely offers before you apply, without affecting your credit score.

What credit limit could you get with your credit score?

Among more than 60,000 ClearScore users approved for a credit card between February and April 2026, the median advertised limit was £350 for scores of 199 or below, £1,200 for scores of 600-799, and £1,500 for scores of 800 and above. In general, limits rose as scores went up.

The median is the middle figure: at least half the limits in each band were at or below it, and at least half were at or above it. That makes it a good guide to a typical limit, rather than a minimum or a maximum.

So if you've been offered a limit of around £1,500 and wondered whether that's normal, it's in line with what ClearScore users with the highest scores were offered.

Your score is only one part of the picture, though. The limit you're offered is subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria.

What's the average credit card limit by credit score band?

Among more than 60,000 ClearScore users approved for a credit card between February and April 2026, the median advertised limit rose from £350 for scores of 199 or below to £1,500 for scores of 800 and above.

Source: ClearScore data, more than 60,000 users approved for a credit card, February-April 2026. Association only - many other factors affect credit limit offers, and individual results will vary.

The bands in the chart are based on your ClearScore credit score, which comes from Equifax and runs from 0 to 1,000. Each credit reference agency (CRA) uses its own scale, so these bands only apply to your ClearScore score. To see how the scales compare, read our guide to what counts as a good credit score.

Disclaimer: Credit reference agencies compile credit information and lenders may use their own scoring methods, so a lender may assess an applicant differently from their ClearScore band.

You might notice that the median limit stayed at £1,200 across both the 600-699 and 700-799 bands. The data shows that limits and scores move together, but not why. It's a reminder that your score isn't the only thing that counts. Things like your income and existing borrowing also play a part in the limit you're offered, subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria.

What else do lenders look at when setting your credit limit?

Lenders look at more than your credit score when they set a limit. These are the main things they typically consider:

Your income - lenders must check you can afford what they're lending, so the income you give on your application matters.

Your existing commitments - other borrowing and regular outgoings affect how much a lender thinks you can comfortably repay.

How you've managed credit - lenders look at whether you've paid on time and how much of your existing limits you're using, often called your credit utilisation.

How long you've had credit - a shorter credit history gives lenders less to go on, so they may start you with a lower limit.

The type of card - credit builder cards are designed for people building or rebuilding their credit, and they often come with lower limits.

The lender's own criteria - each lender sets its own rules, so two lenders can look at the same application and offer different limits.

Any limit you're offered is subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria.

Is the limit you're shown the limit you'll get?

Not always. Some credit card adverts show a limit "up to" a certain amount. You may only find out your actual limit after full checks on your application, and it can be lower than the advertised figure.

The same goes for the ClearScore data in this article. It shows the limits advertised to people who were approved, not the final limit each person was given, so use it as a guide to what's typical rather than a prediction of your own limit.

To get a clearer idea before you apply, you can check your eligibility first. This uses a soft search, which doesn't show other lenders that you've applied for credit.

Your score can also affect how many offers you're likely to see. Read our guide to offers by score to find out more.

Is a low starting limit a bad thing?

No, and it isn't a judgement on you. At ClearScore, we don't see a lower score, or a lower limit, as a verdict. Your credit file is a snapshot of where you are right now, and it can change as your circumstances do. Many people start with a modest limit, and limits can change as you build a track record with your lender.

One thing to keep in mind is your credit utilisation. With a lower limit, the same spending takes up a bigger share of your available credit. For example, a £100 balance is around 29% of a £350 limit, but around 7% of a £1,500 limit (illustrative example). Lenders look at how much of your available credit you're using, so paying off your balance regularly, rather than letting it build up, can help keep your utilisation down.

Can your credit limit change over time?

Yes. Your lender may offer you a higher limit over time, and you can ask for one yourself. Any increase is subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria.

You're also in control of how high your limit goes. Credit card lenders must let you reduce your limit or turn down an offer of an increase at any time, and you can tell them you don't want to receive increase offers at all. If a lender does plan to raise your limit, it has to give you at least 30 days' notice before the increase takes effect.

For more on how limit increases work, and whether they affect your credit score, read our credit limit guide.

What can you do before you apply?

A few steps can help you understand your options before you apply. None of them guarantees a particular limit or outcome.

Check your eligibility first - a soft search shows you offers you're likely to be accepted for, without leaving a mark other lenders can see.

Check your credit report - look for mistakes, such as accounts you don't recognise or an old address, and ask for them to be corrected before you apply.

Register to vote at your current address - credit reference agencies can buy the register so lenders can check the names and addresses of people applying for credit.

Give accurate income details - lenders use your income to work out what you can afford, so make sure the figure you give is correct.

Space out your applications - each full application leaves a hard search on your credit file, and applying for lots of credit in a short space of time can make it look like you have money problems.

If you decide to apply, read our guide on how to apply for a credit card. Always make sure you can afford repayments.

Check your score and credit card offers for free with ClearScore

With ClearScore, you get free, forever access to your Equifax credit score and report, updated every week. You can see what's on your file and spot anything that looks wrong before you apply for credit.

You can also see personalised credit card offers and your chances of being approved, using a soft search that won't affect your credit score. Some offers come with our Triple Lock guarantee, which locks in the credit limit and interest rate before you apply and tells you if you're pre-approved. Pre-approval doesn't always guarantee acceptance and is subject to lenders' checks of your credit status.

ClearScore is a credit broker, not a lender. Always make sure you can afford repayments.

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FAQs

What is a normal credit card limit in the UK?

There isn't one standard limit, because it depends on your score, income and other commitments. As a guide, ClearScore users approved for a credit card between February and April 2026 were typically advertised limits between £350 and £1,500, with higher limits at higher scores. Any limit you're offered is subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria.

Is a £1,500 credit limit normal?

Yes. It's in line with what ClearScore users with the highest scores were offered: the median advertised limit for scores of 800 and above was £1,500 between February and April 2026. Limits vary widely, so some people are offered more and some less, depending on their circumstances.

What credit limit could I get on a £30,000 salary?

There's no fixed link between salary and credit limit. Lenders must assess your creditworthiness, looking at your income alongside your existing commitments and outgoings to decide what you can afford. Two people on the same salary can be offered very different limits, depending on their wider circumstances and each lender's criteria.

What credit limit will I get on my first credit card?

It depends on the lender and your circumstances. People with a shorter credit history often start with a lower limit, because lenders have less information to go on. Some first cards, such as credit builder cards, are designed with lower limits from the start. Read our guide to choosing your first credit card.

Why is my credit limit lower than the advertised limit?

Some advertised limits are shown as "up to" a certain amount. You may only find out your actual limit after a full credit check, which looks at your credit file, income and existing commitments, so it can be lower than the figure in the advert.

Can I ask for a lower credit limit?

Yes. Credit card lenders must allow you to reduce your limit at any time. You can also turn down offers of limit increases, or ask not to receive them at all. Some people choose a lower limit to help them keep their spending in check.

Important information

This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary, and you may wish to seek independent advice before making financial decisions. Information is accurate at the time of writing and may change.