You’re our first priority.
Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
5 Tips for Lowering Your Credit Utilization
Lead Writer | Credit scoring, budgeting, personal finance
Lead Writer | Personal finance, debt
Lead Assigning Editor | Personal finance, credit scoring, debt and money management
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.
- LOOKING TO SAVE ON INTEREST?
- How to complete the FAFSA if:
- Shopping for Medicare plans? We have you covered.
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- Business insurance ratings methodology
- 4.8
- Shopping for Medigap plans? We have you covered.
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- How to maximize your rewards
- Key takeaways about P2P payments
- Am I on track financially?
- Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Simplifying tax time with accounting software
- 1. Babysitting or nannying
- Tactic 1: Get a credit card with a TSA PreCheck credit
- 1. Start saving early
- Step 1: Choose a name for your LLC
- Apply for the federal Lifeline program
- Burst pipes
- Nearest airports
- 1. Japan Airlines
- 1. Earn with ads as a YouTube Partner Program member
- 1. ThredUP
- Winner: British Airways
- 1. Look at the fundamentals of AMD stock
- Foreign transaction fees
- Amazon
- Insurer complaints methodology
- 1. Home-based or easily accessible
- Check the dates
- 1. Create an inventory
- What is debt service?
- Earn ANA miles by flying
- Texas Workforce Commission’s Skills for Small Business Grant Program
- How does my credit score impact personal loan offers?
- 1. Fly within the U.S. for just 7,500 points each way
- A broker
- Step 1: Write a business plan
- 1. Morningstar
- 1. Make up for lost time
- Personal American credit cards
- Income-based repayment calculator for existing plans
- Through your card or card issuer
- Average FICO 8 score by age
- Hands-on or hands-off investing?
- 1. Ibotta
- 1. Baskin-Robbins
- Grants.gov
- 1. Figure out if you are eligible
- Major airlines flying to Phoenix
- Step 1: Write a business plan
- AtoB
- Common investment and brokerage fees
- Use your leverage
- 2. Dog walking
- 1. E-commerce store
- 1. Pick up freelance work online
- 2. Flexible hours
- Bank loan
- 1. Accounting and bookkeeping
- 1. Food trucks
- Spending rewards
- Standard with ads: $6.99 per month
- SIMPLE IRA vs. traditional IRA
- Our pick for: Simplicity
- 1. Roll your debts onto a balance transfer credit card
- 1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)
- How do I see my credit score for free?
- 1. Check your EIN confirmation notice
- Understand the budgeting process
- Passive vs. active management
- Capers Cafe Le Bar
- 1. Keep your charges on each card to a minimum
- 2. Decide how much home you can afford
- Avis Preferred
- Global debt service coverage ratio
- 2. Consider whether you should buy AMD
- 1. Cryptocurrency exchanges
- 1. Start with a new or existing retirement account
- Eligible for an employer-run account?
- What is a good FICO score?
- Out-of-network ATM fees
- Appliance leaks
- Pre-installation evaluation: $250 for a 2,000 square foot home
- 1. Know your deadlines
- Make sure you qualify
- ETF pros
- What to know about cash advance apps
- State and local government grants
- Upfront costs
- Young Farmer Grants
- Example savings APYs at select institutions
- An ETF
- Monthly after-tax income
- Explore state programs for low-income households
- Exceptions to the 10% penalty
- Axos Basic Business Checking
- New income-driven repayment plan calculator
- Through 'Click to Pay'
- 2. Social media marketing
- Duty-free? Maybe not
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- 3. Low financial investment
- If any of these situations apply to you
- If you're younger than 59½ and the account is less than 5 years old
- SIMPLE IRA vs. 401(k)
- 1. Know what you owe and how much you can pay
- Minimum down payments and credit scores
- Step 1: Enter your personal information
- 2. All Nippon Airways
- If you already own a property
- PMI for conventional mortgages
- Gather documents
- 2. Finviz
- Follow USDA food plans
- 3. Pet sitting or housesitting
- Looking to set up an individual account?
- ATM surcharge
- Start by submitting the FAFSA
- Consider any activity rules or conditions
- 2. Business consulting
- Cheap auto insurance from large companies
- Average VantageScore 3.0 score by age
- Supplemental group life insurance
- Standard: $15.49 per month
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs
- Symbotic Inc. (SYM)
- SBA loans
- Short-term capital gains tax rates
- 2. Check other places your EIN could be recorded
- UTMA or UGMA vs. 529 or Coverdell ESA
- Our pick for: Purchase protection with cash back
- Big three prepaid plans
- 3. Check and polish your credit
- 50% of your income: needs
- 2. Traditional stockbrokers
- 2. Stay with stocks
- LendingClub Tailored Business Checking
- Mortgages and home equity loans
- Through Google Chrome
- 3. Freelance graphic design
- EBay
- American Express
- Amica: Best for customer service
- SoundHound AI Inc. (SOUN)
- Ductwork and design: $500 to $7,500
- 2. Gather your financial records
- 1. Consider your vending machine options
- Credit union loan
- 2. Car wash services
- 1. Pinpoint your goal
- 2. Auntie Anne’s
- Income taxes for single-member LLCs
- 2. Decide what type of investor you are
- Step 1: Inspect your current policy
- Flying to Phoenix on points and miles
- Postpaid
- Directly from the U.S. government
- Step 2: Find the store or location you want to buy or rent
- Coast
- 1. Market your business and attract new clients
- Jackson Hewitt
- Find investors
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Step 2: Choose a registered agent in Texas
- Amica: Best homeowners insurance for customer satisfaction
- What is a good VantageScore?
