Chapter 13 BK discharged December 2017

[Anonymous]

Not so much off a 13 BK, but it was discharged in December 17.  I have four cards, the highest of $550.

I only owe $350 on one. Do I pay it off, or leave a little to revolve? I'm trying HARD to raise my score, and it's very frustrating. I earn $83,000 per year and I feel like a jerk for putting myself in that hole. Trying to dig out. Please advise me the correct way to raise it as much as possible?

[Anonymous]

Hi Bruce! Best for scoring is to let a less than 9% balance to post on one card, and let the others post at 0. You can change which card posts each month as long as the rest report  0 balances. 

[Anonymous]

Just to add, if all your cards are new since the BK, then you will want to establish a positive payment history too. Normally in a rebuild, you wouldn't worry about scores right off the bat, but would establish a pattern of using your cards and paying every month, then move on to the one card reporting a balance strategy to maximize your score. 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Bella!

I've never been so diligent about anything. This has literally become an obsession. Thank you again.

[19eighty5]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Thanks Bella!

I've never been so diligent about anything. This has literally become an obsession. Thank you again.

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I know the feeling! This is my new daily obsession. Good luck during your rebuild!

[egghead88]

I was in your boat 8 months ago. Try not to apply for any new cards and let those four cards rebuild your payment history. Keep your balances low and your score will soar. I’m up an avg of 75 points in over 8 months and I applied for too many cards after my discharge. Good luck!!