Hi all,

Been busy with GWs (keeping up the faith in spite of multiple NOs) but as I see frequent questions about util-baddies-TLs v/s score I thought I would provide a 1-month example:

My scores have been steadily increasing 5+/- per month.  I've ensured my util is never over 9% during the entire process.  This month I became busy and waited 3 days too many on my CC payments and BOOM ... the accounts posted to the CRAs with approximately 25% util (not late, mind you ... rather, I simply missed my statement cut dates).  Guess what:

As of 1-Aug:

EQ-FICO = 605 with 9% util.

TU-FICO = 558 with 9% util

As of 1-Sept:

EQ-FICO = 598 with 24% util ... a 7 pt drop OH NOE!

TU-FICO = 599 with 24% util ... a 41 pt increase ... YEAH BAYBEEE!!

What changed?

Cap1 began reporting my new CC ($550 CL)

Made my payments *after* my statement cut dates thereby increasing my util from 9% to 24% <face palm>

Had a baddie adjusted on my TU: lates removed ... balance set to $0 ... account closed ... now reporting as "Never Late / Paid As Agreed"   WOOHOO!

Considering the above three factors, a new TL does make a temporary small ding but the increase in TL *can* lower your util and the removal of a single baddie *can* make a huge difference.  My next score pull on 1-Oct, I am hoping, should be quite nice!  Ok, I've finished babbling.  These results are mine and YMMV but I would imagine they are typical.

Cheers!

Starting Score 4/15/2012:579 Ex-FAKO, 572 Eq-FAKO, 546 TU-FAKO (all were sub-500 in 2011)
FICO as of 3/08/2013: 627 EQ, 647 TU
FAKO as of 3/23/2013: 638 EX, 652 EQ, 648 TU
Goal 1: 600 FICO achieved 10/2012!, Goal 2: 650 FICO Across the Board - Let's take Baby-Steps!
**Amex Optima $1.3k, GE/CareCredit $1k, CapOne Secured $900, Barclaycard Rewards $500, CapOne Rewards $500, Citi/Shell $200**
Seedling Garden Club Member - Last App: 03/18/2013 - Goal: No apps for One Year: 3/18/2014