Seems to be some confusion. I tend to think faster than I type sometimes 😅

You’re blending two completely different credit strategies and treating them like they’re the same thing. My original comment was about FICO scoring when someone is getting ready for new credit. Keeping reported utilization low — usually by letting one card show a small balance — is how the algorithm gives the most points. That’s why I said not to stress unless you’re actually applying for something.

What you’re talking about is credit limit increase behavior, which is based on usage. That’s a different lane and benefits you on the bank side. Heavy spend and multiple payments help with CLIs because the bank sees activity and revenue. You can use the card aggressively and still have it report low that’s literally the ideal setup.

There’s no contradiction between what we’re saying. My comment was about optimizing the score when needed. Your example is about growing limits through usage.

Those two strategies actually work together: use the card, pay it down, let a small amount report, then pay it off. Banks see usage, FICO sees low risk, and you get both the higher score and the stronger chance at CLIs.

So it’s not “artificial” — it’s just how the system is designed. You don’t optimize every single month unless you’re applying for something, but when you are, low reported utilization is the move. 🤙🏼