Holiday Credit Health
Easy ways to keep your credit steady through the season
Spending tends to jump in November and December, and that can push credit metrics in the wrong direction.
A few small moves now can keep things steady, protect your score, and make January feel a lot smoother.
Here’s how to stay on top of it.
Statement Date Payments
Your card balance gets reported around the statement date, not the due date. Paying before the statement closes can lower your reported balance for that cycle.
That helps your utilization and can even reduce next month’s interest.
Per-Card vs. Overall Utilization
Utilization is the balance divided by the credit limit. There are two ways to look at it:
Per card: Keep each card under 30%, ideally under 10%. One maxed-out card can hurt your score even if your total looks fine.
Overall: Add up all balances and all limits. Keep the total under 30%, and aim lower if you can.
Limit Increase Timing
A higher limit lowers your utilization as long as your spending stays steady. If your card issuer allows it, request a limit increase before big purchases or early in your billing cycle.
Try not to request it during a promo or right after opening a new account to avoid unnecessary attention.
Autopay Safety Net
Turn on autopay for at least the minimum payment so a busy week doesn’t lead to a late mark. Add a small extra payment to your highest-APR card when you can. Calendar reminders a couple of days before due dates add extra protection.
Tips to Keep It Easy
Spread holiday spending across cards instead of loading one.
Make a mid-cycle payment to lower your average balance.
Avoid closing old cards this season unless you have to. Credit age and available credit both matter.
Ten-Minute Checklist
Find each card’s statement date and set reminders.
Note your current per-card and overall utilization.
Turn on autopay minimums and add alerts.
Pick one card for a mid-cycle payment.
Request a limit increase on one steady account if helpful.
Bottom Line
The holidays can test your credit habits, but a few small steps make a big difference. Pay before your statement closes, spread out spending, use autopay, and time limit increases smartly.
You’ll start the new year with your credit score intact and your stress level low.