Question on “balance” in utilization

[sarge12]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Thank you for all the great feedback. I found an article that seems to imply it’s possible they may use the highest balance, but as some of your replies have stated, possibly the author is referring to specific banks like Chase.

Bottom of second paragraph:
“Make it a rule to keep your balance below 30% on all of your cards at all times” (at “all times” is italicized in the article for emphasis)
Article: https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/finance/credit-utilization-improving-winning/

Thanks again for the feedback,

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Besides the fact that the relevant percentage is <28.99%,  the part about at all times is also not exactly correct. It can go to 70% without penalty if paid down prior to the statement cut date. The utilization is normally using the statement balance, and the balance that is paid before the statement cuts is not even shown on the report. Also utilization is a point in time metric, meaning someone who has higher utilization for six straight months but gets the utilization ideal will then have the same score as someone who always had low utilization if all else is equal. This is why many argue that the only time you need to do the AZEO method is a little while before a hard pull. I, myself while agreeing in pricipal, do keep low utilization always, as it establishes good credit habits and allows you to get a good hp without planning in advance.

[EAJuggalo]

I believe the tiers are set at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% and 100%  One of my cards reported at 101% last month and my score dropped 12 points, card reported at 35% this month and my score went up 26 points.

[Thomas_Thumb]

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@EAJuggalo wrote:

I believe the tiers are set at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% and 100%  One of my cards reported at 101% last month and my score dropped 12 points, card reported at 35% this month and my score went up 26 points.

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Although the tier boundries of 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% appear to be correct for Fico, in practice real numbers are bumped up to the next whole number (integer). Thus, practically speaking 9.1 would get bumped up to 10 and place the data point in the 10% to 30% classification.

Nice data point on the above 100% - this one is still under some debate. What was your aggregate utilization before/after the 100% on the card?