It depends. Most report monthly. Some will report overlimits and maxed out cards same day.
Give 'em a call and ask 'em. Appear lost and in need of help. People have an inherent desire to wanna help someone who seems to need help. "Hi, um, ah, I have a question about my credit card. I'm not really sure what department to talk to. Umm, can you tell me when you report to the credit bureaus? I'm trying to paying some things down. I'm trying to buy a home (or car or whatever) for my family. Can you help?"
Yes, $1,000 on a card with a $1,500 limit is at 67% util. Getting all cards under 50% is better, under 30% is better still. If you have another card with a low util, then a BT to bring the high util card down will definitely help.
Of course, as with all things, it depends. If you're trying to qualify for a mortgage near term, then getting util down is probably the most important thing. But, if you're trying to retire debt, then a BT to a lower APR card (where you get stung with smaller interest each month) is more important.
