Regardless of how much cash is in your checking account, a daily debit-card limit can cause a transaction to be declined.
Peter Gwaltney, president and CEO at the North Carolina Bankers Association, ran into a problem with daily debit-card limits while purchasing a new engine. He says there was plenty of money in his account, but the transaction was declined. So he called his bank.
“They raised the limit for that day to the amount that I asked for based on the transaction that I was anticipating,” Gwaltney says. “And everything worked fine.”
The daily debit-card limit is typically several thousand dollars, though it varies among banks. Those who regularly use their debit card and make large purchases from time to time may want to request a higher daily debit-card limit from their bank.
Why are there debit-card limits?
Debit-card limits help protect the account from fraudulent activity by preventing sudden, excessive purchases.
Keeping your daily debit-card limit at a level that is appropriate for your spending can help reduce the amount of money someone who’s stolen your debit card, or debit-card information, can spend in a day.
It’s also important to keep track of account activity, either by regularly checking up on the account online or signing up for transaction alerts.
How to increase your debit-card limit
1. Find out the limit that the bank sets
Unlike credit cards, whose limits can be easily found on bank statements, online or on a mobile app, finding the limit on a debit card takes a bit more leg work.
Some ways to check the daily limit on your debit card include calling your bank, visiting a branch or reading the account disclosure or agreement.
Certain banks consider secure messaging a safe way to disclose this information. Check with your bank for its policy.
Finding out your limit before a large purchase can save time and possibly prevent a declined transaction.
2. Ask your bank for a daily limit change
Contact your bank to see if it would increase your daily debit-card limit on signature and PIN-based purchases.
“Temporary debit-card purchase limit requests can be made at any of our branch locations or via our customer care center, but are not automatic,” says Sean Baker, executive vice president, individual consumer experience at First National Bank of Omaha. “Raising the limit on the plastic will not guarantee the charge will be approved.”
There are separate debit-card and ATM withdrawal limits, so if being able to withdraw large sums of cash is a concern, ask to change the daily ATM withdrawal limit, too.
3. Consider how long you want this change for
Your bank may ask whether you want the limit change to be permanent or temporary. A one-time purchase, such as an engine or an engagement ring, might not warrant a permanent daily debit-card limit increase.
Gwaltney says when he called from the repair shop, the bank asked him how long he needed his new limit. He requested the limit to be increased only for that day.
Some consumers, however, may want a daily limit decrease.
A parent who shares a joint checking account with a student, for example, may ask the bank to decrease the student’s daily debit-card limit to teach them how not to overspend. It could also help limit the chances of incurring overdraft fees.
Examples of default debit card limits at well-known banks
These are the default daily limits at some well-known banks. It may be possible to increase these limits by contacting the bank.
| Bank | Daily debit card limit |
|---|---|
| Ally Bank | $2,000 for the first 30 days, then $5,000 |
| Bank of America | $1,000 |
| Capital One | $5,000 (including ATM withdrawals) |
| Chase | $3,000, or $7,500 for Private Client accounts |
| Citibank | $5,000 for most accounts |
Alternatives for making larger purchases
A debit-card purchase requires that you have the money in your checking account at the time of purchase. Not having that money available could result in an overdraft fee or the transaction being declined. To avoid facing fees or getting declined, consider alternatives, including:
- Credit cards. A credit card could be an option for those looking to pay off a larger purchase in increments, though credit cards have limits, too.
- Wire transfers. You can move money electronically from one bank account to another through a wire transfer. Keep in mind each bank might have its own fees for incoming and outgoing wire transfers. You might also face a fee if it’s domestic or international transfers, but typically, it’s an instantaneous transfer of money between accounts.
- Personal loan. If you have a large, lump-sum amount you need right away, you might want to use a personal loan to cover costs. You can use a personal loan for just about anything, whether it’s expanding your family, covering an emergency or consolidating your debt.
–Freelance writer Dori Zinn updated this article.
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