- Currency conversion fees
- Pros
- If you're younger than 59½ and the account is at least 5 years old
- Small Business Development Centers
- Fueling/charging costs
- Texas Enterprise Fund
- Standard two weeks’ notice template
- Upstart Holdings Inc. (UPST)
- 2. Fly lie-flat business class for as few as 16,500 Avios each way
- Step 2: Account for multiple jobs
- Building coverage
- 3. Singapore Airlines
- 2. Poshmark
- 2. Ask for higher credit limits
- Avis Preferred Plus
- 3. Yahoo Finance
- Chase Business Complete Banking
- Self-employed or a small-business owner?
- Borrow subsidized loans before unsubsidized
- Avoid future fees
- 3. Marketing services
- If you qualify for a hardship withdrawal
- 2. Rakuten
- Premium: $22.99 per month
- What is a prepaid debit card?
- Will pre-qualifying affect my credit score?
- Prepaid
- Investment goals
- FHA mortgage insurance premium
- Negotiate how much equity to give to your investors
- 3. Bitcoin ATMs
- Search for affordable phone plans from carriers
- 4. Driving for Lyft or Uber
- 2. Buy-and-hold investing
- Through an app
- 4. Freelance writing
- Bonanza
- Bank of America®
- Overflowing toilets, bathtubs and sinks
- Accident and illness plan
- Centralized exchange: Often for beginners
- Cons
- What is the average credit score overall?
- Minority Business Development Agency Centers
- EveryDollar
- 2. Apply for a credit card consolidation loan
- 20% off in-flight purchases
- 2. U.S. Bank rewards
- Rewards-based crowdfunding
- Debt-to-income ratios
- Walt Disney World
- You travel where Hyatt has a presence
- Traditional bank loans
- 4. Delta Air Lines
- If you’re in the market to buy
- Boost the value of your Ultimate Rewards® points
- 4. Explore mortgage options
- Debt service coverage ratio example
- 3. Open a brokerage account
- 30% of your income: wants
- Use the 50/30/20 rule to budget for groceries
- 3. Drill down on diversification
- Credit card debt
- Types of residency statuses in Arizona
- The Hartford general liability insurance
- 2. Test websites and apps
- 3. Complete the proper tax forms
- 1. Academic tutor
- 2. Account for your family's needs
- Online personal loan
- 4. Real estate business
- Cheap car insurance from midsize companies
- Compare insurance rates for 20-year-olds
- 3. Auto repair
- Earning rewards
- 3. Papa John’s
- Income taxes for multi-member LLCs
- What do I need to pre-qualify for a personal loan?
- Step 2: Shop for better rates
- 3. Call the IRS to locate your EIN
- Bypass setting up a trust
- Step 3: Get funding
- WEX
- Westward Whiskey
- GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD
- H&R Block
- For beginners: Fidelity
- Would refinancing save you money?
- Use funds
- 4. TradingView
- 4. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds
- Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals
- The type of central air unit: $600 to $24,000
- Crypto.com DeFi Wallet: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 1. The home must be your principal residence
- Traditional IRA income limits for 2023 and 2024
- Roth IRA income limits for 2023 and 2024
- If you’re 59½ or older and the account is less than 5 years old
- 1. Get sponsored
- Home equity loans pros and cons
- Maintenance and repair costs
- 'Pay With Miles' benefit
- 2. Understand your options
- Hotel stays
- Prepaid debit card vs. debit card vs. credit card
- Texas Job Creators Grant
- Getting to and from the city
- Step 3: Claim dependents, including children
- Contents coverage
- Step 2: Register your business, get any licenses or permits
- Winner: British Airways
- 1. Use your bank network's ATMs or partner ATMs
- 5. E-book writing
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Accident-only plan
- Where Crypto.com DeFi Wallet shines
- 2. Car washing
- Index examples
- 2. If you have a 401(k), get your match
- You often borrow other people’s cars
- Credit Karma
- Earn ANA miles by spending on credit cards
- 1. Make dollar-cost averaging your friend
- 3. Choose how much you want to invest
- Online lenders
- Avis President's Club
- Pros
- Share profits
- 20% of your income: savings and debt
- 3. Active investing
- Car loan
- Resident status rules
- Preparation and packing
- Capital One
- Country Financial: Best for using an agent
- All-in-one exchanges: Trade more than crypto
- 3. Establish your directives
- 5. Event planning
- The $200 airfare credit
- How age can influence scores
- If you're 59½ or older and the account is at least 5 years old
- How does FDIC insurance on prepaid cards work?
