Keep your credit card balances below 30% of your total credit limit at all times. Under 10% is ideal for the highest scores. Credit utilization is 30% of your FICO score — the second largest factor.
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Add up all your credit card limits. Multiply total by 0.30. That's your maximum safe balance.
Pay cards down below 30% total (under 10% for maximum score benefit).
Pay balances in full monthly — or make a mid-cycle payment before the statement closes.
Request credit limit increases (without spending more) to automatically lower your utilization ratio.