Does CC non-usage affect credit score?

Darius1976 · ‎08-05-2013

MyFICO Family,

I have been reading different post on here and cannot get a definitive answer. So I am deciding to ask a couple of questions myself...

1. Does non-usage of a credit card cause for Fico score to drop?
2. Does paying off the balance of a credit card right away affect your Fico score?

I have two Capital One cards that are open but because of the low limits on them, I do not use them.

$7500____________$5000____________$9000____________$2000____________$1800____________$5500

azguy13 · ‎08-05-2013

@Darius1976 wrote:
MyFICO Family,

I have been reading different post on here and cannot get a definitive answer. So I am deciding to ask a couple of questions myself...

1. Does non-usage of a credit card cause for Fico score to drop?
2. Does paying off the balance of a credit card right away affect your Fico score?

I have two Capital One cards that are open but because of the low limits on them, I do not use them.

I always carry a small balance on at least one card. I paid off ALL my cards one month and my score actually dropped a couple points. Granted, it was only a couple, but it still hurt my ego.

Since I carry small balance on at least one card, I use a 0% card I have right now for the 15 month intro period.

Anonymous · ‎08-05-2013

I have two cards with zero balances, that were always paid ontime or early. These cards help the avg age of accounts number, so they are worth keeping. They will probably drop off after 10 years of non-use.

AndySoCal · ‎08-06-2013

I would use them 3 or 4 times a year to keep the cards fully factored into your FICO score. Use them to pay a small reoccuring bil each month. If you are worried about credit utilization affecting your score pay the balance before the statement date. how long Have you had the cards? You can ask Cap 1 about their credit steps program and see if your card(s) are elligiable.

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Anonymous · ‎08-06-2013

@Darius1976 wrote:
MyFICO Family,

I have been reading different post on here and cannot get a definitive answer. So I am deciding to ask a couple of questions myself...

1. Does non-usage of a credit card cause for Fico score to drop? Do you mean always shows a 0 balance? If it is your only card, it can.
2. Does paying off the balance of a credit card right away affect your Fico score? It can if all of your cards report a 0 balance.

I have two Capital One cards that are open but because of the low limits on them, I do not use them.