The only time I didn't use it was when it was maxed out.... Since having it I always carried a balance except for the past three months. I have always outwits more than the minimum except for a 5 month period in 2010 where I made the minimum plus $10. It's reported to the CRAs at this point and minimally impacted scores so I'm not going to fret anymore. They sent me a letter on the 14th but I'm out of town for business so haven't read that yet. Maybe it will offer more insight.