Utilization rate

[slicemans]

I have only one card .......capital one secured card with $501 credit limit. From i've read its best to keep the Utilization average 7%. Would that mean I need to report it at $35? Thanks

[MT936]

under 30% should be good just make sure you are paying the balance off by the due date

[user5387]

1.  You can spend as you wish on the CC, but I'd try to arrange things so that the reported balance is around $10-50, or around 2-10% utilization.  Typically this is done by paying the balance off or down just before the statement date.

2.  To optimize scoring for the long term, I'd recommend adding a couple more revolving accounts, e.g. another secured CC like the SDFCU Visa.