Credit utilization
The percentage of your available credit card limit you're using at any moment.
Why it matters
Utilization is calculated per card and across all cards. Under about 10% is best for scores; over 30% starts to drag them down. Utilization is snapshotted when the card issuer reports to the bureaus, so paying before the statement closes — not just before the due date — helps most.
See also
Educational only — not financial, tax, or legal advice.