How To Increase Debit Card Limits (2024)

Imagine swiping your debit card to make a large purchase and getting declined—even though you checked to make sure there’s enough money in your account.

Many debit cards have daily purchase and withdrawal limits that apply regardless of your balance. If you try to make a purchase above what your bank allows, it likely won’t go through.

However, it’s sometimes possible to increase your debit card limits both temporarily and permanently.

How To Increase Your Debit Card Limit

If you’re planning to make a large purchase and want to use your debit card, you may need to increase your debit card limit beforehand to ensure the transaction goes through. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Determine your debit card’s limits.

If you haven’t checked already, log into your account or call your bank to see what your debit card limits are. Your debit card likely comes with both a daily withdrawal limit for ATM withdrawals and a daily purchase limit for purchases, the latter of which tends to be much higher. Debit card limits can vary by bank and by account, and your account’s limit might not be at the higher end of the bank’s range. If this is the case, you might have some room to ask for an increase.

2. Request a debit card limit increase.

You may be able to request a limit increase by logging on to your account online and navigating to the section that allows you to manage your debit card. If not, you can call the number on the back of your debit card to speak with a customer service representative. They will likely ask what the increase is for and how long you’ll need it to be in place. They may approve a permanent increase on your account’s limits, or they may only allow for a temporary increase of 24 hours. If you’re at the bank’s maximum limit already, they might not allow for an increase at all, in which case you’ll want to consider the alternatives discussed below.

3. Confirm the increase has been approved.

Before you pull out your debit card to complete a purchase, confirm with a customer service representative that the new limit was approved. It can take time for the change to take effect, so it’s good to verify that the adjustment has occurred. While you’re at it, also confirm the length of time of the limit increase so you know when the original limit will be reinstated.

What Is the Maximum Limit on a Debit Card?

The maximum daily limits on a debit card vary by bank and account. Typical debit card ATM withdrawal limits range from $300 to $1,500 per day, while debit card spending limits usually range from $2,000 to $7,000. Purchase or spending limits may include ATM withdrawals.

If you need to withdraw cash from an ATM in large amounts, check the ATM withdrawal limits at popular banks. If you’re wanting to know how much you can spend with your debit card each day, here are some of the spending limits for large national banks:

Your daily limit can vary based on who you bank with and what type of account you have. A standard Chase debit card, for example, comes with a $5,000 daily spending limit, a $3,000 in-branch ATM withdrawal limit, and a $500 to $1,000 withdrawal limit at other ATMs. But if you have a Chase Private Client Checking℠, the Chase Private Client Debit Card comes with a $7,500 daily spending limit, a $3,000 in-branch ATM withdrawal limit, and a withdrawal limit of $2,000 to $3,000 at other ATMs. It’s important to confirm your particular account’s limits.

Why Does a Debit Card Have a Limit?

Unlike credit cards, which come with built-in consumer protections, your debit card is exposed to fraud. If someone steals your debit card number, it can be difficult to stop them from draining your checking account.

Daily debit card limits are in place to protect you in the event this happens. It mitigates the risk of losing everything and acts as a fraud detection mechanism to warn you if someone is trying to make a large unauthorized purchase using your card.

How To Check Your Debit Card Limit

The easiest way to check your debit card limit is to check with your bank directly. Some banks, like Chase, post daily debit card transaction limits right on their website. Other banks, like Wells Fargo, prefer you to manage your card limit through the mobile banking app instead.

If you can’t find the information online, you can call your bank’s customer care center or speak with a teller the next time you’re in a branch. You can also refer to the paperwork you received when you opened your account. The daily debit card limit is usually provided there as well.

Options for Making Larger Purchases

There are legitimate reasons for wanting to make a large purchase with your debit card. Fortunately, it isn’t the only way to pay for things. Here are some alternatives to consider.

Withdraw Money With a Bank Teller

Debit card limits only apply to point-of-sale purchases and ATM withdrawals. If you’re able to visit a branch and speak with a teller in person, you can withdraw as much money as you’d like. Be cautious when carrying around large sums of cash.

Use a Paper Check

While paying with a paper check might seem old-fashioned, it might actually be your best option for making a large purchase. As long as there is enough money in your account for the check to clear, you can write a check for as much as you want.

Try a Peer-to-Peer Payment App

If the merchant you’re purchasing from accepts payment via apps like Venmo, PayPal and Cash App, you might be able to get away with making a larger purchase than you’re able to by swiping your debit card. That’s because these apps complete transactions via ACH transfer, and many banks have daily ACH transfer limits that are higher than their daily purchase limits.

Arrange a Wire Transfer

There are limits to wire transfers, but they’re customarily much higher than typical limits on a debit card. The only major downside of this option is that it usually comes with fees. The person sending the wire and the person receiving the wire will each be charged a separate fee, which typically ranges between $15 to $40 for domestic transfers, and varies by financial institution.

Use a Credit Card

A credit card is often the easiest option for making a large purchase. Unlike debit cards, credit cards add a layer of protection between you and your bank account. They aren’t directly connected, and almost all credit cards come with extra consumer protections. If you purchase something and you aren’t satisfied with the service or the product is defective, you may be able to ask your credit card company to step in and negotiate a refund on your behalf. A 0% APR credit card can even help you break a larger purchase into smaller payments.

However, credit cards come with high interest rates and the risk of falling into debt, and this is particularly true of credit cards with attractive bonus offers like a 0% introductory APR. If you’re going to use a credit card to make a large purchase, be sure to avoid interest by paying off your balance in full each month or before the introductory 0% APR period ends.

Pay With a Buy Now, Pay Later App

Similar to a credit card, Buy Now, Pay Later apps like AfterPay and Klarna allow you to break bills into smaller payments. Where BNPL apps are different is that they typically withdraw the payment from your bank account at regular intervals over a period of time.

This can be a good option if you don’t have established credit or if your large purchase might put you over your credit limit. The downside is that if you don’t have the cash to cover the installment payments, you can wind up being charged fees and tumble into debt.