It might come as a surprise to discover that your credit score is based on what is called your income to debt ratio, and not on how big or small your income is.

It's Quality And Not Quantity.

Your credit score simply predicts how well you're likely to continue to make payments based on your current level of debt and on you past payment history, and it doesn't attempt to predict how much debt you can afford to pay back based on your income.

Not unless you can't meet the minimum payment with your current interest rate.

Prior to the credit crisis, consumers were advised to request lower rates as a reward for their good credit history, but with the turmoil going on in the credit card industry right now, asking could backfire.

Any time you ask for a change in terms - be it a rate reduction or a credit line increase - the credit card issuer will pull your credit report. They will also ask for additional information such as your monthly income, employment history, etc.