What does "credit utilization" measure?

Credit utilization measures the ratio of current credit card balances to credit limits. This ratio is a significant factor in determining an individual's credit score. It reflects how much of your available credit you are using, which lenders assess to evaluate your creditworthiness.

A lower credit utilization ratio generally indicates responsible credit use, suggesting that you are not overly reliant on credit. Ideally, maintaining a credit utilization ratio below 30% is often recommended to positively impact your credit score. Monitoring and managing this ratio is essential for maintaining good financial health and improving your credit rating over time.