@KeithW wrote:No other derogatory items. If my score was 840, or whatever perfect is, even if the util. Makes up 30% and was as bad as possible, that shouldn't be able to drop it this much. I am no math whiz, but I know this doesn't add up.
That single 30-day late could be costing you 30-60 points (depends on profile). It's true once it ages past the 2 year mark you start regaining some of those points but it will continue to hold your scores down til it drops completely.
Your aggregate utilization being 75% is a real score killer (but fixable). If we generally see an average of ~10 points lost per utilization threshold crossed (9%, 29%, 49%, 69%, 89%) then you're looking at least 40 points lost from high aggregate utilization alone; I wouldn't hesitate to suggest it's more -- and that's not including additional scoring penalties from high individual card utilization.
I would recommend reading the below from ABCD2199
The Truth about Credit Card Utilization
My 11 Rules to Credit Rebuilding
FICO Score: What to pay down first?
@KeithW wrote:I suppose there would be good and bad, but I have always been kind of irked that the mere fact that I have never filed bankruptcy or not paid a justified debt doesn't do anything positive for me. All is based on some FICO numbers. The only possible exception was years ago when I got my BOA card. I had a score a little lower than now, low 600s I think and when I applied for the card I had a guy call me and he asked a bunch of questions and asked about bankruptcy and if I had been sued over a debt. After talking with me he approved me for a $7K credit limit card.
Once you understand FICO scoring a little bit more, you can use it in your favor. When seeking credit, it's best to pretty up your FICO scores. e.g. Do AZEO All Zero Except One card reporting a small balance $5-$10. If not credit seeking, then go on with your standard payment methods that work well for you.