- Center for Women Entrepreneurs StartHER Grant
- Formal two weeks’ notice template
- Best insurance company overall: Travelers
- Step 4: Refine your withholdings
- 1. Can the borrower pay its bonds?
- Upgrading your travel perks
- 3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
- 5. StockFetcher
- 5. Peer-to-peer money transfer apps
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Step 3: Obtain Texas business permits
- 5. Delivering food, groceries or other items
- The Hartford professional liability insurance (errors and omissions insurance)
- 4. Lean on a tax professional
- Where to get a private student loan
- 3. Child care
- 4. Taco Bell
- Fast Break for Small Business
- Mortgage insurance
- Disneyland
- Step 3: Give your mortgage servicer a heads-up
- 3. Flights to Hawaii from 26,000 points round-trip
- 1. States with no income tax
- 2. Take a cut with affiliate marketing
- 2. Score sponsorships
- Cons
- 4. Consider taking an asset allocation shortcut
- 1. Make sure you’re eligible to get an EIN online
- 2. Pay in local currency
- Student loans
- 6. Translation
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, OfferUp
- Other causes of pipe damage
- Routine care and wellness
- Decentralized exchanges: Competitive prices, but more complex
- 3. Learn to use AI tools
- 2. You must have owned the home for at least two years
- ETF cons
- 6. Video production
- Fidelity is best for:
- Fidelity at a glance
- If you are converting your 401(k) to an IRA
- The $400 Hilton Resort credit
- 4. Personal trainers
- 3. Max out an IRA
- 3. Swagbucks
- Benefits for employers
- Book Emirates business class from Dubai to Asia
- Goodbudget
- TakeOff 15
- 3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
- Earn ANA miles by transferring AmEx points
- Choosing corporate tax status for your LLC
- How long will it take to pre-qualify?
- Step 5: Sign and date your W-4
- 1. All Nippon Airways
- LifeLock pros
- Typical cost for a flagship family plan with unlimited data
- Reasons for unfreezing your credit
- Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
- 3. The RealReal
- Other fuel cards to consider
- Shopping tips
- USDA guarantee fee
- Intuit TurboTax
- But wait, there’s more
- Invoice financing
- How this calculator works
- 4. Decide how much to invest in AMD
- 6. Wallet software
- Part-year resident status rules
- Zengo Wallet: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Do tipped workers earn the minimum wage?
- Where Crypto.com DeFi Wallet falls short
- 1. Making money
- 4. Pet sitting or dog walker
- Pros
- You rent cars frequently
- 4. Select a provider to open your Roth IRA
- You spend a lot on travel, food and working out
- Example interest checking APYs at select institutions
- Step 3: Account for essential startup costs
- Pros
- Step 4: File a certificate of formation
- 6. Shopping for groceries
- 4. Dollar-cost averaging
- Consider the annual fee
- 3. Reduce ATM usage
- Where to get auto insurance quotes
- Citi
- Size of the AC system
- 3. You must have lived in the house for at least two years in the five-year period before you sold it
- 4. Review your beneficiaries
- 7. Podcasting
- Cheap car insurance after a speeding ticket
- 1. Cash dividends
- The $100 Conrad or Waldorf Astoria property credit
- Our pick for: No credit check at all
- How to contact AARP
- Benefits for employees
- Book ANA business class from Japan to India
- $200 flight credit eligibility
- Hotel amenities
- Texas State Trade Expansion Program
- Step 4: Buy the new policy before canceling the old
- Flood insurance coverage beyond the NFIP
- Family plans on a budget
- Step 4: Register your business
- Tactic 2: Use points or miles
- Capers Market
- Brokerage fee
- 4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
- Delta premium economy luxury amenity kit
- 5. Research first-time home buyer assistance programs
- Chairman's Club (invite only)
- Small-business term loans
- 7. Editing
- How to get approved for a private student loan
- 5. Lawn care business
- Nonprofit loans
- Cons
- 5. KFC
- IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database
- Our pick for: Online purchases
- Tax credits
- Seller concessions
- 4. Fly business class to Europe for just 34,000 points one-way
- Phoenix Marriott hotels
- Tips for unfreezing your credit
- Dun & Bradstreet business credit scores
- SBA 7(a) loan fees
- 2. States with flat income tax rates
- 1. Fill out a mortgage application
- Our pick for: Strategic shoppers
- Cons
- Andover Companies: Best homeowners insurance for coverage
- Other student loan calculators
- 2. Gather the necessary information
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Installation and labor: $75 to $250 per hour
- The Hartford workers’ comp insurance
- Custodial wallets
- How to get a liquor license in Alabama
- 2. Stock dividends
- Home equity lines of credit pros and cons
- 'Plan It'
- Transfer to airlines
- American Express
- 2. Diversify your holdings
- LifeLock cons
- VA funding fee
- SBA loans
- 6. Fidelity
- 7. Selling clothes, books, electronics and more
- 5. Index investing
- 8. Writing a blog
- Erie: Best in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest
- Sewer backups and sump pump failure
- Costs and fees to keep in mind
- 4. You cannot have claimed the home sale capital gains exclusion recently
- What Crypto.com DeFi Wallet is best for
- 8. IT consulting
- The $189 Clear membership credit
- FICO score ranges
- 5. Newborn and post-pregnancy services
- You frequently use a car-sharing service
- Book United economy class from U.S. mainland to the Caribbean
- Price
- 3. Tap your home equity for a loan or line of credit
- 3. Call your lender
- Step 5: Leave the rest up to your servicer
- SBA 504 loan fees
- 3. States with progressive tax structures
- Leave 30% of your income for wants
- 4. Grailed
- Other perks of Delta premium economy
- Among investment apps: Acorns
- Premiums
- Understanding your results
- 5. Use a Roth
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- 1. Find a dividend-paying stock
- Nonresident status rules
- Poshmark
- Chase
- Should you invest in retail stocks in 2023?
