9% vs. 12% Utilization

[jsk300]

How much of a score difference would there be if I had 12% utilization on a CC vs. 9%.  My CC limit is $300 so anything over $30 would be at least 10% utilization.  I normally use my card once per month for dining out and normally comes to about $30-$35.  I PIF every month.  Is that helping my score any or should I just pay the minimum $15 so utilization is now down to 5-6%?  I am refinancing the balance due on my car loan next month (about $5K) and my scores are currently 692EX/654EQ/642TU.  I would like to get my scores up some more by then if possible.  Any help/ideas/suggestions?  Thanks.

[athensguy]

I like to pay my PIF cards twice per month for util, Once before the statement cuts, then whatever the new balance is before the due date.

[Anonymous]

It depends on how old your credit is, but it will likely be a 5-15 point difference. 10 is a fair bet. On your EX that would give you quite a decent score.

[marty56]

It could be 30 or more points.  Well worth the effort.

[Junejer]

Jsk, athensguy is giving good advice on the way to handle the payments. Pay down under 10% before the statement cuts, then PIF when the statement comes out.