Credit Cards & Approved Limits

[romeogolf]

Applied for a 0% card a few weeks ago, was approved and they asked "what limit would you like?"

Now, I only wanted it for a single one-off purchase of £600 but asked for a £1500 limit to give myself buffer room and 'just in case space' for the 0% period. While on the phone to the bank they explained they don't get a screen showing how much I would be approved for and it's just a case of them keying in the figure and waiting for a response.

My other half decided to try his luck - He also wanted to make a one-off purchase of the same value but asked for a £5k limit. Approved instantly.

My question is this: How high can you go, feasibly, based on your income? Obviously each bank has their own criteria, but what if you gave a stupidly high figure. Do they decline the card entirely? Just give the maximum they would usually allow?

Curious minds etc.

[Sarnie]

It will be in line with your income, credit score, other credit commitments and the lenders appetite for risk....all of which will vary from lender to lender.

[romeogolf]

Sarnie said:

It will be in line with your income, credit score, other credit commitments and the lenders appetite for risk....all of which will vary from lender to lender.

I appreciate each lender has their own criteria, but they only actually asked for my individual income. Nothing on expenditure, dependants or 'household' income etc.

My main question is what happens if you ask for a limit higher than they would accept; Declined entirely, or provided with a lower limit?