What is a credit utilization ratio? (And why it makes or breaks your score)
Your credit utilization ratio is the percentage of your available revolving credit you're using. Learn how it's calculated, what counts as a good ratio, and how to lower it.
Building credit
What actually moves a credit score — how long building credit takes, how utilization is calculated, and how on-time payments get reported.
Latest in Building Credit
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How long does it take to build credit?
How long does it take to build credit? It takes at least 6 months to generate your first FICO Score, 12 to 18 months to reach good credit, and 24+ months for excellent credit. See the month-by-month timeline.
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How to build credit with a credit card
Learn how to build credit with a credit card — pay on time, keep utilization under 30%, and use a card that reports to all 3 bureaus. See how the Tilt Engage and Motion cards can help.