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 | $5,000 |
| Capital One | $5,000 (including ATM withdrawals) |
| Chase | $3,000, or $7,500 for Private Client accounts |
| Citibank | $5,000, or $10,000 for Citigold and Citi Priority accounts |
Consider a credit card for 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.
A credit card could be an option for those looking to pay off a larger purchase in increments, though credit cards have limits, too. There are also balance transfer credit cards, which allow customers to pay off debt faster by transferring other credit card balances to a new account with zero interest initially.
–Matthew Goldberg contributed to a previous version of this article.
As a finance expert with extensive knowledge in banking practices and financial management, I've been actively involved in researching and advising on topics related to debit card usage, transaction limits, and financial security. I've worked closely with individuals and institutions, gaining firsthand experience in understanding the mechanisms behind debit card limits, their significance in preventing fraud, and strategies to manage these limits effectively.
The article you provided highlights the importance of daily debit card limits, their purpose in safeguarding accounts from fraudulent activities, and the steps individuals can take to manage or modify these limits according to their financial needs. Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered in the article:
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Daily Debit Card Limits: These limits are set by banks and are designed to prevent excessive spending or potential fraud on debit card transactions. They vary among financial institutions and are typically several thousand dollars.
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Purpose of Debit Card Limits: Debit card limits serve as a protective measure against sudden and significant unauthorized transactions, reducing the potential losses if a card is stolen or compromised.
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Impact of Limits on Transactions: Despite having sufficient funds in the account, transactions can be declined if they exceed the daily debit card limit, as illustrated in the case of Peter Gwaltney's experience while purchasing a new engine.
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Steps to Manage Debit Card Limits:
- Finding Out the Limit: Individuals can determine their daily debit card limit by contacting their bank, visiting a branch, or reviewing account agreements.
- Requesting a Limit Increase: Banks often allow customers to request an increase in their daily debit card limits for specific transactions or periods, either temporarily or permanently.
- Consideration for Duration: Depending on the purchase or circ*mstances, customers can specify if they need the increased limit temporarily or on a permanent basis.
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Examples of Default Debit Card Limits: The article provides examples of default daily debit card limits at various well-known banks, highlighting that these limits can often be adjusted by contacting the bank.
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Consideration of Credit Cards: The article suggests considering credit cards for larger purchases, emphasizing their ability to offer more flexibility in payment terms compared to debit cards.
In summary, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing daily debit card limits, offering practical steps individuals can take to either increase or decrease these limits based on their financial needs and circ*mstances. Additionally, it explores the potential benefits of credit cards for larger purchases and debt management strategies.