- Did you start freelancing?
- 6. Housecleaning
- 5. Note your state's estate tax laws
- 3. Dividend reinvestment programs (DRIPs)
- 4. Fiverr
- Conclusion
- Amber Grant for Women
- Earn ANA points by transferring Marriott points
- Equity-based crowdfunding
- Step 5: Get licenses, permits, and insurance
- 3. Land a brand deal and make sponsored content
- Costs
- Hot wallet
- Consider your spending and flying habits
- 4. Choose a bank that doesn’t charge foreign ATM fees
- 5. You cannot have bought the house through a like-kind exchange
- How to get a liquor license in Alaska
- 9. Catering
- VantageScore ranges
- ARM caps
- You drive a company car
- 6. McDonald’s
- 4. Barclays rewards
- Open for Business Grant Program in Houston
- You might also like:
- Mortgage rates
- You stay often with IHG
- Equifax business credit scores
- 5. Monitor your total credit utilization
- 6. Compare mortgage rates and fees
- Business lines of credit
- Angel investing
- 3. Submit your application and wait
- 9. Freelance researching
- Ruby Lane
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Rating
- Guarda: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- 4. Take surveys for money
- Manual storage
- Crypto.com DeFi Wallet at a glance
- 7. Housesitting
- Cheap auto insurance after an accident
- 4. Special dividends
- 5. Select your investments
- 2. Promote your business
- Which is better when?
- Your money management style
- Other ways to earn ANA miles
- Bank of America
- Walt Disney World
- Best insurance company for affordability: NJM
- Some water damage
- Step 4: Get business insurance
- 2. Review your Loan Estimates
- 3. Tap TikTok’s ‘Creativity Program Beta’
- Stock trading fee
- But wait, there’s more
- Copays, coinsurance and deductibles
- Chase Ultimate Rewards® points
- Draft an LLC operating agreement
- 8. Tutoring
- Debt collectors
- Flooding
- 6. You cannot be subject to expatriate tax
- 6. Weigh the value of professional help
- 10. Social media management
- 6. Enrichment activities for children
- Checked bags make a big difference
- You need an SR-22 or FR-44 form
- National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant
- Emissions and efficiency
- Tiers
- 5. Gather your paperwork
- Venture capital
- 6. Growth investing
- 2. Evaluate the stock
- Pay bills on time
- 10. Freelance coding and web design
- Did you receive a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program?
- 2. Find the right location for your vending machine
- 8. Errand-running
- How to get a liquor license in Arizona
- 1. Have a goal for your index funds
- Pros
- Compare car insurance rates for 35-year-olds
- 5. Preferred dividends
- Our pick for: Beginner-friendly features
- Bonus features
- Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Community Grant
- Additional standard deduction 2023 (taxes due 2024)
- 3. Invest in sectors that perform well in recessions
- Damage to certain items and parts of your home
- Make Money
- Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt paydown
- Cold wallet
- Etsy
- U.S. Bank
- Full details about Crypto.com DeFi Wallet's ratings
- Acorns is best for:
- Acorns at a glance
- 7. Dunkin’
- Bizee’s Fresh Start Business Grant
- TAP Air Portugal earnings rates
- Chase
- What do I need for my loan application?
- 2. American Airlines
- REITs
- Experian business credit scores
- 4. Sell some merch
- 5. Vestiaire Collective
- Equity crowdfunding
- 9. Working as a resident advisor
- Determine if you can meet the welcome bonus spend requirements
- Keep credit utilization below 30%
- 5. Use a bank that reimburses ATM fees
- USAA: Best for military and veterans
- On-platform storage: Easy to use, with some risks
- 1. Examine your cooling needs
- Exodus: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- 9. Seasonal chores
- Chattel loans
- 7. Plan to reassess
- 11. Business planning service
- Cons
- 6. Dividend funds
- Ways to build credit
- You want to maintain continuous coverage
- Account linking
- What’s included
- 5. American Express Membership Rewards
- Gusto Impact Award
- Additional standard deduction 2024 (taxes due 2025)
- Loan limits
- Disneyland
- Hilton hotels in Phoenix
- 2023 tax rates by state
- 7. Gather your loan paperwork
- U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- 3. Decide how much stock you want to buy
- Honorable mention: Wellcare
- Maintenance or general wear and tear
- 2. Research index funds
- How to maximize your rewards
- 7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children
- 5. Upwork
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- You spend a lot on the card, especially on gas
- Example CD APYs at select institutions
- Most of your basement
- Eureka
- Step 5: Get a business credit card, business checking account
- Pay taxes and file information report
- 7. Value investing
- Chubb: Best homeowners insurance for high-value homes
- Keep credit accounts open
- 11. Software and app development
- Chase credit cards can help you get complimentary breakfast at hotels, too
- 2. Time it right
- 5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
- 2. Managing money
- 10. Selling handmade crafts
- How to get a liquor license in Arkansas
- Manufactured home mortgages
- 12. Tax consulting
- Government bonds
- Resident status rules
- Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program
- Hyatt
- 4. Focus on the long-term
- 6. Pick your investments
- Crowdfunding real estate platforms
- Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N
- For crypto: Crypto.com
- American Express Membership Rewards points
- 10. Selling course notes
- Consider the net value of the card’s welcome bonus
- Swappa, Gazelle
- Wells Fargo
- Did you work in multiple states?
