Monitoring flash memory erase progress using erase credits

The progress of an erase operation for a memory device is monitored using an erase credit mechanism. In one approach, an erase operation is performed to erase a memory. Erase pulse slices used in the erase operation are monitored. Erase credits associated with the erase operation are determined. The erase credits include an erase credit associated with each of the erase pulse slices. Based on the erase credits, an extent of erasure of the memory is determined. In response to determining that the extent of erasure has reached a predetermined threshold, the erase operation is terminated.