When the Arro limit is not enough

The Arro Card starts at up to $300 and takes months to grow. If you need more than that now, the realistic options are a card with a higher starting limit, a credit union loan, or a personal loan. Through our form you can request $200 to $5,000 from lenders in our network.

Checked November 9, 2026 against Arro's own pages and the independent sources listed below. Written by the ArroCardApply Editorial Team.

Small jar next to a large full jar of coins
On this page
  1. How far an Arro limit goes
  2. Option 1: Raise the Arro limit
  3. Option 2: A card with a higher starting line
  4. Option 3: Credit union loan
  5. Option 4: Personal loan request
  6. A quick way to decide

How far an Arro limit goes

ExpenseFits a new Arro limit?
Tank of gas, a grocery runYes
Phone billUsually
Car repair of $800No
Security deposit or rent gapNo
Medical or dental bill of $1,500No

Even where the limit technically covers it, using all of a small line pushes utilization to 100%, which works against the reason you got the card.

Option 1: Raise the Arro limit

Lessons and on-time payments move the limit up in small steps. This is the cheapest route and the slowest. See how to increase your Arro limit.

Option 2: A card with a higher starting line

CardStarting limitCatch
Mission Lane VisaUp to $3,000 by offerNeeds a hard pull if you accept; APR up to 33.99%
Surge or Reflex Mastercard$300 to $1,000$75 to $125 yearly fee and 35.90% APR
OpenSky Secured VisaUp to $3,000Limit equals the deposit you put down

A higher limit is still a credit line for purchases. It does not put cash in your account. Details in cards like Arro.

Option 3: Credit union loan

If you belong to a credit union, ask about small-dollar or payday-alternative loans. Rates are capped far below most online lenders. It takes membership and sometimes a waiting period.

Option 4: Personal loan request

A personal loan gives you a set amount with a fixed repayment schedule. With thin or damaged credit the rate will be high, so the question is whether the payment fits your budget and whether the expense truly cannot wait.

How our form works: you submit one request, lenders and partners in our network review it, and any offer shows the APR, fees and payment dates before you accept. We are not the lender, and not everyone receives an offer.

A quick way to decide

  1. Can the bill be delayed or split with the biller? Do that first.
  2. Under $300 and a purchase, not cash? The card can handle it.
  3. Over $300, or cash is required? Compare a credit union and a personal loan on total repayment.
  4. Unsure you can make the payments? Do not borrow. Look for assistance through 211 or a nonprofit credit counselor.

Questions people ask

Can I ask Arro for a higher starting limit?

Starting limits are set from your bank data at approval. After that you raise the limit through in-app tasks and on-time payments.

What is the fastest way to get more than $300?

A new Arro limit will not get there quickly. A personal loan or credit union loan is designed for larger one-time amounts, at a cost you should compare carefully.

Will requesting a loan here affect my Arro account?

No. Our loan request form is independent of Arro.

Sources

Keep reading

Request $200 to $5,000