- Family and friends
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI
- 8. Pizza Hut
- Venmo Small Business Grant
- Security
- Domestic flights on ANA
- Appraisal fee
- 2. Is now the right time to buy bonds?
- 5. Offer memberships
- 3. Loan processing takes over
- Fleet expense management tools
- 4. Use gifting
- Mutual fund transaction fee
- Winner: Virgin Atlantic
- Space out credit applications
- 6. Use your debit card to get cash back at a store
- Noncustodial wallets: More effort, more security
- 3. Look for equipment rebates and tax credits
- Coinbase Wallet: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- 11. Making greeting cards
- 8. Shared accessories and attire
- Airline partner earning rates
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- Property standards
- Living expenses if you can’t stay at home
- InboxDollars Surveys
- 8. Get a preapproval letter
- Follow federal requirements
- 12. Business coaching
- 1. Automate transfers
- How to get a liquor license in California
- Dividend per share (DPS)
- Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
- 3. Sell your castoffs
- You typically borrow a car from someone in your household
- Charging/filling up
- Dayton Community Development Corporation grant programs
- Marriott
- Discount points
- 3. Japan Airlines
- Tactic 3: Use your military benefits
- What does P2P mean?
- Our pick for: The well-timed buy
- 11. Working as a lifeguard or swim instructor
- Monitor your credit reports
- 12. Art teacher
- 3. Pick your index funds
- HELOC
- 13. PR agency
- Customer support
- International flights on ANA
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Vehicles
- 4. The underwriter makes a decision based on your documentation
- Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan F
- 8. Income investing
- 13. College consulting
- 6. Sell your wares on Etsy
- How to get a liquor license in Colorado
- Dividend yield
- You regularly borrow the same car from someone you don’t live with
- 9. Denny’s
- The Amplifier Grant
- Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
- Part-year resident status rules
- Appendix: How the math works in our examples
- Example money market account APYs at select institutions
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- Google Opinion Rewards
- Step 6: Get funding
- 1. The modern consumer is smarter than ever before, so be an expert in your field.
- What is P2P payment?
- Citi Prestige® Card
- 7. Use a travel credit card instead
- Home equity loan
- 13. Musician
- Grants
- Crypto.com is best for:
- How to maximize your rewards
- Crypto.com at a glance
- 6. OfferUp
- Other program partners
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- San Antonio Economic Development Department grant programs
- United
- Escrow account funds
- Can you pay estimated taxes at any time?
- 12. Participating in research studies
- 2. Count your coins and bills
- Trust Wallet: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- How to get a liquor license in Connecticut
- Manufactured home pros
- 14. Professional organizing
- 4. Earn badges through Live videos
- You drive rarely or not at all
- User experience
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- How to have less taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Benefits
- Expense ratios
- 9. Choose a real estate agent carefully
- American Family
- 14. Music lessons
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit
- 9. Shared home improvement equipment
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- Swagbucks
- 3. Which bonds are right for my portfolio?
- 5. Sell with TikTok Shop
- Is Medicare Supplement Plan G worth it?
- 9. Socially responsible investing
- 14. Tutoring
- How to get a liquor license in Delaware
- 4. Decide where to buy your index funds
- 15. Photography
- 10. Ben & Jerry’s
- Corporate bonds
- Reviews
- Nonresident status rules
- Towing
- Partner flights
- Lubbock Economic Development Alliance grants
- U.S. Bank
- Flood determination and monitoring fees
- Past years' state tax rates
- What happens if I forget to pay my quarterly taxes?
- 5. Your loan is cleared to close
- Drawbacks
- Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFIAX)
- 13. Freelancing online
- Country Financial: Best homeowners insurance for using an agent
- Check for leaks
- Home equity line of credit
- 3. Prep for grocery shopping
- 7. Self-publish an e-book
- 3. Find your vending machine
- 15. Farmers market vendor
- Manufactured home cons
- Dividend payout ratio
- Our pick for: An upgrade path
- Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- Business loans
- Refinancing
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- Compare Medigap plan types
- For overall similarity: Webull
- 10. Narrow down your ideal type of house and neighborhood
- How do you get a perfect credit score?
