Credit utilization is the second biggest factor in your credit score. Here are proven strategies to lower it quickly.

1. Pay Before the Statement Date

Your balance is reported on your statement date, not your due date. Pay down your balance before the statement closes.

2. Request a Credit Limit Increase

A higher limit with the same balance means lower utilization. Many issuers will increase your limit if you ask.

Being added to someone else's card with low utilization can help your score.

More available credit means lower overall utilization. Just be strategic about timing.

Make payments throughout the month to keep your reported balance low.

For optimal scores, keep each card at 1% utilization rather than 0%.

Moving balances to cards with higher limits can help your utilization ratio.

Credit utilization is the second biggest factor in your credit score. Here are proven strategies to lower it quickly.

Your balance is reported on your statement date, not your due date. Pay down your balance before the statement closes.

A higher limit with the same balance means lower utilization. Many issuers will increase your limit if you ask.

Being added to someone else's card with low utilization can help your score.

More available credit means lower overall utilization. Just be strategic about timing.

Make payments throughout the month to keep your reported balance low.

For optimal scores, keep each card at 1% utilization rather than 0%.

Moving balances to cards with higher limits can help your utilization ratio.