It worked (4 points increase) !

[Anonymous]

Scout1965, you don't have to clear all the balances. I have "29" credits, 11 open accounts, and 3 with a balance. Like you, I pay as much as I can with CCs, but work on having only three CCs with a balance. I remember reading not having a single balance seems to have a negative impact on your score. Go figure! It will also reduce your UTIL as well.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations!  Scout. 

I am same as you.  I use my CCs to pay all my expenses except rent, and utility bill.

By the way, CLD is kind of scares me now since I read yours and other posts.

I have 8k on my AMEX Blue and I only use this card once in few month and PIF before the closing date.  Because, according to the simulation/analyze my score will go down a lot by having the balance on this card.  I hope it does not happen to me.   

[Anonymous]

bunnyrabbit,

I am not worried about CLD.   

The only card that I carry a balance on is also my AMEX Blue.  Used a convenience check with a 1.9% rate and no fees to help with a major expense.  Still paying the balance and I have NO intention of paying it off anytime soon.

I have the cash to pay this off, but I am earning more than 1.9% on my investment account.  AMEX has not had a problem with this.  This balance has revolved for several years now, with a current balance of approx $7500.  I have a long history with  AMEX - back to 1987.  Still get CLIs on this account, current CL is $25K.