There are any number of reasons why your current credit limit on your credit card is too low–maybe your bank is starting people with low limits because of a down economy, or maybe you first applied for your credit card when you didn’t have your currently-improved credit file. Did you know you can get a higher credit limit?

Why You Might Want a Higher Credit Limit

Having a higher credit limit isn’t just about wanting a larger line of credit. Even if you pay off your credit card balance in full every month, a higher credit limit might appeal to you.

Let’s say you have a credit card with a $5000 limit. Let’s also say it’s a rewards card (like the Citibank Platinum credit card). You put most of your purchases and payments on your credit card to accrue rewards points, including regular travel expenses. You also pay off the balance in full every month.

By the time you’ve paid your mobile bill, go out, your utilities, groceries and other basic expenses for the month, you may not have enough of a balance left on the card to book your next trip accommodations when you want to. You’re not interested in a higher limit as a loan, but as an issue of convenience, allowing you to charge all your monthly expenses which you’ll then repay (rewards points attached). It’s a valid reason for wanting a higher credit limit.

How to Get a Higher Credit Limit

There are several things you should do if you want to get a higher credit card limit. For example:

1. Pay off your debt in full every month. If you’re the type of customer who builds a large balance and only pays the minimum monthly payment, you’re showing the bank that you may be a higher lending risk. Why would they lend you more money if you’re high risk?

2. Ask for it. Sometimes consumers are eligible for credit line increases and they don’t even know it. You can always call your credit card company to ask for consideration. Sometimes the credit card company will even let you apply for instant approval of a credit limit increase online.

3. Update your income information. If your current income level is significantly higher than it was when you first applied for and received your credit card, update your credit card company. With a higher income level, you may be eligible for a higher credit limit, whereas you wouldn’t be based on the information they have on file for you.

In the end, one of the most important things you can do if you eventually are going to want a higher credit limit is to remain a loyal customer. You’ll have a better chance of negotiating with your credit card company if you’ve always paid your annual fees, kept your balance under control, and demonstrated that you’re not a high-risk customer over the years.

If nothing else, that edge enables you to pit another credit card company’s offer and limit against their own if they’re hesitant to increase your credit line. If they know it comes down to the higher credit limit for a good customer or losing that customer altogether, they may suddenly decide you’re worth keeping after all.