What effect does promptly paying off a $400 charge on a credit card with a $2,000 limit have on your credit score?

Promptly paying off a $400 charge on a credit card with a $2,000 limit can positively impact your credit score for several reasons. First, timely payments are a critical factor in credit scoring models, accounting for a significant portion of the score. When you pay off the balance promptly, it demonstrates responsible credit management and indicates to lenders that you are a reliable borrower.

Additionally, maintaining a low credit utilization ratio is important for your score. In this case, paying off a $400 charge reduces your utilization ratio from 20% (with a $400 balance on a $2,000 limit) to 0%. A lower utilization ratio is associated with better credit scores, as it shows that you are not overly reliant on credit.

Furthermore, consistent payments can build a positive payment history, which is beneficial for long-term creditworthiness. Therefore, promptly paying off the charge not only raises your score through immediate payment but also contributes to a healthier overall credit profile.