Monthly FICO update. Do I pay everything off to increase-or leave a little revolving?

[Anonymous]

Not so much off a 13 BK, but it was discharged in December 17.  I have four cards, the highest of $550.

I only owe $350 on one. Do I pay it off, or leave a little to revolve? I'm trying HARD to raise my score, and it's very frustrating. I earn $83,000 per year and I feel like a jerk for putting myself in that hole. Trying to dig out. Please advise me the correct way to raise it as much as possible?

[SouthJamaica]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Not so much off a 13 BK, but it was discharged in December 17.  I have four cards, the highest of $550.

I only owe $350 on one. Do I pay it off, or leave a little to revolve? I'm trying HARD to raise my score, and it's very frustrating. I earn $83,000 per year and I feel like a jerk for putting myself in that hole. Trying to dig out. Please advise me the correct way to raise it as much as possible?

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Pay it off. Don't leave anything to "revolve".

To optimize your scores, have 3 cards report zero balance, and let 1 card report a small balance (less than 9% of the limit) -- which you then pay off after the statement cuts.

[Anonymous]

Poster SouthJamaica pretty well hit the nail on the head. Much experience with that poster and I can confirm following similar advice and my scores showed the benefits.