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DEBT TO CREDIT RATIO

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Anonymous
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DEBT TO CREDIT RATIO

I've been reading that you want to have 1-9% utilization on your cards.  Should I pay them in full, or leave enough for 1% on them?  Does it matter?  Is it worse to leave them open and not use them?  Or use them and pay them off every month?  or leave a 1-9% balance?
Message 1 of 3
2 REPLIES 2
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: DEBT TO CREDIT RATIO

Ideally only 1/2 of your accts should show balances, and in terms of cc's the ones that do show balances should be at 1-7% utl.
 
I don't think it makes a difference in terms of scoring whether you use them and PIF monthly, or don't use them at all so long as you follow the 1/2 showing balances and 1-7% utl.  The to use or not to use question usually holds more weight on CLI's and what the issuer likes to see, but I don't think it matters for your score.  It should report in good standing even if you don't use it, unless the CCC marks it as inactive.
Message 2 of 3
lyssa29
New Contributor

Re: DEBT TO CREDIT RATIO

Thanks for clairifying.  This is so confusing to me. 
Message 3 of 3
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