This is a legitimate question that I would be happy to answer.
You are correct that balances won't update until the statements post on those two cards. So if you pay the $20 down before the statements post, no harm done.
In the end though, there is probably not harm done if they post a balance either because as the above poster said, you don't have to worry about a big score ding until you approach much higher utilization percentages. FICO likely has certain thresholds for bringing your score down such as 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, etc. but I have no clue what those percentages are.
Here's the last thing that is important here: your utilization is really only important right before you apply for something. I never worry about what is reported unless someone is actively checking my credit report for a new card, loan, insurance, etc. FICO scoring has no memory of utilization, so you have much bigger things in life to worry about than a $20 balance reporting from time to time.
And don't be nervous about those statements on denials that you see here so often. The users of this forum are outliers in the world of credit and will see denials at a much higher percentage than the average everyday credit user. In the end, your balances don't sound like they fit into the "high" category. You would know if they did because you would start being nervous about paying them off instead of how a creditor viewed them.
Good luck out there, and feel free to post new questions anytime or just join in the discussions!
You are correct that balances won't update until the statements post on those two cards. So if you pay the $20 down before the statements post, no harm done.
In the end though, there is probably not harm done if they post a balance either because as the above poster said, you don't have to worry about a big score ding until you approach much higher utilization percentages. FICO likely has certain thresholds for bringing your score down such as 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, etc. but I have no clue what those percentages are.
Here's the last thing that is important here: your utilization is really only important right before you apply for something. I never worry about what is reported unless someone is actively checking my credit report for a new card, loan, insurance, etc. FICO scoring has no memory of utilization, so you have much bigger things in life to worry about than a $20 balance reporting from time to time.
And don't be nervous about those statements on denials that you see here so often. The users of this forum are outliers in the world of credit and will see denials at a much higher percentage than the average everyday credit user. In the end, your balances don't sound like they fit into the "high" category. You would know if they did because you would start being nervous about paying them off instead of how a creditor viewed them.
Good luck out there, and feel free to post new questions anytime or just join in the discussions!
