Credit Card Utilization and Average Credit Scores

Over the past couple of years I have had my account numbers changed due to suspicion of fraud (not that there was any) or compromised account numbers or whatever ... all done by the issuing company, not me. It seems that when this happens the accounts get reported as new accounts and the account history (I have accounts that have been open for years that are reported as being open for 6 months) is lost. That seems to reduce my credit history time. Is there anything I can do about this?

I carry no balance.....zero, ever. But I get ranked an F because it says my utilization is high. Is this because I put all my business expenses on AMEX and pay it off exactly on time every month?

I also max out the Discover because they have the best cash back. Again no balance ever.

I use the cards for everything because on average I get back 1 to 2% which is a huge amount for me....never paid for a vacation, or for most things like HomeDepot where you can get gift cards.

I've seen multiple posts on here that express concern about keeping credit card utilization above 0% while not carrying a revolving balance. At least one person indirectly offered a solution to that, but I'll reiterate it.

The amount of credit being used on an account is shown on the credit report as the ending statement balance of that account. It follows that the ending statement balance has to be greater than 0 in order for a credit line to be shown as utilized. Once the next statement begins, the balance can be paid in full, and no interest will accrue. It's all about the timing of the payments. A credit account can have NO balance whatsoever for 29 out of 30 days in a month, however just as long as there is a positive balance on the account on the day that the statement ends, the credit report will show that balance.

My girlfriend has no credit history whatsoever, and we've struggle with trying to build up her credit so that she can qualify for a mortgage. The challenge is that it's hard to get credit with no credit history, especially if you don't want to pay for it.

Fortunately, I think we've found a solution. I have several open credit card accounts, and I learned that I can add her as a joint owner of the account. The best part for her is that it doesn't require a check of her credit, so she shouldn't have a problem getting approval. It also doesn't require a check of my credit. That's a big issue for me since I'm waiting for multiple hard inquiries on my credit report to expire so that my score can rise above the magic credit score of 760. Adding her to one of my accounts, particularly an account that I'm not utilizing, will help my credit score because her use of that account would further increase my credit history. We just have to make sure that she doesn't over-utilize the credit.

I have a credit score of 794 and a credit utilization of 0%. How is it possible that I have a 0% utilization? I utilize my card every month, and average $2-3K per month. Last month, it was $6,000. I have very high credit lines, but I don't see how I could possilby have a 0% utilization ratio.

it is a good article

Remember the commercial where the list of confusing real estate loans was boiled down to the line "It's a lot easier if you just pay cash."

I like my credit card utilization at ZERO. Why? Because I have been burned by these criminals. Yes, Criminals because miss a payment and they can jack the interest up so high that in Texas they call it usury, a crime. They will lay in wait for you mess up - your fault - their fault - the Post Office's fault - doesn't matter because they win with late fee and increased interest rate.

Congress recognized this problem and enatcted legislation to reign in these crooks and it is slowly taking effect.

I resent the fact that the Credit Card Industry has gone in with the credit scoring industry to compel people to use their credit cards. I am not sure if it is legal or not, but it sure does smell bad.

I would like to have Congress investigate this practice and stop it.

For me, I will use my debit card and use my Credit Union. My Credit Union respects my business so much they don't even pull a credit report when I need a new car. As for the rest "it's a lot easier just paying cash" even if it cost be a few points on my score.

I have multiple credit cards with excellent lines of credit and am responsible/on-time with payments.

I own my own home, have no bad credit history and yet only have a credit score of 775.

What do I have to do to increase my score?

How does am AMEX account that has no defined credit limit figure into the calc for credit utilization? thanks!

My credit score is 703. It is rated between "Fair" and "Good." How do I increase my credit score to "Very Good?"

I've recently noticed that two of my Visa Signature Credit Cards report the Credit Limits as being ZERO on certain bureaus (they set a "guideline" not a limit). The data that suggests the Limit is ZERO is not the case; however, it's just the way the issuer reports it to the bureau. I've contacted the two issuers involved, and they simply provide a bag of excuses. In addition, I've contacted the credit bureau, and they provide NO answers to this issue either...go figure!

Do you have any recommendations? I have a good score, but I suspect the Signature Cards are bringing it down a bit (current score is 780).