- 15. Online fitness trainer
- MetaMask: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- 1. Live in the house for at least two years
- How to get a liquor license in Florida
- Government recording fees
- Freshen up your merchandise
- Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)
- AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A (Excellent)
- Keep drains moving
- 16. Candle maker
- 16. Event space
- 7. Poshmark
- 5. Build a community
- Silver benefits on partner flights
- The Alamo Small Business Grant Program
- 4. United Airlines
- How can I make paying quarterly taxes easier?
- Wildfires
- 14. Cleaning, yardwork and other odd jobs
- 2. See whether you qualify for an exception
- How to get a liquor license in Georgia
- 10. Vacation rentals
- 11. Edible Arrangements
- Loan-origination charges
- SBA loans
- Hyatt hotels in Phoenix
- Is my home at risk of flooding?
- 2. Are you seeking investment or looking for business financing?
- 6. Monetize using the Series feature
- Winner: Virgin Atlantic
- Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX)
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- 16. SEO consulting
- Cash-out refinance
- 17. Retail arbitrage
- 5. Buy index funds
- 17. Interior decorating
- Availability
- Take clear photos
- J.D. Power Ranking
- Long-term goals vs. short-term goals
- Auto Club Group
- Act quickly
- 8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
- 3. Keep the receipts for your home improvements
- Other ways to redeem ANA Mileage Club miles
- Mortgage insurance or fees for government-backed loans
- Online lenders
- Best insurance company for having few customer complaints: American Family
- Sales load
- Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBIAX)
- 15. Working in retail or food service
- 4. Minimize restaurant spending
- Electrum: 2.5 out of 5 stars
- Other details you should know about Crypto.com DeFi Wallet
- 3. Building a budget
- 18. Graphic designer
- How to get a liquor license in Hawaii
- 18. Woodworking or furniture building
- Webull is best for
- Webull at a glance
- Compare car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI
- 11. Electronics repair
- Gold, Navigator benefits on partner flights
- Gifting large sums of money to family
- Our pick for: Interest-free financing with cash back
- NCQA Score Range: 2.5 to 3.5 out of 5
- Earthquakes
- 17. Selling handmade goods
- Turn to technology
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee
- 12. Cinnabon
- Business credit cards
- Write an honest description
- Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGAX)
- 11. Stick to your budget
- Personal loan
- 4. Explore your financing options
- 19. Technology tutor
- How to get a liquor license in Idaho
- 6. Keep an eye on your index funds
- California earned income tax credit (CalEITC)
- America’s Seed Fund
- Pest inspection
- 3. What's your point of difference in the market?
- 7. Collect tips from viewers
- Flooding
- 19. Graphic design
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
- How to get ANA status
- Personal loans
- Paying for vacations, cars or other stuff
- Conventional loans
- Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund (VSMAX)
- Low-risk vs. high-risk investing strategy
- 18. Virtual thrift shop
- Keep pipes from freezing
- 5. Get discounts on entertainment
- Is Crypto.com DeFi Wallet right for you?
- 20. Blogger
- Our pick for: Maximized value
- California young child tax credit (YCTC)
- Prepaid expenses
- Price clothes to sell
- 9. Become an Instagram influencer
- How to get a liquor license in Illinois
- 20. Clothing boutique
- 13. Dairy Queen
- Amber Grants
- Business grants
- Giving a laid-back loan
- 1. Has the W-4 form changed?
- Won’t the government help?
- Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX)
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- NJM: Best small regional home insurer
- Auto-Owners
- 4. Saving money
- 21. Podcaster
- 12. Academics courses
- California child and dependent care tax credit
- FHA loans
- 12. Make the most of walk-throughs and open houses
- Do-it-yourself vs. hiring professional help
- 19. Affiliate marketing
- 6. Map out major purchases
- How we review crypto wallets
- How to get a liquor license in Indiana
- 21. Bed and breakfast
- Tax monitoring and research fees
- Setting up joint bank accounts
- Management or advisory fees
- 22. Social media influencer
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee, potentially high credit limit
- California adoption cost tax credit
- NASE Growth Grant
- 2. What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
- Find your niche
- How much are car insurance quotes?
- 20. Accounting or bookkeeping
- How to get a liquor license in Iowa
- 22. Food truck
- 14. Cold Stone Creamery
- Title-related costs
- Best insurance company for financial strength: Auto-Owners
- Winner: Virgin Atlantic
- Ledger: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- 10. Monetize your Twitch channel
- 23. Live-streaming gamer
- Cheapest auto insurance for senior drivers
- 13. Language courses
- California nonrefundable renters tax credit
- ANA Mileage Club elite status tier levels
- Pets Best vs. Trupanion
- 7. Restrict online shopping
- How to get a liquor license in Kansas
- 13. Don’t skip the home inspections
- 21. Telemarketing
- 24. Photographer or videographer
- 23. Restaurant or cafe
- Understand your eligibility
- Our pick for: Online Shopping
- Farmers
- 5. Stock your vending machine with inventory
- How to get a liquor license in Kentucky
- 3. When should I review my W-4?
