How to Increase Your East West Bank Credit Card Limit

If you’ve been using your East West Bank USA credit card responsibly and find yourself needing more purchasing power, you might be wondering how to increase your credit limit. A higher credit limit can improve your credit utilization ratio, provide financial flexibility, and even help in emergencies—but how do you get there?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to request a credit limit increase from East West Bank USA, what factors influence their decision, and how to maximize your chances of approval.

Why Would You Want a Higher Credit Limit?

Before jumping into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” A credit limit increase isn’t just about spending more—it can actually benefit your financial health in several ways:

1. Lower Credit Utilization Ratio – Using less than 30% of your available credit is good for your credit score. A higher limit (without increasing spending) helps keep this ratio low.
2. Emergency Preparedness – Unexpected expenses happen. A higher limit can act as a financial safety net.
3. Better Rewards & Perks – If you use your card for travel, cashback, or other rewards, a higher limit means more earning potential.
4. Improved Creditworthiness – Consistently managing a higher limit can make you more attractive to lenders in the future.

Now, let’s get into how East West Bank USA handles credit limit increases.

How East West Bank USA Decides on Credit Limit Increases

East West Bank, like most financial institutions, considers several factors before approving a credit limit increase:

✅ Payment History – Do you pay on time, every time? Late payments hurt your chances.
✅ Credit Score – A higher FICO score (typically 700+) improves approval odds.
✅ Income & Employment Status – Can you handle more credit? Updated income verification helps.
✅ Current Credit Utilization – Using too much of your existing limit may raise red flags.
✅ Account Age & Relationship with the Bank – Long-term customers often have better luck.

East West Bank may offer automatic increases to eligible customers, but if you don’t want to wait, you can request one yourself.

How to Request a Credit Limit Increase with East West Bank

Option 1: Automatic Increase (No Action Needed)

Some cardholders receive automatic limit increases based on their spending habits and payment history. If East West Bank sees that you’re managing your account well, they might proactively raise your limit.

How to Check:

• Log in to your East West Bank online account.
• Look for notifications about credit limit changes.
• Check your monthly statements for updates.

Option 2: Request a Credit Limit Increase Online

If you’d rather not wait, you can submit a formal request:

1. Log in to your East West Bank account (via their website or mobile app).
2. Navigate to the “Credit Card Services” section.
3. Look for “Credit Limit Increase Request” (if available).
4. Fill out the form (you may need to provide updated income details).
5. Submit & wait for a response (typically within a few business days).

Option 3: Call Customer Service

If online requests aren’t available, a phone call can work:

1. Dial East West Bank’s customer service at 1-800-537-1830.
2. Request to speak with the credit department about a limit increase.
3. Be prepared to verify:
   • Your current income
   • Employment status
   • Reason for the request (optional but helpful)
4. They may perform a soft or hard credit pull (ask which one to avoid surprises).

Option 4: Visit a Branch (For Personalized Help)

If you prefer face-to-face interaction, you can:

• Locate your nearest East West Bank branch here.
• Bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements).
• Speak with a banker who can guide you through the process.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval

Want the best shot at getting that higher limit? Follow these best practices:

1. Boost Your Credit Score First

• Pay bills on time (set up autopay if needed).
• Pay down existing balances (aim for <30% utilization).
• Dispute any errors on your credit report.

2. Increase Your Reported Income

• Got a raise? Update your income in your East West Bank profile.
• Include all sources (side hustles, bonuses, investments).

3. Use Your Card Regularly (But Responsibly)

• East West Bank likes to see active, responsible usage.
• Avoid maxing out your card—consistent, moderate spending is better.

4. Wait at Least 6 Months Between Requests

• Asking too soon can signal financial instability.
• Build a strong history with the bank first.

5. Avoid Applying for Other Credit Around the Same Time

• Multiple hard inquiries can hurt your score temporarily.

What If Your Request Is Denied?

Don’t panic—denials happen. Here’s what to do next:

1. Ask for the Reason – East West Bank must provide an explanation.
2. Fix the Issue – If it’s low income or high debt, work on improving those areas.
3. Try Again in 6 Months – Build better habits before reapplying.
4. Consider a Different Card – If East West Bank won’t budge, another card (even within the same bank) might be an option.