Introduction Many people think that as long as they pay their bills on time, their credit score will stay high. However, there is another massive factor that accounts for about 30% of your total credit score: Credit Utilization . Understanding how this works can be the difference between a good score and an excellent one in 2026. What is Credit Utilization? In simple terms, credit utilization is the percentage of your total available credit that you are currently using. For example, if you have a credit card with a $1,000 limit and your balance is $300, your credit utilization ratio is 30%. The 30% Rule Financial experts generally recommend keeping your credit utilization below 30% . If you go above this threshold, lenders may see you as "overextended" or financially stressed, which can cause your credit score to drop—even if you never miss a payment. Best Practice: For an excellent score, try to keep your utilization in the single digits (under 10%) . Why Does It Matte...
Learn about the best credit cards in the USA, financial tips, and rewards for 2026.)