Very Puzzling Score Drop

[AndySoCal]

I should have asked this on my inital response. If the card had activity in the last months in August 11  then use the card.. I know you are working at getting utilization down. Here is why I suggest this.  Part of the FICO criteria to get a FICO score is the account must be reported in the last six months / activity in the last six months. Many here only apply this only to getting a score. I disagree. Use the card for a small purchase just something that will put activity on the account. Pay the account before the statement cuts so your utilization will not be affected.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your reply.

Could you clarify this statement: "If the card had activity in the last months in August 11  then use the card."

Also, are indicating that there must be recent activity in order for the account to figure at all in the score calculated - which is to say that with a zero or low balance the available credit of that account will be included in calculating utilization ratio, but not included in the calculation without recent activity in the past six months?

[AndySoCal]

Activity on the account can include making a charge or payment on the account  So if the account was had activity sometime in the previous six months form August 111 that is what I am interested in.  To answer the second question it is one of two ways. First it is not factored in the score at all which is possible.  This would be quite obvious in the area of utilization not having a credit card of zero balance included in the caclulation would make the utilization percanetage would make the percentage go up. Second way which is what I lean towards it is not fully factored in the score.  FICO also has acore reason about the lack of recent revolving account information.

The score drop may not be due ot one factor but more than one.