Everything You Need to Know About the Self Credit Card Limit

The secured Self Visa® Credit Card works differently from traditional unsecured credit cards. Instead of assigning you a credit limit based on your credit score and other risk factors, Self lets you set your own limit using a refundable security deposit, starting as low as $100. This approach puts more control in your hands and makes the card accessible to people who want to build credit from the ground up, even if they’ve struggled to qualify for credit elsewhere.

Of course, your credit limit affects more than how much you can spend. It also plays a role in credit utilization, payment behavior, and long-term credit growth potential. A limit that’s too low might feel restrictive, while a higher limit may offer flexibility when you manage it responsibly. Understanding how the Self credit card limit works can help you use the card strategically rather than guessing how much available credit makes sense for your financial situation.

Read on to learn more about the minimum and maximum Self credit card limits, how the security deposit works, how to increase your credit limit over time, and why a higher credit limit could help support your credit-building goals. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Self Visa® Credit Card?

The Self Visa® Credit Card is a secured credit card available from Self. Instead of relying on a traditional credit check, the card features a refundable security deposit requirement that sets your credit limit on the account.

Approval for the Self Visa® Credit Card depends on your ability to meet eligibility requirements and fund the security deposit. To qualify for a new secured credit card from Self you generally need to:

• Be a permanent U.S. resident or citizen with a U.S. Social Security number.
• Share your income and expense information with Self.
• Have the ability to fund a minimum $100 security deposit.^[1]

This structure makes the Self Visa® Credit Card accessible to people with no credit as well as those working to rebuild bad credit after past challenges. Self reports card activity to the major credit bureaus—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. On-time payments can help build positive credit history over time.

What is the minimum Self credit card limit?

The minimum limit on the Self Visa Credit Card is $100.

To open a new secured credit card from Self, you must fund a security deposit of at least $100. The deposit becomes your initial credit limit on your new account. If you deposit $100, your credit limit starts at $100.

This low minimum deposit requirement keeps the Self credit card accessible while encouraging responsible credit use. Starting with a smaller credit limit may also help you avoid overspending, especially if you’re new to managing a credit card or if you’re rebuilding credit after financial setbacks.

What is the maximum Self credit card limit?

The maximum Self credit card limit is $3,000 for eligible cardholders.^[2]

This amount represents the total security deposit that eligible cardholders can move to their Self Visa® Credit Cards over time. You do not need to fund the full amount upfront. Instead, you can increase your deposit gradually as your budget allows, up to the $3,000 maximum credit limit.

Again, eligibility and account status matter. Your account must remain active and in good standing, and you control when and how much money you add to your security deposit. Once you reach the $3,000 cap, you cannot increase your Self credit card limit beyond that amount.

How to increase your Self credit card limit

Increasing your Self Visa Credit Card limit means increasing your security deposit. As long as your account stays active and in good standing, you determine when and how much money you add to your credit limit—up to the $3,000 maximum and based on eligibility.

Self currently offers three ways to fund or increase your security deposit depending on your original funding source.^{[3] [4]} Available options appear inside your Self app and may include the following.

Debit card

Funding your deposit with a debit is typically the fastest option. A debit card payment can open your Self Visa® Credit Card or increase the credit limit on your account within 24 hours after the payment processes. Many cardholders choose this method when they want quick access to a higher credit limit.

ACH bank account

Eligible cardholders can also fund their security deposits through a linked bank account. ACH payments typically take between one and five business days to process. Your account opens, or the credit limit on your account updates after the payment settles, and card shipping begins once the account becomes active.

Credit Build Account savings

If you meet additional eligibility requirements, you may be able to use money you’ve already paid into a Self Credit Builder Account to fund your security deposit. This option lets you increase your credit limit over time without making an extra out-of-pocket payment.

To qualify for this method, you need:

• An active Self Credit Builder account in good standing.
• At least $100 in savings progress after interest and fees.
• A history of on-time payments.

Meeting these minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee your eligibility. The Self app will show which funding options are available to you based on your account status and other factors.^[3]

Which option makes the most sense?

The best way to fund or increase your Self Visa® Credit Card depends on your timing and your budget. The same goes for choosing the credit limit that’s right for you.

A debit card may work well if you want fast access to the card or a higher limit. An ACH transfer could make sense if you prefer to use a bank account and don’t mind waiting a few days to access your account. Finally, using built-up savings in your Self Credit Builder account often works best for people who want to build credit gradually and avoid making additional deposit payments from your bank account.

You can review available options directly in your Self app. Completing this step gives you the chance to choose the approach that aligns best with your financial goals.

The benefits of having a higher credit card limit

The Self® Visa Credit Card features a low deposit requirement of only $100. As a result, the secured credit card is highly accessible for those looking to build or rebuild credit with all three major credit bureaus.

Yet there are also benefits to having a higher credit limit if you’re able to provide a larger security deposit. A higher credit limit can support your credit goals in several ways when you manage it responsibly.

