Michael Torres
CPA, Former IRS Revenue Agent
Credit Utilization
In This Article
Definition
Percentage of available credit being used. Keeping below 30% (ideally 10%) helps maintain good credit scores.
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FAQs
How does utilization affect credit score?
High utilization hurts your score - try to use less than 30% of available credit.
Similar Terms
Hard Inquiry
Credit check that appears on your report and may temporarily lower your score, typically from loan or credit applications.
Soft Inquiry
Credit check that doesn't affect your score, used for background checks, pre-approvals, and personal credit monitoring.
FICO Score
Most widely used credit score model, ranging 300-850, used by 90% of lenders for credit decisions.
VantageScore
Credit scoring model created by the three bureaus as alternative to FICO, shown on many free credit monitoring services.
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