Utilization dropped and scores dropped

[Anonymous]

I usually don't carry any balances, but I let 2 of my cards report a balance in November and I paid them off last month. I received alerts from myfico and all of my scores decreased a total of 11-12  points the point decreases seemed to vary by a point depending on bureau. Also I am an AU on an AMEX charge and that was paid off as well and my score dropped 6 points only TU. 

Why is my score dropping for decreasing utilization and also I thought the charge card balances were not factored into utilization. I was surprised to see my score drop considering I'm only an AU.

[Chris679]

If all cards report a zero balance your score will drop a bit. Leave something on one card.

[coldnmn]

Ideally let one card report from 1%-9% for optimal credit score. 0% will give you a lower score.

[boosnark]

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@coldnmn wrote:

Ideally let one card report from 1%-9% for optimal credit score. 0% will give you a lower score.

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This. 10% or less is a common rule of thumb.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone this is good to know. Just want my scores to stay steady and increase because I will be applying for a mortgage in a couple months.

[takeshi74]

(nm)