Credit Utilisation Calculator
One of the biggest parts of a credit score, and the fastest to change. Most tools give one overall figure. But scoring also looks at each card separately. So one maxed card can drag you down while your total looks fine.
Your overall utilisation
0%
- How that reads
- -
- Total owed
- $0
- Total limits
- $0
- Worst single card
- -
- Pay off to hit your target
- $0
Where the money goes
Each block is sized by its share, so you can see whether how that reads or total owed is the bigger part without reading a single number.
Move it and watch
-
at {v} for card 1 balance
And what you can change
Why your own figure may differ
Card by card
Scoring looks at each card, not just the total. This is where a hidden problem shows up.
| Card | Balance | Limit | Share used |
|---|
Credit utilisation: real examples
Three situations scoring treats very differently. Click any card to load it.
- Healthy
$2,500 owed across $15,000 of limits
Spread sensibly across two cards.
About 17% overall with no single card in trouble. Comfortably inside the range strong scores sit in.
Load this scenario in the calculator → - The hidden problem
A fine total hiding a maxed card
$4,900 on a $5,000 card, and almost nothing on a $20,000 one.
Overall is a healthy-looking 20%. but one card is at 98%, which scoring sees and most calculators do not.
Load this scenario in the calculator → - Before applying
Getting under 10% for a mortgage
$6,000 owed against $20,000 of limits.
The tool says exactly how much to pay down to reach your target - usually the fastest lever before an application.
Load this scenario in the calculator →
Common questions about credit utilisation
What is credit utilisation?
The share of your available credit you are using. Owe $2,500 across cards with $15,000 of limits and you are using about 17%. It is one of the biggest parts of a credit score. Unlike the others, you can change it in one billing cycle.
What share should I aim for?
Under 30% is the usual advice. Under 10% is where the strongest scores sit. Zero is not ideal either. A little spending that you clear each month looks better than a card that is never used. Use the credit lightly. Do not avoid it.
One of my cards is nearly maxed but my total looks fine. Does that matter?
Yes. This is the part most tools miss. Scoring looks at each card as well as the total. A card at 98% can drag you down even when the total sits at a comfortable 20%. So this shows every card and flags the worst.
Why does my score drop when I pay in full every month?
Timing. Most banks report your balance on the statement date, not after you pay. Spend heavily and pay on the due date, and the big figure is the one reported. Pay some of it before the statement closes and the problem goes away. It costs you nothing.
Should I close a card I do not use?
Usually not. Closing it removes its limit from the sum. That pushes your share up overnight, even though you owe exactly the same. If there is no yearly fee, leave it open and unused.
How fast does paying down help?
Quickly. Usually within one or two billing cycles. The figure is worked out fresh each time your balance is reported. It carries no memory. That makes it the fastest thing you can change before applying for a mortgage or loan.