SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/teen-credit-utilization-30

Experts advise using no more than what share of your credit limit?

No more than 30 percent of your total credit limit.

Start playing free

  1. 90 percent
  2. 100 percent
  3. 30 percent ✔

Why: Using a big slice of your available credit can lower your score. Keeping balances low, ideally paying in full, helps.

Huh, didn't know that: How much of your available credit you use is one of the main score factors.

The dad joke
Teacher: If you got $20 from 5 people, what do you get? Student: A new bike.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 30 percent. Using a big slice of your available credit can lower your score. Keeping balances low, ideally paying in full, helps.

  1. CFPB: How do I get and keep a good credit score? www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-and-keep-a-good-credit-score-en-318
    Experts advise keeping your use of credit at no more than 30 percent of your total credit limit.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. CFPB: What is a credit score? www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-score-en-315
    How much of your available credit you’re using
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

MoneyMost credit scores fall in which range?MoneyWhat is the number one factor in most credit scores?MoneyWhat happens to your credit score when you check your own credit report?

That's stuff everyone should know.