Calling them scum isn't really helpful. Credit scores are a game, and you just need to learn the rules. Your example of the simulator is relevant for your situation, but you should put it into context. Someone with a $5,000 balance when their total credit limit is $10,000 will have severe credit score effects (50% utilization), while that same $5,000 balance for someone with a total credit limit of $100,000 will have minimal credit score effects (5% utilization). In your example, why not charge it, and if holding the balance at $5,000 is detrimental to you, then pay it down to $1 just before the statement closes. This gets you an actual reported balance on your credit files which helps build your credit history, and if you have a rewards card, lets you earn those rewards as well.