- 22. Online personal assistant
- Trezor: 4 out of 5 stars
- 25. Web designer
- 24. Craft brewery
- Be authentic
- American Express® Gold Card
- Which factors determine car insurance quotes?
- 8. Delay purchases with the 30-day rule
- How to get a liquor license in Louisiana
- Compare auto insurance rates for drivers with poor credit
- 14. Business or marketing courses
- Our pick for: Average credit and rewards
- Note application deadlines and awards dates
- 401(k) fees
- 14. Negotiate with the seller
- USAA: Best homeowners insurance for military and veterans
- 23. Data entry
- 11. Sell your photography
- 26. Transcription
- Pros
- Real estate agent commissions
- 4. Can I adjust my W-4 multiple times throughout the year?
- Pets Best vs. Healthy Paws
- How to get a liquor license in Maine
- 25. Ice cream shop
- 24. Transcription
- 9. Get creative with gifts
- SafePal: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- 6. Make the right investments
- Our pick for: Prime gaming
- Consider financing alternatives
- Property and transfer taxes
- Serve your audience and set small goals
- 27. Data entry
- How to get a liquor license in Maryland
- 26. Personal chef
- 15. Personal wellness
- Best insurance company for discounts: Amica
- 15. Buy adequate home insurance
- 25. Travel planning
- The Hanover
- Cons
- Title insurance
- 28. Create an app or online game
- How to get a liquor license in Massachusetts
- 27. Landscape services
- Use multiple strategies
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*
- Pets Best vs. Lemonade
- 10. Lower your car costs
- Methodology
- Our pick for: Average credit and no annual fee
- Apple Cash: digital card
- 26. Cybersecurity and IT consulting
- 28. Pet grooming
- 12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
- 5. Maximizing your credit cards
- How to get a liquor license in Michigan
- 16. Courses in hobbies or interests
- 11. Reduce your gas usage
- 29. Florist
- Our pick for: Financing a large purchase
- How to get a liquor license in Minnesota
- Cash App debit card
- 27. Online therapy
- Nationwide
- Erie: Most generous coverage
- How to get a liquor license in Mississippi
- 30. Massage therapist
- 17. Bookkeeping and accounting
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- 28. PR consulting
- 12. Bundle cable and internet
- 13. Sell unused gift cards
- Our pick for: Limited credit
- Individual stocks
- How to get a liquor license in Missouri
- Best insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- 29. Podcasting
- 13. Switch your cell phone plan
- How to get a liquor license in Montana
- 31. Nutritionist
- 18. Consulting
- Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
- Pros
- 6. Borrowing money
- Compare insurance rates for drivers with an accident
- State Farm
- 14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
- How to get a liquor license in Nebraska
- 32. Personal trainer or fitness instructor
- Dividend stocks
- 30. Life coaching
- Cons
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- 14. Reduce your electric bill
- How to get a liquor license in Nevada
- Our pick for: Good credit
- 33. Beauty services
- Nationwide: Best online experience
- 31. Video production
- How to get a liquor license in New Hampshire
- 19. IT support
- 15. Lower your student loan payments
- 34. Life coach
- 32. Resume writing and career coaching
- How to get a liquor license in New Jersey
- Best insurance company for military members: USAA
- Travelers
- 16. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions
- 15. Sell your gently used clothes
- How to get a liquor license in New Mexico
- 20. Graphic design
- What is a prepaid debit card?
- United Club℠ Infinite Card
- 33. Dropshipping
- 35. Tutor
- Our pick for: Travel
- How to get a liquor license in New York
- 17. Refinance your mortgage
- 36. Daycare provider
- What is a prepaid credit card?
- How to get a liquor license in North Carolina
- Our pick for: Walmart gaming purchases
- Openly: Fewest consumer complaints
- 34. Recruiting
- 21. Social media management
- Where can you get a prepaid card?
- 18. Set savings goals
- 16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash
- How to get a liquor license in North Dakota
- 37. Senior care provider
- 35. Marketing consulting
- How to compare renters insurance
- How do you add money to a prepaid card?
- How to get a liquor license in Ohio
- 38. Interpreter or translator
- Our pick for: Instant gratification
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- 36. Online fundraising or grant writing
- Which prepaid card is best?
- How to get a liquor license in Oklahoma
- 39. Housecleaning
- 22. Marketing copywriter
- 37. Online course teaching
- 19. Track spending
- 17. Get a babysitting gig
- How to get a liquor license in Oregon
- 38. Online cooking instruction
- 7. Your credit score
- 40. Automotive repair
- 1. Gather your information
- 23. Virtual assistant services
- 20. Pay off high-interest debt
- How to get a liquor license in Pennsylvania
- 41. Handyman services
- Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
- State Farm: Best perks
- 39. YouTube channel
- 18. Rent out your car
- How to get a liquor license in Rhode Island
- Our pick for: Personalized rewards
- Prime Visa
- You have a roommate
- 21. Keep savings in a high-yield savings account
- How to get a liquor license in South Carolina
- 42. Dry cleaners
- 40. Voiceover work
- 2. Choose the right liability car insurance coverage levels
- 22. Create a 50/30/20 budget
- How to get a liquor license in South Dakota
- 43. Hardware store
- 1. Do your research
- You’re on a tight budget
- 41. Start a team
- 19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
- How to get a liquor license in Tennessee
- 44. Self-storage business
- 2. Get organized and make it official
- Verizon Visa® Card
- You would want new items if your belongings were destroyed
- 45. Freelance copywriting and content creation
- 23. Shop consignment and thrift stores
- How to get a liquor license in Texas
- How do you want to make money?
