How to Freeze a Line of Credit

By freezing a line of credit, you may be able to prevent a credit card issuer from raising your credit limit without permission. Credit card companies frequently review accounts for credit limit increases and may increase your limit without asking, according to Microsoft Money. Limiting your available credit can reduce your exposure to excessive debt.

Instructions

1

Freeze your credit limit at its current level by refusing any increases. According to Microsoft Money, you have the right to ask the company to rescind any credit limit increase that you didn't request. You can also ask the customer service representative to put a note in your file stating that you wish to decline all automatic credit limit increases.

2

Gather your billing statements to determine if you wish to take additional action. Find your credit limit listed on the statements or call the creditor and ask what it is.

3

If you're uneasy about carrying a lot of available credit, tell your creditor to reduce your credit line. You can reduce the credit limit to your current balance, but leave a little cushion so that you don't risk incurring over-the-limit fees.