1% utilization or 9%? Which is better?

[Anonymous]

Generally speaking, which rate of CC utilization is best to leave on your statement report snapshot in order to improve your credit score the fastest? 1%? 9%? Somewhere inbetween? Does it not matter as long as it's from 1% - 9%? 

[Anonymous]

It depends and theres really no way to answer this bc everyones sweet spot seems to be different as far as util is concerned. For me 3% seemed to be better than 1%, for someone else 1% might be better and yet another person might get a better response with 6%. And Im sure a bunch of other things factor into this which is why I dont see how anyone could really narrow it down to a specific percent. If your between 1-9% and only letting a balance report on one card then I'd say your good to go and not to stress on it much. The score difference is probably not that big. But if you want to experiment then do 9% one month, 6% the next, 2% etc., or however you want to play around with it.

[Anonymous]

Sounds good. Thanks, Flower!

[Anonymous]

Neither will improve your credit score faster than the other. Time and making payments is what improves your credit score. Showing good utilization only optimizes your current score, it doesn't help to improve your score over time. 

And i doubt it makes a difference either way, since by all accounts anywhere 1-9% gives you the optimal credit score... but, it's not necessary to do that unless you're applying for new credit in the next month and need the best possible score. Just pay your bills on time and don't stress and waste time and energy over unnecessary minor things.