JCPenney Credit Card Limit Increase: How to Request It and Get It

You can put in a JCPenney credit increase request by logging in to your account online or by calling JCPenney Credit Card Customer Service at (800) 542-0800. Credit limit increases are determined based on your annual net income and your credit score. Keep in mind that JCPenney will do a “hard pull” on your credit report, which can negatively affect your credit score by a few points. That may be worth it though — a higher credit limit means you’ll have a lower utilization ratio, which will benefit your credit score (assuming your spending remains the same).

How to Increase Your JCPenney Credit Card Limit

When You Can Apply for a Higher Limit

After you are approved for a JCPenney Credit Card, you will be given an introductory credit limit. Thirty days after your initial approval, you can request a credit limit increase. If you are denied a credit increase, you must wait at least 30 days before reapplying for an increase.

How to Request a Credit Limit Increase

There are two ways to request a credit increase on your JCPenney Credit Card:

1. Online: You can request a credit limit increase online by signing in to your JCPenney Credit Card account. Once signed in, you can click on “Request a credit line increase” and complete the application.
2. Over the phone: You can request a credit limit increase over the phone by calling JCPenney Credit Card Customer Service at (800) 542-0800.

Approval for a credit limit increase will be determined based on your annual net income (the amount left over after taxes and other deductions) and your credit score. Other factors that may affect the likelihood of approval include previous late payments and an outstanding balance on your credit card. It is a good idea to make sure your account is paid in full before requesting an increase.

Keep in mind that JCPenney Credit Card Customer Service does a “hard pull” on your credit report when considering approving a credit limit increase. A hard pull can negatively affect your credit score by a few points.

Why Request a Higher Credit Limit?

You may be tempted to ask for a higher credit limit because your card is currently maxed out or you’re looking to make a big purchase. But a better reason to request an increase is to boost your credit score, not your purchasing power. Credit bureaus look for a low credit utilization ratio — or the amount of credit available to you versus the total amount of your credit card balances. So, the more credit you have available and the lower your credit card balances are, the higher your credit score will be. Utilization rates start to negatively affect your credit score when you card balances are 30% or more of your total available credit.

Apply for a JCPenney Credit Card

The JCPenney Credit Card is issued by Synchrony Bank. You can apply for a JCPenney Credit Card online or in person at your nearest JCPenney store with a valid photo ID. To apply, you will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, address, phone number, and your annual net income. You should be able to find out right away if you are approved for a JCPenney Credit Card. (If you are not immediately approved, you can expect to receive an explanation in the mail within seven to 10 business days.)

If you are approved, the amount of your initial credit limit will depend on your annual net income and your credit score; the higher your credit score, the higher your credit limit will be.

JCPenney cardholders are automatically enrolled in a rewards programs and are eligible for savings and coupons right away.

In Summary

Now you know how to get a JCPenney credit card limit increase. You can apply for a JCPenney Credit Card online or in person at a JCPenney store with a valid photo ID. Once approved, you have to wait at least 30 days before you can request a credit limit increase. To request an increase, sign in to your JCPenney Credit Card account or call JCPenney Credit Card Customer Service.

To learn more about store credit cards, see our article: The Easiest Store Credit Cards to Get.