Statement/payment due dates with small limit

Hi guys - I’m slightly confused on the guidance regarding due date and statement balances. I, until as of recent, believed that paying off the card to $0 just before the statement close and letting it report a $0 balance was key. I am in the rebuild process starting from lower 500’s, maxed out credit cards and late payments, and I think just getting my balances lowered was a huge win in the beginning. Fast forward to now, there’s been 10 great months of growth and on-time payments. However, with capital one, I can’t seem to get any CLI’s or better rates and I’m wondering if it’s due to my incorrect timeline for payments and spending. Just to give an example:

Capital One Savor -

Payments are **due** on the **12th** of every month.

My statement compiles usage from the 19th of every month to the 18th.

My statement dropped on the 18th of January and said my new balance was $44. Since that statement came out on 1/18, I have obviously used the card and it’s currently maxed out. Due date is tomorrow, the 12th and the balance currently is $293 - so I’m curious - do I pay ONLY what my statement shows upon due date or do I payoff the card in full on every due date?

With a $300 limit, I run into the issue of it being constantly maxed as I use it like a basic debit card for most transactions until it’s maxed and I put it in the drawer until payment due date and it’s freed up again.

I understand utilization doesn’t have a memory. I am about a year or so out from a big buy, so really just looking for the best growth/credit limit routes and as silly as it is…when to correctly make my payments.

Thanks!