One way to help lower your credit utilization is by requesting a credit limit increase. For example, if your card limit is $1,000 and you owe $500, you’re using 50%. But if your limit increases to $2,000 and your balance stays $500, your utilization drops to 25%. The key is: don’t increase your spending just because your limit is higher. Use the higher limit as leverage to help your credit profile, not as an excuse to spend more. Have you ever requested a credit limit increase before?