Whats Better???

[runNL8]

What is better to have...A long credit history with a UTL of about 37%. Or a short credit history with a lower UTL of about 23%.

I ask because I am listed as a joint user on one of DW MC and it has the longest history reporting on my CR. Its bogging my EQ fico score as well, it just dropped 3 pts this month due to a high bal. If I leave, my UTL drops to 23%, but my length of credit history will shorten by about 2 yrs.   

[Anonymous]

If this is a JOINT account - you are stuck with it.  If an AU account - you can be taken off.  AU in scoring is being taken out of the new FICO2008 model - so if an AU you would only have your 2 years anyway.  BTW, YOUNG  and PERFECT is good!  Mine is 15months and perfect payment history - no complaints from me (and I had an account removed due to a dispute that cost me 2 years of history and I'm still not complaining)

[runNL8]

My DW notified the CC company and requested them to remove me. They told her we need to fill out some paper work first and I can be removed. This account shows up on my CR from the big 3 as JOINT not AU.  

Message Edited by runNL8 on 02-01-2008 08:45 PM

[Anonymous]

I would stick with the long credit history and get the other user to pay down the balance. Length of credit matters a lot. I work for a bank and I have young people denied loans all the time even with 700 scores because they have a short history and a thin credit file. I think the only way to get to 800 is with history.