Utilization Question

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon everyone

I've read on here that utilization is a 'snapshot' and doesn't cause any 'permanent damage' so to speak? Is this true?

My utilization is currently at ~14%, but two of my cards are maxed (2 at 88%).  What can I expect in terms of point change if I pay the aggregate down to 1-2% utilization?

How do I find which percentage under 10% works best for me for optimal scoring? Is this something that changes throughout the life of one's credit history?  I would assume so?

Thanks in advance!

J

[RonM21]

The point change will be determined by your overall profile, so it is hard to guess an accurate number. It's safe to say if you are running a very high util number and get it down that low, there should definitely be a score jump.

Utilization does.not cause permanent damage. It can completey be flip flopped from month to month, all depending on what you do.

[Anonymous]

You're going to want to get those 88% utilization accounts down to below 30% - that I think will do more for you than getting overall utilization from 14% down below 10%, although you'll no doubt accomplish both feats at once if you lower the 88% accounts.  Even if overall utilization is below 10% (optimal) you won't get the best scoring out of FICO if you've got 1 or more maxed or close to maxed out accounts.