Credit card limit

Hi,

On the rare occasion I go over my credit card limit I receive a text message from my bank. Good.

Recently when this happened, it was over by $500. My husband and I knew that we had spent extra lately, so the amount was not an issue. I did call my bank though, because I was concerned that we were able to go over this much. I would have thought that at the limit (or slightly over) the card would be declined. My bank (on 2 separate phone calls to two different people) said they cannot limit the card (and cheekily said to be mindful of my spending!). I questioned why they have different credit card limits, and at times offer for my credit limit to be increased, if we can all spend what we like anyway? They could not answer this. I said that I have chosen to have a $3.5k limit on my card, as this was how much we spend in a month (and I use the credit limit as discipline and a reminder), and that if my card allows me to spend $5k, or $10k, then there is no point in saying the limit on it is $3.5k.  The guy once again told me I should be aware at all times of how much I am spending.

This does not seem like responsible lending practices? If a person was on a low income with no assets, and had been approved for a small credit limit, then wouldn't it be irresponsible of a bank to allow that person to spend $10k?

I agree that a person is responsible for managing their own spending and finances, but surely banks are taking advantage of people in this way? It just doesn't seem right to me….thoughts?