https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/Offset-HP-score-drop/m-p/4942090#M243493 <P>So I applied and got my new Amex card. My score increase 14pts. Not sure why but I believe that paying 2K on my BOA balance offset that 2-5pt hard pull. Just something to consider if your applying for a card and worried about a drop. Pay another balance down a statement period prior to apply any probably will offset that HP.</P> Sat, 06 May 2017 20:34:29 GMT Anonymous 2017-05-06T20:34:29Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/Offset-HP-score-drop/m-p/4942090#M243493 <P>So I applied and got my new Amex card. My score increase 14pts. Not sure why but I believe that paying 2K on my BOA balance offset that 2-5pt hard pull. Just something to consider if your applying for a card and worried about a drop. Pay another balance down a statement period prior to apply any probably will offset that HP.</P> Sat, 06 May 2017 20:34:29 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/Offset-HP-score-drop/m-p/4942090#M243493 Anonymous 2017-05-06T20:34:29Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/Offset-HP-score-drop/m-p/4942263#M243507 <P>When paying down balances, it's all about if you crossed a utilization threshold percentage.&nbsp; It's always based on percentages (9%, 29%, 49%, etc) not dollars.&nbsp; It is perfectly possible that you crossed a threshold which resulted in a score increase from utilization which was greater than the score decrease from an inquiry.</P> Sun, 07 May 2017 01:09:33 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/Offset-HP-score-drop/m-p/4942263#M243507 Anonymous 2017-05-07T01:09:33Z