Credit Utilization: The Number That Matters Most
Credit Utilization: The Number That Matters Most
Credit utilization is 30% of your credit score—second only to payment history. Here’s how to optimize it.
What Percentage to Target
| Utilization | Score Impact |
|---|---|
| 0-10% | Best |
| 11-30% | Good |
| 31-50% | Fair |
| 51-75% | Poor |
| 76-100% | Very Poor |
Target: Under 30%, ideally under 10%
Utilization Has No Memory
Unlike late payments (7 years), utilization updates monthly. Fix it this month, your score improves next month.
Last updated: January 2026 Affiliate disclosure: ShortcutBest may earn a commission when you apply through our links.
Last updated: January 9, 2026
Affiliate disclosure: ShortcutBest may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This doesn't affect our recommendations — we only suggest cards we'd use ourselves.