If you earn a high income and have an excellent credit score, you might qualify for a credit card that offers a higher credit limit than standard cards. This means that rather than having a credit limit of say, £2,000, you might be able to take advantage of a credit limit of £12,000 or more.
Many of these high-limit credit cards also come with a range of exclusive benefits.
A premium credit card with a high credit limit might suit your lifestyle, but which are the best high-limit credit cards to choose? We've taken a look in this guide.
| Card Name | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 2. American Express Centurion Black Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 3. British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 4. MBNA Balance Transfer Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 5. Santander World Elite Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 6. American Express Platinum Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 7. NatWest Reward Black Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 8. Harrods American Express Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 9. Coutts Silk Charge Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 10. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
What are High-Limit Credit Cards?
High-limit credit cards are simply those that offer a much higher credit limit than most standard cards. Often this will be in the tens of thousands.
This type of credit card is ideal if you are a wealthy customer with an exceptional credit score and have a very high income – typically this will be at least £50,000 a year but usually much more.
High-limit credit cards can be ideal if you regularly spend a lot on your credit card – maybe you want to pay for an expensive holiday or major home improvements.
They can also be a good option if you are looking to consolidate existing card debts on to a balance transfer card and take advantage of a lower interest rate.
Many high-limit credit cards will also offer a range of rewards, such as Airmiles, travel insurance, breakdown cover, airport lounge access and tickets to events.
However, it's crucial to remember that you will need to repay whatever you spend on your credit card and if you don't pay off the balance in full each month, interest will usually be charged. Also be aware that some of the most premium cards will charge an annual fee.
High Limit Credit Cards Pros and Cons
There are several pros and cons when looking at the best high-limit credit cards and what they offer customers.
If you have considered applying for a credit card with a higher credit limit, you must consider these pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Higher capacity to spend — With high-limit credit cards, your spending power significantly increases. You can access higher amounts of cash than lower-limit credit cards that can restrict your capacity to make purchases as you wish. | ❌️ Access to premium credit cards depends on income — If you do not earn the specified minimum income requirement or you have a bad credit history, you will most likely not be eligible for a high-limit credit card. |
| ✔️ Easy debt consolidation — Choose a credit card with a higher credit limit, and you can focus on easy debt consolidation by transferring your debt from multiple cards to a credit card that charges no interest for a set time. | ❌️ Potentially high-interest charges — If you don't pay off your credit card balance in full each month, you'll be charged interest (unless your card has a 0% promotional offer). Rates can be higher for these premium cards. |
| ✔️ Exclusive rewards are available with high-limit credit cards — Many high-limit cards offer a range of rewards. These can include airport lounge access, cashback, and travel insurance. These rewards vary from provider to provider. | ❌️ High annual fees — Along with high-interest charges, a higher annual fee usually applies to a credit card with high credit limits. These fees might not be a problem if you have the financial capacity to pay them, but consider this disadvantage before you select a high-limit credit card. |
| ✔️ Improving credit utilisation ratio — Your credit utilisation is the amount of available credit you've used, and it's best to keep it below 30%. Having a higher credit limit can help you to reduce your credit utilisation ratio and boost your credit score. | ❌️ Potential for high debt — Despite being tailored to high-income earners, if your circumstances suddenly change and you cannot make your repayments, you could rack up a lot of debt with this type of card. |
| ✔️ Purchase protection — You can receive enhanced purchase protection with high-limit credit card providers. |
10 Best High-Limit Credit Cards UK — Reviews
Having looked at the advantages and disadvantages of high-limit credit cards, all that remains is considering which options are ideal for your requirements.
Here, we have gathered the best high-limit cards ideal for balance transfers, frequent flyers and high-income earners.
1. Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card
Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card
Credit Limit
Representative % APR (variable)
24.9% APR
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0% interest on purchases for up to 21 months from the date you open your account.
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0% interest for up to 20 months on balance transfers from the date you open your account. Transfers must be made within 60 days to benefit from the 0% offer.
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3.45% balance transfer fee (terms apply).
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 24.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
The Barclaycard Platinum credit card does not specify a maximum credit limit. Credit card applicants will receive a personalised credit limit, depending on their income and credit score.
This card is a great option for spreading the cost of your spending or consolidating card debt. That's because it offers up to 21 months at 0% on purchases and up to 20 months interest-free on balance transfers. There's a 3.45% transfer fee to pay.
Be aware that if you don't pay off your balance before the 0% period ends, interest will kick in at a rate of 24.9% variable.