Potential for lower credit utilization

Credit utilization measures how much available credit you use on revolving accounts like credit cards and is a major factor in your credit score. A higher credit limit often makes it easier to maintain a lower credit utilization ratio and, by extension, a good credit score if you manage your credit card in a responsible manner.^[5]

For example, a $300 balance on a credit card with a $300 limit uses 100% of the available credit limit (a 100% utilization rate). Yet the same balance on a credit card with a $1,500 limit uses only 20% of the available credit limit.

Just be sure to avoid increasing your spending if your credit limit increases. And, above all, it’s essential to pay off your full credit card balance each month on or before the due date to protect your credit score and avoid high-cost credit card interest charges. (Tip: If you’re already struggling with credit card debt, consider the debt avalanche method to start paying down your balances ASAP.)

More flexibility on everyday purchases

A higher credit card limit can also allow you the flexibility to use your account for more frequent routine purchases like gas, groceries, dining, and more without crowding your available credit. You can charge small purchases and pay them off monthly (or on a more frequent basis) to build positive payment history.

More room to practice responsible credit use

Gradually increasing your credit limit can help you learn how to manage more available credit. That experience can prepare you for larger credit products down the road, such as unsecured credit cards, personal loans, car loans, mortgages, and other financial products as you build credit.

Improved account longevity and flexibility

A higher credit card limit can make it easier to keep your account open and active over time. When you don’t feel held back by a very small limit, you may find it easier to use the card on a regular basis for modest purchases without bumping into your available credit. Long-standing, well-managed accounts can also help support a stronger credit profile as your length of credit history matures.

How to use your Self credit card limit wisely

The credit limit on your Self Visa® Credit Card alone doesn’t build credit. Your credit management habits do. Below are some simple but important guidelines that can help set you up for success.

• Pay your statement balance on time every month. On-time payments are a must if you’re trying to build good credit since payment history is worth 35% of your FICO® Score.^[6] Even one late payment can set back your progress, especially when you’re building credit from scratch or rebuilding after past challenges.
• Keep your balance low relative to your credit limit. Use only a small portion of your available credit limit to help keep your credit utilization ratio in a healthier range. In general, keeping your utilization ratio below 10% is ideal according to FICO.^[7] Lower utilization makes it easier for lenders and credit scoring models to view your credit use as manageable and low risk.
• Avoid maxing out your card, even if you have room to charge more. High credit card balances can raise your utilization ratio quickly and make your account harder to manage. Leaving unused credit available gives you more flexibility and may help protect your credit profile if expenses fluctuate during the billing cycle.
• Review your statements regularly. Checking your statements helps your track spending, confirm payments, and catch fraudulent charges early if they happen to you. This habit also makes it easier to spot patterns early that could push your balance higher than you intended.

Following good credit card management practices matters when you’re working to establish a good credit foundation. Payment history and credit utilization are major factors with both FICO Scores and VantageScore credit scoring models.^[8]

Bottom line

The Self Visa® Credit Card puts control in your hands where your account’s credit limit is concerned. You decide how much credit you want based on the amount you can afford to deposit, starting at just $100 and increasing gradually as your budget allows. That flexibility makes the card a practical option for both credit beginners and those focused on rebuilding credit after past setbacks such as bankruptcy, illness, job loss, and other financial hardships.

Starting small and increasing your credit limit over time can help you build credit, manage your utilization ratio, and develop strong credit management habits without taking unnecessary risks. When you understand how the credit limit works and use it intentionally, the Self Visa® Credit Card can be a great tool to support steady, sustainable credit growth both now and in the future.

Sources

1. Support.Self.inc. “How do I become eligible for the Self Visa® Credit Card?” https://support.self.inc/s/article/How-Do-I-Become-Eligible-For-The-Self-Visa-Credit-Card
2. Support.Self.inc. “What is the maximum secured credit limit for the Self Visa® Credit Card?” https://support.self.inc/en/s/article/What-is-the-maximum-secured-credit-limit-for-the-Self-Visa-Credit-Card
3. Support.Self.inc. “How do I become eligible to apply for the Self Visa® Credit Card?” https://support.self.inc/s/article/How-Do-I-Become-Eligible-For-The-Self-Visa-Credit-Card
4. Support.Self.inc. “Can I increase the credit limit on my Self Visa® Credit Card?” https://support.self.inc/en/s/article/Can-I-Increase-The-Credit-Limit-On-My-Self-Visa-Credit-Card
5. Experian.com. “5 Ways to Keep Your Credit Utilization Low.” https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/ways-to-keep-credit-utilization-low/
6. myFICO.com. “What Is Payment History?” https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-scores/payment-history
7. myFICO.com. “What Should My Credit Utilization Ratio Be?” https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/blog/credit-utilization-be
8. Equifax.com. “Are Scores from FICO and VantageScore Different? https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/difference-between-fico-scores-vantagescore/