Equifax utilization percentages are out of wack

[UpanotchJyg]

Good evening everyone, I have a quick question that's really been bugging me. I figure since some of you all have been with MyFICO for a while you've gotten used to seeing this. Out off all the bureaus, I've noticed that Equifax posts the most outrageous utilization percentages when notifying you of changes, 243% increase, 1200% increase, but get this, 2400% increase. Now these increases were actually like 6%, 17%, or maybe 25% at the most. Does anyone know why I'm being notified of these ridiculous percentages instead of the ACTUAL percentage? Sorry, this is seriously bugging me out, and it's only Equifax.

[Anonymous]

I don't subscribe to MyFico,  so this is just a guess:   Suppose  your utilization changes from 30% to 45%. In absolute terms, this is an increase by 15%, but  in relative terms  (since 15% is half of   30%) this is a 50% increase.  A more extreme example:  a  change from 1% to 25%  is  (in relative terms)  a 2400% increase.

[Anonymous]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

I don't subscribe to MyFico,  so this is just a guess:   Suppose  your utilization changes from 30% to 45%. In absolute terms, this is an increase by 15%, but  in relative terms  (since 15% is half of   30%) this is a 50% increase.  A more extreme example:  a  change from 1% to 25%  is  (in relative terms)  a 2400% increase.

---

Nice response.  This is undoubtedly the explanation.  And indeed going from a $10 balance to a $250 balance is a 2400% increase on that balance.

[UpanotchJyg]

Aaaaah, the big wigs at Equifax are just lonely. They need someone to love. They can lay their heads on my shoulder, I'll hug them.........if they agree to stop freaking me out.🙃😛😏

[Anonymous]

Just know that percentage increase as it is displayed that you're posting about (2400% etc) is irrelevant and that what matters from a scoring perspective is the utilization percentage [balance/limit].