- 46. Rideshare driver
- 3. Find the right financing
- You own expensive jewelry or electronics
- 20. Become a private tutor
- How to get a liquor license in Utah
- You’re a first-time home buyer
- How will you find work?
- 47. Website development and design
- How to get a liquor license in Vermont
- 48. Sell clothes online
- 3. Decide if you need full coverage car insurance
- Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
- How much autonomy do you want?
- You have a dog
- 24. Join initiatives to get free items
- How to get a liquor license in Virginia
- You live in a high-risk area
- 21. Drive for Uber, Lyft
- 8. Taxes
- 49. SEO consultant
- How to get a liquor license in Washington
- 50. App development
- 25. Use car sharing services
- How to get a liquor license in West Virginia
- You have a dog
- 22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
- How to get a liquor license in Wisconsin
- 26. Stock up on household supplies when they’re cheap
- 9. Paying off debt
- How to get a liquor license in Wyoming
- 4. Collect and compare car insurance quotes
- You own valuable items
- 23. Find work as a housesitter
- 27. Enjoy community events
- You own an older home
- Our pick for: Digital Microsoft Store purchases
- 28. Cash in on your birthday
- 24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
- 25. Put your drone to work
- Compare car insurance companies
- 10. Insurance
- 11. Investing
- 12. Starting or running a business
- 13. Travel
- The NerdWallet Smart Money podcast
Your credit utilization is simply the portion of your available credit you use, expressed as a percentage. It is the total of balances on all your credit cards divided by the total of all your credit limits. (It's also figured on a per-card basis.) This number is a big factor in your credit score — the less available credit you use, the better it is for your score.
Here’s how to keep your utilization low.
Why is having a low credit utilization important?
Paying your balances on time and in full every month is the best way to keep your score intact or build it. On the other hand, using a larger portion of your credit limit could do damage. Credit utilization accounts for around 20% to 30% of your credit scores.
But if a financial crisis means you have to lean on credit cards, take heart: Credit scores can rebound quickly once you're able to lower your utilization.
How to lower your credit utilization
1. Keep your charges on each card to a minimum
The simplest way to avoid losing credit score points for using too much of your limits is to watch how much you charge to each card. Make a habit of patrolling your online accounts to keep tabs on spending. If you are close to using 30% of your credit limit on one card, try to make a payment or switch to using another card.
Simply getting into the habit of paying twice per month instead of once could help you decrease your credit usage. Lower balances can save you interest if you carry a balance — and are good for your credit score regardless.
You can also monitor your per-card and overall credit utilization by viewing your credit score profile from NerdWallet.
2. Ask for higher credit limits
If it’s tough for you to avoid utilizing more than 30% of your available credit, another solution might be to request a credit line increase on your card or cards. Getting a credit limit increase might require you to call your card issuer or make the request online. Sometimes increases are offered automatically if you’ve had your card for a while and have a positive payment history, so be on the lookout for those offers when you log in to your account.
Another option to get a higher overall credit limit is to ask a friend or relative to add you as an authorized user on an established account. The primary user doesn't even have to give you a card or tell you the account number for your credit score to benefit. Do choose carefully: Being on the account of someone who is having problems with credit could affect your score, too. You want to be on an account showing good payment history, preferably with a high credit limit and consistently low credit utilization.
A higher overall credit limit could help you keep your credit utilization lower than it would be otherwise. This could make a big difference in your credit score. You can check your own credit to see the effect (and it won't hurt your score).
3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
If you find yourself consistently overspending, setting up balance alerts can help keep your spending in check.
Sign up with your credit card issuer to receive alerts via text message or email. You can choose to be alerted when the balance reaches a certain amount or percentage of your credit limit. Your goal is to keep the balance below 30%.
4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
Most credit card issuers report your balance and payment activity to the credit bureaus once every 30 days. However, this doesn’t necessarily coincide nicely with when your bill is due. If your issuer reports a few days before the end of your billing cycle, you’ll consistently look like you’re carrying a high balance — even if you pay it off in full just a few days later.
Place a call to your card issuer’s customer service line to find out when it reports to the credit bureaus. Simply pay off as much of your balance as you can in advance of that date every month, and you might see a jump in your score.
5. Monitor your total credit utilization
If you have multiple credit cards, it might be hard to view the bigger picture of your credit utilization. Using the calculator below, input your credit card balances and limits to check whether you're under the recommended 30% utilization threshold.
If you’re creeping up to that limit, do your best to pay down your balances and explore ways to stop spending money.