Say hello to Myth Thursday
! This is where we’ll unpack common money myths every Thursday, the ones that have been passed down over time. We’re here to set the record straight so you can stay informed and make smarter financial choices!
Myth: You have to max out your credit card to show you’re using it.
Truth: Not at all! Maxing out your card can actually hurt your credit score.
Credit scoring models look at something called credit utilization, that’s the percentage of your available credit you’re using. Keep it below 30% of your limit. So if your card limit is $1,000, try to keep your balance under $300 to stay in the credit score “safe zone.”
Pro Tip: If you need to make a big purchase that pushes you over 30%, try paying it off before your statement date (not just the due date). That way, the lower balance gets reported to credit bureaus, and your credit score stays happy.
Simply: Using your card regularly and paying it off on time shows lenders you’re managing credit responsibly, no need to hit the limit to prove it!
If you’d like to dive deeper into credit utilization, check out this helpful article from Equifax: What Is Credit Utilization and Why It Matters
Was there a credit myth you once believed? You’re not alone, drop it below and let’s learn together