Score dropped to no activity? Amex not reporting?

[Dylan1]

So my Experian score dropped 13 points due to me using nothing but my new AMEX to secure the SUB. It hasn’t reported yet so I guess they don’t think I’ve been spending anything. In my head that should make it go up but whatever. How long will it be until that card starts reporting? Accepted Sep. 25th and first statement cut on Oct. 24

[Anonymous]

Amex usually shows up after the second statement.

Was there a hard pull for the new card? That would be a more likely source of a lowered score than reduced spending 

[Dylan1]

There was a hard pull but 13 points?? That seems like a lot. And the reason Experian gave me was “lack of recent balances on revolving accounts”

[Anonymous]

It's possible that you're in the "middle" between when your other cards reported $0 and the 2 month lag before Amex reports.

I'm guessing if you pulled your reports right now, you'd see $0 balance on your non-Amex card(s) + the HP for the Amex but no Amex reporting as a tradeline.  This will remedy it's self once Amex starts reporting, and you age the HP a little. 

Remember, everyone's credit is different and while some people might be able to pick up a couple of HPs with little to no effect, others may see significant changes to the FICO scores. 

[OmarGB9]

HP plus no cards with balances will do it. FICO dings you for having NO cards show balances, counterintuitive though it may be.

[thornback]

If you have other cards and they're all reporting a $0 balance, then a 13 point drop makes sense.  There is a scoring penalty for 'no revolving credit usage' - you need to have at least one card reporting a low balance to avoid point loss.  Once you allow any one of your other cards to report a balance, or when your amex finally reports with a balance, those points will be regained immediately.

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@Dylan1 wrote:
There was a hard pull but 13 points?? That seems like a lot. And the reason Experian gave me was “lack of recent balances on revolving accounts”

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[Dylan1]

That makes sense. Should have run a little through my other cards. Thanks!

[Dylan1]

Well darn, I’ll fix that. Thanks!

[Dylan1]

Okay I’ll make sure it’s fixed for the next cycle! Lol thanks!

[HeavenOhio]

I agree with the others. It smells like the "all cards at zero" penalty. My scores dropped between approximately five and forty-five points when I had all cards at zero. It's not a big deal if you're not in the midst of applying for important credit.