Can we talk about how paying off a card in full each month can still show a high balance on your report?

I got a credit alert last week saying my usage was over 30% on one card, which confused me because I pay it off every single month. Turns out, my card company reports the statement balance to the bureaus, even if I pay it off a few days later. So that $1,200 charge for a new water heater showed up as used credit. Anyone else get tripped up by this reporting timing?

2 comments

2 Comments

parker_bailey23d ago

Just pay it down before the statement cuts next time.

hart.ryan23d ago

Works if you have the cash sitting around. But what about when you don't? That advice falls apart. It's just moving the problem to a different date. You're still spending money you might not actually have.