How should I go about this?

[Anonymous]

I got a raise at work that will be in effect in 2 weeks. The first couple of paychecks I am going to take the extra money and pay off all of my CC's. They are all starter (or restarter, in my case) cards with CL's of 250-500 each. My currently UTL on those is about 75%.

What kind of score increase could I expect to see from paying these down, since they aren't large CLs? Also, should I keep them at zero balances or buy a thing or two on them and PIF each month?

I am wanting to purchase a house in 6 months, and my credit score had been going up until a couple of weeks ago a CO that I was saving to PIF went to collections. Now my score is back below 600. So, I'm trying to get ideas of what I can do to get up to 640 or so in the next 6 months. Any ideas?

[UpandUp]

I think it's very reasonable to see a 40 point improvement from paying down your CC.  I am in a similar situation with 6 credit cards, all with 250 - 500 credit limits and I was maxed out.  I have since paid all of my credit cards off, and with each card that reports the 0 balance I have seen a 10 - 20 point improvement.  For example I went from 530, 545, 562, 584, each jump after one of the cards reported the new balance. 

My TU:596 EQ:531 are also the result of a CC util pay down, but there are still 3 CC's that have not reported to these CRA yet.  Once they do, I expect  TU to be low 600s and EQ to be 570/580ish. 

Regarding CC usage, as I understand it, you need to use and pay at least one of the CCs.  Be mindful of the reporting date however as you don't want to take a hit to your scores becuse the day you paid is after the day the CC reported.

[Anonymous]

If you don't plan to use your CC, then you should at least charge something on them each month and then PIF before it reports so that it stays active. Not charge on each one each month, but cycle them.

You will get more points by letting one report a very small balance, rather than have them all report a $0 balance.

It is ok to max your CC every month, just make sure to pay before they report. FICO looks at what amount is reported, not how much you use each month.

Is this CA appearing? Is the account within SOL? Can you PIF or be able to soon?

[Anonymous]

The CA is reporting, OC dissappeared from all 3 reports about 5 months ago. It is within SOL, DOLA was about 3 years ago and SOL in TX is 4 years i think. I will be able to PIF in mid April.