2. American Express Centurion Black Card
American Express Centurion Black Card
Credit Limit
N/A
Representative % APR (variable)
N/A
-
24/7 Centurion concierge service.
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Membership rewards.
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Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across more than 140 countries worldwide.
American Express offers Centurion Black Card on an invitation only basis.
The American Express Centurion card is an ultra-exclusive card with no credit limit. You won't be able to apply for this credit card, as it's offered by invitation only.
You can expect to pay an annual fee of around £2,200 for this card, plus an initiation fee of £3,000. If you use the card overseas, a 2.99% foreign transaction fee applies.
As this card is a charge card, not a credit card, you must pay off your balance in full every month. You can't carry over a balance from one month to the next. That means there is no annual percentage rate with this card.
Being a charge card also means your purchases will not be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, but there are other perks. For example, a cardholder can receive up to £2,500 in replacement or repair costs if the item they purchase gets damaged within 90 days. This cost also covers items that get stolen. The maximum cover in any 12 months is £20,000.
In addition, cardholders can earn membership rewards points that can be used with travel partners, restaurants, retailers and Amazon. Airport lounge access is also included.
3. British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
Credit Limit
Minimum £700
Representative % APR (variable)
113.1% APR
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Collect 1.5x Avios for every £1 spent on purchases.
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Invite friends, get rewarded.
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Annual fee £250.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 31.0% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 113.1% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
While the minimum credit limit for the British Airways American Express Premium Plus card is £700, the maximum credit limit will depend on your circumstances, credit history and income.
The card charges an annual fee of £250 but you'll earn Avios as you spend. You can earn 3 x Avios for purchases made with British Airways or BA Holidays and 1.5 x Avios for every £1 spent elsewhere. You will also earn 25,000 bonus Avios if you spend £3,000 in your first three months of card membership and you can earn extra points for referring friends.
Furthermore, if you spend £10,000 in a year, you'll get a companion voucher that allows you to take someone else with you on a flight. Or if you're travelling on your own, get a 50% discount on the Avios price you pay for your flight.
The card also offers travel accident insurance and travel inconvenience insurance.
If you use the card abroad, you'll pay a 2.99% foreign transaction fee. Other fees to consider include late payment and returned payment fees, which both equate to £12.
4. MBNA Balance Transfer Credit Card
MBNA Balance Transfer Credit Card
Credit Limit
Minimum £100
Representative % APR (variable)
22.9% APR
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Money transfer fee 3.49%.
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Interest-free period up to 14 months.
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Get an introductory rate. This could save you interest on the balances you transfer and give you longer to repay.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 22.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 22.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
You can discover your credit limit with MBNA by using its credit card eligibility checker, and your credit limit will depend on your specific financial circumstances.
The card offers several months interest-free on balance transfers, but interest will kick in after this. Interest also applies to purchases. In terms of other costs, there is a £12 fee to pay if you default on balance repayments or are late to make a repayment.
If you want to take advantage of rewards, you'll get up to 15% cashback via MBNA's Smart Rewards when you spend at selected retailers.
5. Santander World Elite Card
Santander World Elite Card
Credit Limit
Subject to status
Representative % APR (variable)
49.8%
-
For Santander Select and Private Banking customers only.
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Access to over 1,400 airport lounges with LoungeKey.
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£15 monthly fee.
If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 18.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 49.8% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
This exclusive credit card offers a range of travel-related rewards, but to qualify, you'll need to be a Santander Select or Private Banking customer. You can use Santander's eligibility checker to find out what your credit limit will be before you apply in full.
The card offers access to more than 1,400 airport lounges around the world, global data roaming and a 40% discount on Santander travel insurance when you apply online. There are also no foreign transaction fees for using your card overseas.
What's more, you can earn 0.5% cashback on your spending (up to £15 a month) and enjoy 0% interest on your purchases and balance transfers for 18 months. There's no transfer fee, but there is a £15 monthly fee with this card.
6. American Express Platinum Credit Card
American Express Platinum Credit Card
Credit Limit
Minimum £700
Representative % APR (variable)
704.6% APR
-
1X points on purchases for every £1 spent.
-
Annual fee £650.
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Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across more than 140 countries worldwide.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 31.0% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 704.6% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
The American Express Platinum credit card's annual fee is a pricey £650, so you'll need to think carefully before applying for this card.
