Credit Utilization
Definition
The percentage of your available credit that you are currently using, calculated by dividing your total credit card balances by your total credit limits. It is one of the most important factors in your credit score, and experts generally recommend keeping it below 30%. Lower credit utilization signals to lenders that you manage credit responsibly and are not overextended.
Related terms
- Credit LimitThe maximum amount of money a lender allows you to borrow on a credit card or line of credit. Your credit limit is determined by factors such as your income, credit history, and existing debt. Spending close to or above your credit limit can hurt your credit score and may result in over-limit fees.
- FICO ScoreA credit score developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation, ranging from 300 to 850, that lenders use to evaluate your creditworthiness. It is calculated based on five factors: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix. A higher FICO Score generally means better loan terms and lower interest rates.
- Secured Credit CardA type of credit card that requires a cash deposit as collateral, which typically becomes your credit limit. Secured cards are designed for people with no credit history or poor credit who want to build or rebuild their scores through responsible use. After demonstrating good payment habits over time, many issuers will upgrade you to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
By the numbers
What the data says
- Q2 2025
$1.21 trillion
Outstanding credit card balances in the US
5.9% higher than a year earlier
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Household Debt and Credit Report - February 2026
21.52%
Average interest rate on credit card accounts that carry a balance
Commercial bank cards assessed interest
Source: Federal Reserve, G.19 Consumer Credit - Q2 2025
6.93%
Credit card debt 90 or more days delinquent
Down slightly from 7.18% a year earlier
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Household Debt and Credit Report
National figures from the sources shown, as of the period on each card. They are context, not a forecast or advice for your situation.
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