How do banks look at returns when it comes to usage?

[Snook_on_the_Line]

^^^see edit above^^^
the high credit number on your report is the highest statement balance reported to the credit bureau 

I've spent 3k in a month on my cap1 card but payed it down to $55 every month before statement day so my high credit number on my report is $55

So in regards to the original question   
yes.    Returning most of the first purchase and having the credit post before statement closing date will have the same effect on uti as a payment.   

[masscredit]

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@Snook_on_the_Line wrote:

^^^see edit above^^^
the high credit number on your report is the highest statement balance reported to the credit bureau 

I've spent 3k in a month on my cap1 card but payed it down to $55 every month before statement day so my high credit number on my report is $55

So in regards to the original question   
yes.    Returning most of the first purchase and having the credit post before statement closing date will have the same effect on uti as a payment.   

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Your reply before this one was on point. I just used my situation as an example. Highest statement balance is the key words. It's been awhile since I've really looked at my reports. Was thinking they say High Balance instead of High Statement Balance. That will change the way I pay some cards off. I'll be more likely to let a high balance for a month so show that useage. 

[dmFICO8]

It depends on how the FI will report. I have seen 4 categories:

Some  FIs will use highest balance as Highest Balance: (positive = purchase, negative = payment/credit)

+200 -100 +150 -100 = 150

Highest balance is 250, 250 will be reported as Highest Balance and 150 is statement balance.

Some FIs will use total spend of the statement cycle as Hightest Balance:

+200 -100 +150 -100 = 150

Total spend is 350, 350 will be reported as Highest Balance and 150 is statement balance.

Some FIs will use end of month balance as Highest Balance and statement balance:

+200 -100 +150 -100 = 150

If last business day of the month stops after +200 -100, 100 will be reported as Highest Balance and statement balance.

Some FIs will NOT report Highest Balance, it remains 0.

Of course only new highest balance is higher than previous one, it will get updated, otherwise it will remain same.

My Apple card is new and limited data, but I can confirm it will fall in either first or second catagory because my Highest Balance was my purchase and I had some credit before statement date.