If you don't pay off your balance in full each month, you'll be charged 31.0% and late payments incur a £12 fee.
The main benefit of this credit card is that you can earn reward points as you spend. You'll get 2x points for every £1 spent at amextravel.co.uk and 1x point for every £1 spent elsewhere. Bonus points are also available. You can redeem points at a range of shopping, travel and lifestyle partners.
You'll also benefit from worldwide travel insurance, airport lounge access, Harvey Nichols Lifestyle credit and hotel offers.
This card is ideal for those who want to increase their spending power and make travel-related transactions or receive some of the perks that come with being a cardholder.
7. NatWest Reward Black Credit Card
NatWest Reward Black Credit Card
Credit Limit
Minimum £5,000
Representative % APR (variable)
40.7% APR
-
Rewards when you spend.
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No foreign transaction fees.
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Annual fee £84.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 40.7% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
This is another good credit card for keen travellers. The NatWest Reward Black Card has an annual fee of £84, but this is waived if you have a NatWest Black current account. The card has a minimum credit limit of £5,000.
There are no foreign transaction fees to use this card abroad, although ATM fees still apply.
When you spend on your NatWest Black Rewards card, you can earn reward points – you'll get 1% back at supermarkets and 1% to 15% back at selected retailers. You can earn 0.5% everywhere else. Once you've earned at least £5 in rewards, you can bank them, donate them to charity or trade them for gift cards to use at selected retailers.
8. Harrods American Express Card
Harrods American Express Card
Credit Limit
N/A
Representative % APR (variable)
N/A
-
Annual fee £150.
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Amex offers.
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Harrods rewards point for every £1 spent outside of Harrods.
The Harrods American Express® Card offers unrivalled member-only benefits, available exclusively to Black and Gold Tier Rewards members.
With this charge card from Harrods and American Express, cardholders can look forward to tailor-made exclusive experiences that match their spending habits.
You'll earn reward points as you spend which can be redeemed in Harrods, but you will also get access to exclusive events and services. You'll earn 1 point for every £1 spent outside of Harrods, and 2 additional points for every £1 spent in-store.
The card has an annual fee of £195 and to qualify you must be a Gold or Black Tier member of Harrods Rewards.
9. Coutts Silk Charge Card
Coutts Silk Charge Card
Credit Limit
Subject to status
Representative % APR (variable)
0% APR
-
No annual fee.
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Available exclusively to Coutts Private Banking clients.
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High monthly spending limit.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 0% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 0% APR (variable).
The Coutts Silk charge card is highly exclusive. This means you can only access a Coutts Silk card if you are a Coutts client and meet certain eligibility criteria such a minimum annual income and high credit rating. If you qualify, you'll receive a high monthly spending limit and access to a range of privileges and benefits.
The Coutts Silk card has no annual fees, and you will not incur any extra, additional charges for non-sterling transactions abroad.
Specific rewards are available with the Coutts Silk card, such as access to more than 1,000 lounges in airports across the globe, and a Coutts concierge service.
Other specific rewards programs with the Coutts Silk card include spa and dining deals, access to world-class restaurants and exclusive event tickets .
As this is a charge card, you must clear your balance each month.
10. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
Credit Limit
Minimum £5,000
Representative % APR (variable)
59.3% APR
-
Anniversary reward points.
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Airport lounge access.
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Annual fee £195.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 18.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 59.3% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
HSBC Premier credit cards are ideal for high-earning customers looking for rewards points, programs, and perks. This Premier World Elite card has an £195 annual fee. There is also a minimum credit limit of £5,000.
Some of the benefits of the HSBC Premier World Elite card include earning rewards points you can redeem for frequent flyer miles and luxury wines. You can donate to charity with this credit card or receive vouchers for selected stores. You'll also get airport lounge access.
To access this credit card, you must be an existing HSBC Premier or Private Banking Account customer, with a minimum income requirement of £75,000. Eligibility also requires you to have £5,000 worth of savings or investments with HSBC.
Best High-Limit Credit Cards to Choose: The Verdict
To choose the best high-limit credit card, you must carefully compare each provider in terms of rewards, annual fees, 0% balance transfer and purchase offers, and the maximum credit limit to find the right option for you.
We also recommend considering your annual income and credit history before applying for a high-limit credit card. It's important to check the eligibility criteria carefully.
Having a high-limit credit card can increase the chances of you overspending, and unless your card offers a 0% purchase deal, it's crucial that you repay your balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges.
