Credit Pulse Education: Credit Card Utilization & When to Pay (Using Your Statement Date)
By Thomari Story-Harden, Owner of Credit Pulse

College students usually don’t need credit—they need **lower** The is understanding **statement date**.

## The Big Rule: Util Usually Reports on Your Statement Date
- **Credit utilization** is based on the **balance that shows on statement/closing date** (what gets reported).
- Your **due date** is for when must pay to avoid interest/late—but **it’s not the main date used for utilization reporting**.

## When to Pay to Keep Utilization Low**Best strategy:**  
 **Pay your card before the statement date** (to the that reported).  
Then:  
 **Let autopay handle the due date**to protect your payment history).

## Simple Method (Works Month)
1. **Check your statement closing date** in your app.
2. Spend during the month.
3. **Make a payment a few days before the date.**
4. After that, **autopay your minimum (or full balance) on the due.**

## Example
Your **statement closes on the 25**.
- You spend $400 during the month.
- If you don’t pay until after the 25th, the **$** may report.
- If you pay **before the 25th** and your statement balance becomes **$150**, that’s what typically reports instead.

 What Numbers to Aim For
- Try to keep your **reported under 30**.
- Even better **under 10% (especially if you’re working to improve your).

## Quick Checklist
- Find your **statement date**
- **Pay before the statement date** to control what reports
- Use **autopay for the date** to avoid late payments

If you tell me your **statement date** (and your credit limit or typical monthly spend), I can suggest an easypay” for your cycle