Managing a credit card can feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, there’s the convenience of using credit to handle purchases, while on the other, there’s the looming concern of maintaining a healthy credit score. One of the most critical factors affecting your credit score is how much of your available credit you’re using — also known as your credit utilization ratio. In this blog, we’ll break down the concept of credit utilization, provide best practices for keeping it in check, and offer tips on how to effectively manage and monitor your credit usage.

How Much of Your Credit Card Should You Use? Understanding Credit Utilization Ratio

Your credit utilization ratio is a simple calculation of how much credit you’re using compared to how much is available to you. This ratio is one of the key factors lenders look at when assessing your creditworthiness. It's also one of the main components that impact your credit score, making up about 30% of your total score. The lower your credit utilization ratio, the better.

For instance, let’s say you have a credit card with a limit of $1,000, and you regularly carry a balance of $500. This means you’re using 50% of your available credit, which can be considered high by lenders. Ideally, you want to aim for a utilization rate of 30% or lower to keep your credit score in good shape. Lower is even better — many people with an excellent credit score keep their utilization in the single digits.

Now imagine your cousin Joe, who’s always pushing his credit cards to the max. He’s not in terrible shape credit-wise, but every month he’s using nearly 100% of his limit. Joe insists he’s “handling it” because he prefers to use cash for everything else. While Joe’s approach hasn’t destroyed his credit, it’s not doing him any favors either. If Joe talked to a First Alliance Credit Union Member Advisor, they might recommend strategies to bring his utilization ratio down, which would give him more financial breathing room and a better shot at future credit approvals.

Best Practices for Maintaining a Healthy Credit Utilization Ratio

Now that we understand what credit utilization is, let’s explore best practices for keeping it in a healthy range. The good news is that this is something you have direct control over, unlike factors like the age of your credit accounts.

1. Keep Your Balance Below 30%

The rule of thumb is to keep your credit card balance below 30% of your total available credit. If your credit limit is $2,000, you should aim to keep your balance below $600. This shows lenders that you’re responsible and not over-relying on credit.

2. Pay More Than the Minimum

If possible, try to pay off your balance in full every month. This not only keeps your utilization low but also helps you avoid paying unnecessary interest. If you can’t pay it off entirely, make sure you pay more than the minimum to bring down your balance faster.

3. Spread Out Purchases

If you have multiple credit cards, avoid maxing out one while leaving others untouched. Instead, spread your purchases across multiple cards to keep individual utilization rates low. This can also give your overall utilization a boost.

4. Increase Your Credit Limit

If you find it hard to stay below the 30% threshold, consider asking for a credit limit increase. Just be careful not to view the increase as an excuse to spend more!

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So if your like Lisa, a recent college graduate, just got her first job and is trying to save for a car. She has a $1,500 credit card limit and usually spends around $600 a month. That puts her credit utilization at 40%, which could hurt her credit score over time. After speaking with a First Alliance Member Advisor, she decides to start paying off part of her balance twice a month and to apply for a small increase to her credit limit. Now, her utilization sits comfortably at around 20%, helping her save for the car and build good credit.

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Monitoring and Managing Your Credit Usage Effectively

Managing credit utilization isn’t just about reducing how much you owe — it’s also about being aware of how and when you use your credit. Here are a few strategies to help you stay on top of your credit utilization and keep your credit score in check.

1. Track Your Spending Regularly

It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re charging to your credit card. Set up spending alerts to notify you when you’re approaching a certain percentage of your credit limit. This way, you can avoid inadvertently exceeding that 30% mark.

2. Make Multiple Payments in a Month

Rather than waiting for your due date, consider making payments throughout the month. This helps keep your reported balance low, which in turn keeps your utilization ratio low. Even if you only pay a small amount each week, it can make a big difference in your score.

3. Use Credit Cards for Big Purchases Only When Necessary

While it might be tempting to use your credit card for everything, especially to earn rewards, be mindful of how quickly balances can add up. It’s fine to use your card for big purchases, like appliances or furniture, but only if you have a plan to pay it off quickly.

Use your credit card and earn rewards!

Take Izumi, your neighbor who swears by her credit card for racking up airline miles. She recently put a new TV on her card but then remembered she was already close to 30% utilization. Instead of risking a ding to her credit score, she quickly set up two payments for the next two weeks to bring her balance back down before her credit report updated. Now she’s enjoying her new TV and keeping her credit in check.

 Talk to a First Alliance Credit Union Member Advisor

Keeping your credit utilization in check is one of the easiest ways to manage and improve your credit score. Whether you’re using your card for everyday expenses, big purchases, or just for emergencies, maintaining a low utilization rate will ensure your credit score stays strong.

If you’re like Joe, Lisa, or Izumi and want to discuss personalized strategies for improving your credit card usage, consider reaching out to a  First Alliance Credit Union Member Advisor. They can help you develop a plan to keep your utilization ratio low, increase your credit limits responsibly, and ultimately get more out of your financial life. Keeping track of your credit utilization isn’t just about improving your score—it’s about staying financially healthy and making sure you’re in control of your credit, rather than the other way around.

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