Pay Off Your Credit Card Weekly: The Secret to a Better Credit Score

“Credit cards are like snakes: Handle ’em long enough, and one will bite you.” — Elizabeth Warren

Credit cards can be awesome. Point accumulation can lead to “free” trips or money off purchases. They can also be destructive to your savings goals and Credit Score. It can be all too easy to spend more than you can afford, then have the balance snowball as it carries over month to month. Don’t fall into this trap. Keep your spending under control by paying your credit card off every week.

It’s important to have a credit card as payment history makes up 35% of your Credit Score¹. If used correctly, credit cards can boost you into amazing financial territory. They also allow you to accrue rewards, cash back, etc. that can be utilized for trips and/or stuff. On the flip side, it’s easy to build debt. 43% of American adults who use credit cards said they have revolving debt. The average revolving debt was ~$11k in 2024². With the average APR hovering at 22.7%, that is a yearly cost of $2,497. That could be a mortgage payment or money for investment. Effectively, this is equivalent to burning money for the joy of carrying debt.

Don’t fall into this credit card doom spiral. Treat your credit card the same way you would treat cash³. Don’t spend what you don’t have. Watch what you are buying and ensure your spend matches you financial plan. Try paying your credit card bill weekly instead of monthly. More frequent payments are shown to support good financial decision making⁴. At the very least, always pay your balance in full each month. Make your credit card works for you and enjoy being debt free.

Action: Review your credit card habits. Try paying off your card weekly.

Further Reading:

1. Focus On Payment History—It’s The Most Important Credit Factor
2. Credit Card Data, Statistics and Research
3. The Best Way to Use a Credit Card? Treat It Like Cash.
4. How Often Should You Pay Your Credit Card?