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How scoring actually treats the numbers on your report. Utilization is scored on a continuous curve rather than against the threshold everyone repeats, and the balance that gets scored is the one reported on your statement closing date, not the one you carry.

December 19, 2025 · 6 min read

There Is No 30% Credit Utilization Cliff

Utilization is scored on a continuous curve, not against a threshold, so 29% is not safe and 31% is not a failure. Lower is better all the way down, and the reporting date matters more than the balance you carry.

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