Understanding score while carrying a balance.

[Berkster]

Hi gang, last month when I checked my report through one of the score watch offers I noticed that my score went down a few points. I am assuming that the drop came from me not having a balance on my credit cards during the last reporting period because their are no negative factors and no new inquiries. So my question is and I welcome all suggestions and advice; should I let a balance show on at least one credit card for the next reporting to see if carrying a balance or not carrying a balance causes the score to fluctuate up or down. Thanks guys and gals.

[pizzadude]

Yes, if you are trying to tweak your FICO score, then try letting a small balance report on a single CC account.   Somewhere less than 9%.  For some people it might be 5% or 3%. 

[Berkster]

I"m sitting at 3% utl right now so I think I will let that report and see what happens. Thanks for the reply.