Ratio question

[Anonymous]

Good morning all -

I have a question - as I work to pay off all my cards I know for optimal credit score I need to leave a percentage unpaid. I believe that i have read 9% is optimal? Is that 9% on ONE card or 9% of your overall available credit?

Oh - I have had a small victory - one card paid off and past dues successfully removed cause a 3 point FICO increase. 655 is now 658! I just paid off two more cards this weekend and made a decent sized payment to two more. I'm looking forward to seeing what effect this will have on my score!

[Anonymous]

1card at between 1to 9 percent...all others at 0 balance for best results. Congrats on the 3 points! A point is a point...as long as its always moving up instead of down. I'd venture a guess that you MAY see another bigger boost next cycle. Keep up the good work!

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I figure the payoffs have to make a difference. My short term goal was 660 so I am almost there! I would like to see at least 700 in the next 6 months. Wish me luck!