Credit Card Chaos? Here’s How to Tame It and Still Qualify for a Mortgage

Credit cards can feel like best friends one day and enemies the next. One late payment or high balance can tank your score and put your home-buying dream on hold. The good news? You can take control of the chaos in just a few weeks and still get approved for a mortgage.

Start by listing every card you have, the balance, and the limit. The magic number is 10% utilization , that means if your limit is $1,000, keep the balance under $100. Pay down the highest-balance cards first while making minimum payments on the rest. If you’re close to the limit on one card, ask for a credit limit increase (soft inquiry only). Never close old cards, even if they’re paid off , closing them shortens your credit history and raises utilization. Set up autopay for at least the minimum, then schedule an extra payment mid-month to keep balances low before the statement closes.

Lenders look at utilization harder than almost anything else. A balance over 30% can drop your score 50–100 points overnight, even with perfect payments. Getting it under control now can raise your score fast and save you thousands in interest.

Your credit cards should work for you, not against you. Take charge today, and in 30–60 days you’ll see the difference on your report and in your mortgage options.

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