Since August 2024 I've been flatlined at 698 on my TU8 score. Yesterday I got a notification of a 1pt increase to 699, but for the live of me can't figure out what the cause is. I know it's not worth diving into, but I'm wondering if there's utilization threshold on TU8 that I'm not aware of.
For the entire time that I've been at 698 I've been letting 3/6 cards report (my profile contains nothing but revolvers), none have exceeded any of the known or suspected utilization thresholds for individual/overall. My reported utilization overall has fluctuated from ~5.7-8.5% during this time, but now due to a CLI that reported late last month is right at 5% . I didn't think there was any sort of threshold at 5% but wondering if maybe there is?
Other info that may or not be relevant - 2/23 I had a HP added on TU for a new NFCU account which made me 2/12 for inquiries. Last app and new account prior was 4/12/24, dirty profile with a 7yr4mo old BK7. 1pt is trivial, but I'm always interested in figuring out more details on what causes movement of any sorts in scoring.
I have considered it, and at one point thought maybe doing a NFCU SSL would be a good idea, but I'm no longer planning to go that route. I backed off the SSL idea after burning through a significant chunk of savings to use as an unplanned down payment on a car (totaled my car last October). I'm gradually building my savings back up, and while some is locked up in certificates, the remainder I want to keep in accounts that can be easily liquified if necessary .
Fretting a 1 pt change has no constructive value other than possibly adding a new worry line to your forehead (assuming that's a goal).
Aging of delinquencies, tradelines, or inquiries all can have a modest impact. Attempting to attribute a small score change to any factor is subject to great uncertainty and mostly pointless.
Attempting to micromanage your credit score is a fool's errand (trust me, that was my quest 25 years ago!)
Focus on the big picture that drives your score: avoid delinquencies, keep card balances below 30% util and overall util below 10%, and apply for credit only when it holds reasonable promise of a SIGNIFICANT return.
I know when you go to the utilization section and click on the question mark for more information, it says
"fico high achievers have below 7% util on average"
so maybe there's a very small difference when you fall below 7%? Fico seems to hold the 7% figure in high regard.
@Zoostation1 wrote:Since August 2024 I've been flatlined at 698 on my TU8 score. Yesterday I got a notification of a 1pt increase to 699, but for the live of me can't figure out what the cause is. I know it's not worth diving into, but I'm wondering if there's utilization threshold on TU8 that I'm not aware of.
For the entire time that I've been at 698 I've been letting 3/6 cards report (my profile contains nothing but revolvers), none have exceeded any of the known or suspected utilization thresholds for individual/overall. My reported utilization overall has fluctuated from ~5.7-8.5% during this time, but now due to a CLI that reported late last month is right at 5% . I didn't think there was any sort of threshold at 5% but wondering if maybe there is?
Other info that may or not be relevant - 2/23 I had a HP added on TU for a new NFCU account which made me 2/12 for inquiries. Last app and new account prior was 4/12/24, dirty profile with a 7yr4mo old BK7. 1pt is trivial, but I'm always interested in figuring out more details on what causes movement of any sorts in scoring.
I don't know what could've caused a one-point change. Edit: mistakenly read your BK7 to drop off soon. Forgot those things are 10 years, not seven. Sorry.
Starting Score: 469Current Score: 819
Goal Score: 850
Highest Scores: EQ 850 EX 849 TU 850
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@hdporterI'm not fretting it, nor do I micromanage scores (I refuse to do AZEO again unless I was applying for a loan typically let my 3 primary cards report balances naturally). I just like digging into the details, however inconsequential they may be. My score will drop soon enough from a new card that hasn't reported yet but will rebound with time.