Credit utilization percentage and improving credit score

AbleBerry

I was accepted for my first post-bankruptcy discharge credit card a few months ago (£1,000 limit, Vanquis Chrome, 24.9% APR - the best rate I could get unfortunately). I obtained it purely to improve my credit score, not because I needed credit. I've been using it for the occasional food shopping, and bits and pieces here and there then paying it off in full prior to the due date (approx £100-£200 per month - 10% to 20% of my limit).

Checked my ClearScore account today and it shows my score with them (via Equifax) is up by 32 points from the previous month. Under the 'positive markers' it says that I've utilized less than 50% of my available credit. Having done a bit of research over the last few months, I've seen some places say you should aim for under 30%, some even under 25%. ClearScore say 50%.

I want to continue to build my credit score and avoid any negative behaviours. I'll always pay off in full prior to the due date, but I'd like to know for future reference - what is the maximum utilization I should stick to? If one month I spend £450 on my card (45% utilization), but pay it off in full before the next due date, will that still be seen as a positive or just 'neutral'?

Thanks.

[Deleted User]

Just make sure you clear it in full each month and your utilisation doesn't matter.

Lenders are looking for responsible credit management.

Disregard any of the credit scores. They don't reflect how your credit worthiness and aren't a factor in lending.

PRAISETHESUN

@Deleted_User is on the money as usual. Paying off in full every month (set a DD so you don't forget) is the most important thing. The % utilisation is only really an issue if you have debt sticking around that isn't being paid off.

Also read the sticky at the top of the forum - ignore the scores provided by the CRAs and focus instead on your credit history. Make sure you keep building that up through good management of your credit accounts and over time you'll be able to re-build yourself.