Credit Utilization: The Fastest Way to Raise Your Score

Credit utilization is the percentage of your available revolving credit you're using. Unlike payment history, it updates every statement cycle — which makes it the fastest lever you have to move a score.

The thresholds that matter

Keep total utilization under 30%, and ideally under 10% for the strongest effect. Both your overall ratio and per-card ratio are scored, so a single maxed card can hurt even if your total looks fine.

How to lower it fast

• Pay down balances before the statement closing date, not just the due date
• Ask for a credit-limit increase (without a hard pull if possible)
• Spread balances or make a mid-cycle payment
• Keep old cards open to preserve available credit