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Quick ? On CC Utilization

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Anonymous
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Quick ? On CC Utilization

The key is to have low utilization around 10-20% from what I have read. Now if I have 2 CCs is it the utilization of the cards combined or each individual card? They determine the utilization of that month at the end of each billing cycle?

Message 1 of 13
12 REPLIES 12
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Quick ? On CC Utilization

Let one card report. And if u can less than 10%. Also, see if u can get third card. Optimal is 3 cards, one reporting less than 10%.
Message 2 of 13
Anonymous
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Re: Quick ? On CC Utilization

So are you saying to let one report with a balance every month and keep the other 2 paid off?

Message 3 of 13
Anonymous
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Re: Quick ? On CC Utilization


@Anonymous wrote:

So are you saying to let one report with a balance every month and keep the other 2 paid off?


Yes one card report with less than 10% utilization and pay the other two in full just before the statements cut, this will maximize your credit score.

Message 4 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Quick ? On CC Utilization


@Anonymous wrote:

The key is to have low utilization around 10-20% from what I have read. Now if I have 2 CCs is it the utilization of the cards combined or each individual card? They determine the utilization of that month at the end of each billing cycle?


Utilization is your billing statement balance. The actual date of it reporting is not really relevant, the importand date is your statement closing date. You want to pay down the balance before that date. Only let one card report a balance for the best scoring.

Message 5 of 13
RobertEG
Legendary Contributor

Re: Quick ? On CC Utilization

Fair Isaac has stated that FICO scores utilization of revolving credit based on the combination of three factors; which are generally weigted in descending order of importance:

1.  The overall % util of all revolving accounts; ideal appears to be approx 1-9%

2.  The % util of each individual account; ideal appears to be one reporting 1-9%, with all others reporting 0%

3.  The percentage of accounts reporting a balance;  at least one should show a small balance, and percent with balance should be less than 50%

 

With only two cards, your percent with a balance is limited to only zero, fifty, or one-hundred percent.

Three cards gives more ability to keep below 50%, providing the additional possibility 0, 33, 67, or 100%

Larger number of cards obviously provide better opportunity to keep percent reporting  balance under 50%.

Message 6 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Quick ? On CC Utilization


@RobertEG wrote:

Fair Isaac has stated that FICO scores utilization of revolving credit based on the combination of three factors; which are generally weigted in descending order of importance:

1.  The overall % util of all revolving accounts; ideal appears to be approx 1-9%

2.  The % util of each individual account; ideal appears to be one reporting 1-9%, with all others reporting 0%

3.  The percentage of accounts reporting a balance;  at least one should show a small balance, and percent with balance should be less than 50%

 

With only two cards, your percent with a balance is limited to only zero, fifty, or one-hundred percent.

Three cards gives more ability to keep below 50%, providing the additional possibility 0, 33, 67, or 100%

Larger number of cards obviously provide better opportunity to keep percent reporting  balance under 50%.

I have a 3rd card but havent activated it yet bcuz it's a credit one card and was told to stay away

 

Message 7 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Quick ? On CC Utilization

This may be a stupid question, but will his credit one card still report even if he didn't activate it? My opensky account reported before i activated it

Message 8 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Quick ? On CC Utilization


@Anonymous wrote:

This may be a stupid question, but will his credit one card still report even if he didn't activate it? My opensky account reported before i activated it


Yes, it does.

 

I opened a Walmart MC on 11/12 and on 11/15 I got alerts that a new account was on my TU and EX.  I did not have the CC yet so could not have activated it.  I just remembered something, I did make an online purchase on Walmart.com after the approval so I could get the first use statement credit, so I used the account.  

 

I do believe the Credit One account is there because the OP did an app for it.  Also got a HP for the app, I would bet.

 

I dont believe CCCs send out valid cards 'on approval' now, like they did years ago. They send prequal letters now.

 

HTH

 

Message 9 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Quick ? On CC Utilization

I did get a HP since I applied for the card via their website. After receiving the card in the mail I didnt activate it because I started reading the bad reviews on them. Since I do have a HP for it should I just use it to my advantage for the next 11 months then close it? Will it hurt me worse if I close the account in a 11 month period?

Message 10 of 13
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