Are returns bad for credit score?
Emma Miller
Updated on February 16, 2026
By completing the return before your credit card company reports a high balance to the credit bureaus, you’ll avoid a change to your credit scores. If you don’t make your returns before your credit is reported, the purchases you plan to return will be included in your balance and raise your credit utilization ratio.
What messes up your credit?
The following common actions can hurt your credit score: Missing payments. Payment history is one of the most important aspects of your FICO® Score, and even one 30-day late payment or missed payment can have a negative impact. Using too much available credit.
How does a return affect your credit score?
Your total credit balance, which falls under the category of amounts owed in the FICO model, comprises 30 percent of your total credit score. If you return an item, it doesn’t remain on your credit card and won’t usually affect your credit score. However, the timing of your return may actually have an effect.
How does opening a new credit card affect your credit score?
As with your total credit balance, frequent returns can actually help your score if they lower your reported credit utilization. If you open a new credit card every time you shop at a different store, you could damage your credit score, even if you make returns.
How does late payment affect your credit score?
Late payments on loans appear on your credit report and they drag down your credit scores. However, you often have 30 days after the due date to make your payment and keep your credit intact.
How does your history of utility payments affect your credit?
Your history of utility payments can affect your ability to get other utility services. There are different types of credit scores. But the most important is arguably the FICO credit score (and you even have several FICO credit scores—at least one for each major credit bureau ).