Can I use my credit card if it's over the limit?

Asked by: Miss Ivah Walter  |  Last update: October 24, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (44 votes)

Any approved transactions above your credit limit are subject to over-the-limit (or over-limit) fees. This credit card fee is typically up to $35, but it can't be greater than the amount you spend over your limit. So if you spend $20 over your limit, the fee can't exceed $20.

Can I still use my credit card if I'm over my limit?

You cannot use your credit card if you exceed the limit. Your transactions are usually declined when you exceed your credit limit, also known as being maxed out. Here's what happens when you exceed the limit:

Can I use my credit card if I'm over my credit limit?

You cannot use your credit card if you exceed the limit. Your transactions are usually declined when you exceed your credit limit, also known as being maxed out. Here's what happens when you exceed the limit:

What happens if you accidentally spend over your credit limit?

If you've hit—or surpassed—a credit card limit, it may cause the issuers of your other credit cards to lower your credit line—even if you haven't maxed out those other credit cards. By maxing out your credit card, you could: Negatively impact your credit score by increasing your credit utilization.

Can we use credit card after limit exceeded?

The transaction can only go through with your approval. The problem with exceeding your credit limit is that you will pay extra interest on the excess money. This often amounts to 2.5% to 5% of the additional funds you have accessed.

MAX OUT A CREDIT CARD? Is it THAT bad? What happens if you hit your credit limit (but pay it off)?

19 related questions found

Is it OK to go over credit card limit?

Going over your credit limit usually does not immediately impact your credit, particularly if you pay down your balance to keep the account in good standing. However, an account that remains over its limit for a period of time could be declared delinquent, and the issuer could close the account.

Can I spend more than my card limit?

For starters, being over your credit card limit could mean we decline any new transactions. This might include automatic payments or direct debts, like gym memberships or online streaming subscriptions.

What if I exceed my credit card limit?

The penalty for exceeding the credit limit is usually charged as a percentage of the over limit transaction amount. For instance, the bank may specify a 2% charge on over limit amounts subject to a minimum of ₹500. Further, these charges also attract GST at 18% on the fees charged.

What happens if I go over my daily spending limit?

Your debit card could be declined when you have money because you've exceeded your daily purchase limit. Your debit card could also be declined if you traveled to another country and didn't notify your bank. Banks enforce these limitations on debit cards to keep your money safe.

What happens if I make a purchase above my credit limit?

Your available credit limit considers both your posted and pending transactions. If you spend more than your available credit, over limit fees will apply.

Can I use credit card over limit by adding money?

Generally, banks may approve transactions surpassing the credit limit as a service gesture, provided the cardholder has consented. While there are no strict rules governing Credit Card over limit usage, utilising this facility only in exceptional circumstances is advisable.

Can I spend more than my credit limit credit one?

A cardholder must opt in to allow transactions over their credit line to be made in exchange for this penalty being assessed. If a cardholder does not opt in, any transactions that will exceed their credit line will most likely be declined.

How much should I spend if my credit limit is $1000?

A good guideline is the 30% rule: Use no more than 30% of your credit limit to keep your debt-to-credit ratio strong. Staying under 10% is even better. In a real-life budget, the 30% rule works like this: If you have a card with a $1,000 credit limit, it's best not to have more than a $300 balance at any time.

Will my credit card work over limit?

It's possible to charge more than your credit line allows, however. But if you go over your credit limit, your purchase may be approved or denied. If it's approved, you may have to pay fees or a higher interest rate.

How much will it cost in fees to transfer a $1000 balance to this card?

Balance transfer fee. This fee will typically be 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, which translates to $30 to $50 per $1,000 transferred. The lower the fee, the better, but even with a fee on the high end, your interest savings might easily make up for the cost.

How long does over limit stay on credit?

How long will going over the limit show on my credit report? Being over the limit should only affect your credit score as long as the balance is unpaid. Once you pay down the card, your score should recover as the credit card issuer reports the new balance to the credit reference agencies.

Can I withdraw more than my daily limit?

To work around ATM withdrawal limits, you can call the bank and request a limit increase, adjust your withdrawal limits using the mobile app, get cash back at checkout or withdraw from a linked savings account. If your bank or credit union has bank branches, you can withdraw larger amounts by stopping by in person.

What happens if I go over my credit limit but pay it off?

Initially, no. As long as you pay your bills on time, even if you exceed your limit, your credit score won't change. It may even improve because you're doing what you're supposed to. But if you don't pay your bill by your statement date, your credit score will take a hit.

Do I need to notify my bank when making a large purchase?

In summary. If you're going to put a large expense on your credit card, it is generally a good idea to notify your card issuer before you make the purchase, if possible.

Can I use my credit card if I'm over my limit?

If you go over your credit limit, your card could be declined. If you're part of the optional over-the-limit coverage program, you could also be charged a fee for each billing cycle that you exceed your credit limit. Your credit card company must tell you how much these fees are before you opt in.

What happens if I spend more than my credit card limit?

Any approved transactions above your credit limit are subject to over-the-limit (or over-limit) fees. This credit card fee is typically up to $35, but it can't be greater than the amount you spend over your limit. So if you spend $20 over your limit, the fee can't exceed $20.

Can I still use my credit card even if it maxed out?

A card that's maxed out typically can't be used for more charges until the balance drops back down below the limit. And that only happens if you make the necessary payments. Not being able to use the card isn't the only consequence of exceeding your credit limit, though.

Can I use a credit card beyond the limit?

According to the RBI FAQs, “Usage of a credit card beyond the sanctioned credit limit (i.e., overlimit) requires prior explicit consent of the cardholder, as a fraud minimisation mechanism.

Can I go over my daily spending limit?

Keeping your daily spending limit at an appropriate level can help reduce the amount of money a thief could steal daily. Your debit card may be declined if you try to spend more than the spending limit. However, some financial institutions may be able to increase your debit card's daily spending limit.

What happens if I overdraw my credit card?

An overdraft transaction usually incurs a fee (overdraft fees average around $35 and could be charged each day you are overdrawn according to the FDIC).