How # of cards with balance can effect FICO score

[Roarmeister]

Very interesting observation.  And thanks for taking the FICO score hit to prove an hypothesis.  It would be interesting to find out if the GAINS are by doing the reverse of your payment patterns.  Keep us informed.

[maiden_girl]

Nice chart. I've had a different experience with my FICO scores however. I recently paid down a balance on my credit card. But as soon as my credit card balance increased $52 dollars more than it was last statement $362 balance to $414 balance, my Fico score dropped 11 pts! Dropped from 690 to 679. I don't really understand what I did wrong and why my score was affected so much. I don't have any negative marks on my credit.