Credit Cards

[beautybrainsbooty]

I have two cards and due to recent travel I have charges on both. I'm trying not to stress about it but do want to know what to do. Details: About 1500 on one with the lower limit and 800 on the other which is the big boy with a 5k limit. For best score maximization how do I pay this down? Which one first?? Or does it even matter guys??

It will take me a month and a half or so to pay it all off down to zero. Help??!!

[tcbofade]

If you're going to pay it all off over the next 45 days or so, I don't think it matters much.

If it were me, I would pay off the smaller balance off completely first, then attack the other...

[SnackTrader]

It shouldn't matter unless you need your utilization to be perfect.  My suggestion would be to make whatever payments you can make on the one with the highest interest rate, since you will be carrying a balance.  Then, hold off on any upcoming applications until you get your utilization back to normal.

Remember, FICO forgets utilization after a new balance posts.  So 1 month of bad utilization won't hurt you after that month is over.  In fact, my utilization is always near 40% except when I'm preparing to apply for new credit.

Good luck!

[beautybrainsbooty]

oh this makes me feel soooo much better! wow. especially since I am going to be doing some extensive travel over the next few months. I was worried my score would tank after I worked so hard to get it up in the 7's. Thank you!!!

[kwazziee]

I say if you are not seeking new credits it does'nt reallt matter. If I had to I would pay off teh low balance first then the other.

[Cadillac-XTS]

+1

[aplast]

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tcbofade wrote:

If you're going to pay it all off over the next 45 days or so, I don't think it matters much.

If it were me, I would pay off the smaller balance off completely first, then attack the other...

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+1. I would def. take care of the smaller balance first. knock that out of the way, and then hit the next card harder and then be free hopefully you collected some rewards from those travel purchases!

[Wolf3]

IMO, you should ignore your score and pay based on interest charges.    If you can PIF one by the due date and avoid interest expenses on one card, I would do that.

[webhopper]

I would focus on paying the 1500 first since it will be at high utilization. Get that card below 50% utilization and then focus on the 800 dollar one.

[beautybrainsbooty]

thanks you guys! All advice noted and I just made some big payments today towards both cards, we shall see what the fico gods think...