It's generally suggested over and over again to keep your util less than 10%.
I recently had just one card reporting a positive balance; the util for this card was 9.9% rounded up to 10%, and the overall util was 3%. That card's util is now less than 1%. My EQ FICO score didn't change one point.
DW recently had just one card reporting a positive balance; the util for this card was 9.9% rounded up to 10%, and the overall util was 3%. That card's util is now less than 1%. Her EQ FICO score didn't change one point.
What gives? 
I've been watching my husbands scores as well as mine for the last few months, and tried the same thing with him.
In December, total util was 15% on his TU and 13% on his EQ.
A few days ago I pulled his reports again. Total utl is now 8% and 5%. His scores are similar to yours, 801 and 803 and they didn't change. He has nothing showing under negative factors on either report. Not sure what's going on...
Starting Score: 600s
@Anonymous-own-fico wrote:It's generally suggested over and over again to keep your util less than 10%.
I recently had just one card reporting a positive balance; the util for this card was 9.9% rounded up to 10%, and the overall util was 3%. That card's util is now less than 1%. My EQ FICO score didn't change one point.
DW recently had just one card reporting a positive balance; the util for this card was 9.9% rounded up to 10%, and the overall util was 3%. That card's util is now less than 1%. Her EQ FICO score didn't change one point.
What gives?
I also try to mention that this rule of thumb seems to work well for most people but each person has to work with the numbers and find out what works best for them.
There is no one size fits all approach for every consumer when it comes to this aspect of credit management. At least IMO.
From a BK years ago to:
EX - 9/09 pulled by lender 802, EQ - 10/10-813, TU - 10/10-774
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem".
@MarineVietVet wrote:I also try to mention that this rule of thumb seems to work well for most people but each person has to work with the numbers and find out what works best for them.
There is no one size fits all approach for every consumer when it comes to this aspect of credit management. At least IMO.
Yep. The FICO Score algorithms are insanely complex. But the <9% seems to keep most folks out of "ding" trouble. How far above that you can go without getting dinged is a great sport if you need something to keep you busy. I always try to keep DH busy, so he doesn't get into too much trouble - but I haven't had him play with this yet. And, of course, where I run into a ding will not be a guarantee that you will run into a ding at the same point. Someone a good while back posted that they had a sweet spot at about 3%. Definitely not so for me.
What are you all looking at your scores and CRs with when you refer to things like "the simulator"? Score Watch?
Starting Score: 648
It also probably matters what the starting scores are - for someone above 800, it might not make a difference, but someone less than 700 could see a higher score loss. Also, as mentioned, over all uti can play a role - try moving that over 10% and then back down - might move the scores more.
Finally, it's just a good benchmark for people to shoot for - easy to calculate based on your CL and a nice round number.