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Usually, yes - at least temporarily. But if your credit card balance is always zero, it tends to pull the score down over time. Best use of credit is to have two cards, and use them discreetly - charge something and pay it in full at the next billing. Occasionally carry a balance for a few months, then pay it in full. I have followed this approach for 40 years - and my FICO score is 787 - considered to be very high.

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Q: Does a zero dollar balance on a credit card help your credit score?
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400 dollar limit on credit card go over credit score?

It should be reported effecting your score, also balance on it can either improve or reduce your score.


Does paying off high balance credit card help your credit?

Yes. Amounts owed accounts for about 30% of your credit score. Ideally your utilization rate should be 20% or less. Paying your credit card balance to 20% or less will improve your credit score.


What is the credit score impact of transferring your entire balance from a credit card to a new lower rate card account while keeping your old accound open with zero balance?

I've heard that if you keep your old account open (even with zero balance) can actually improve your credit score. The longer you keep credit card accounts open with out generating massive debt the more likely you'll get a better credit score. Depending on how large your balance is will really determine rather your credit score will get hurt or not (some will argue that it will not change your credit score but the answer varies from one opinion to the other) . You will be charged a fee by your previous credit card company though. Do not close your previous credit card account if you wish to improve your credit score, for some credit score companies may use it as a penalty against you (e.g. FICO).


Once you pay off a high balance on a credit card how soon will that affect your credit score?

Once you have paid the credit card balance off it will affect your score the following month. This is because the credit agencies only update your credit once a month. So the month following the payment would reflect the new balance of $0 and the score would be raised at that time.


How small should your credit card balance be?

If you are asking as it relates to your credit score.... Use your card each month and pay the balance in full each month. If you have the card charged up to your limit, that brings your score down. Making on time payments each month helps your score.

Related questions

400 dollar limit on credit card go over credit score?

It should be reported effecting your score, also balance on it can either improve or reduce your score.


Does paying off high balance credit card help your credit?

Yes. Amounts owed accounts for about 30% of your credit score. Ideally your utilization rate should be 20% or less. Paying your credit card balance to 20% or less will improve your credit score.


What is the credit score impact of transferring your entire balance from a credit card to a new lower rate card account while keeping your old accound open with zero balance?

I've heard that if you keep your old account open (even with zero balance) can actually improve your credit score. The longer you keep credit card accounts open with out generating massive debt the more likely you'll get a better credit score. Depending on how large your balance is will really determine rather your credit score will get hurt or not (some will argue that it will not change your credit score but the answer varies from one opinion to the other) . You will be charged a fee by your previous credit card company though. Do not close your previous credit card account if you wish to improve your credit score, for some credit score companies may use it as a penalty against you (e.g. FICO).


Once you pay off a high balance on a credit card how soon will that affect your credit score?

Once you have paid the credit card balance off it will affect your score the following month. This is because the credit agencies only update your credit once a month. So the month following the payment would reflect the new balance of $0 and the score would be raised at that time.


How small should your credit card balance be?

If you are asking as it relates to your credit score.... Use your card each month and pay the balance in full each month. If you have the card charged up to your limit, that brings your score down. Making on time payments each month helps your score.


If you close a credit card that has a balance on it will it hurt your credit score oppsed to waiting until the balance is paid in full?

Canceling cards usually does lower your FICO or credit score; if you have a balance on a card, pay it off or transfer the balance to a lower-interest card. Then take scissors and cut up the old card (and any new ones they send you in the future). But then you don't need to actually cancel it.


What does transferring credit card balance to new card do to credit?

Generally, after two (2) months, the balance transfer from one card to another only minorly impacts one's credit. The key is the additional or new account and the utilization of the line on the account. If you transfer a balance to a NEW account as part of the application/onboarding process, your credit score will be reduced. If you transfer a balance to an EXISTING account that you don't use regularly, your credit score will be reduced. If you transfer a balance to an EXISTING account that you use on a regular basis, your credit score will either remain the same or be reduced.


Which it's better closing a credit card with a balance or pay the balance first to closed?

It's better to pay off the balance and keep it open. It proves that you are competent enough to keep a credit card and not get into trouble with it. It will also increase your credit score.


Will getting a new credit card with a five thousand dollar line help a low credit score?

yes!


The credit score advice for me to prevent bad credit score especially when I have a master card which has been unused for a long time.?

There are many factors that go into your credit score and cancelling a card, such as how long you have had the card and how large of a balance there is on your other cards. In order to help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation I would read this article http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/cancel-credit-card-and-impact-credit-score-1267.php


If you pay off a credit card balance is it bad your my credit report?

not always, depends on your credit situation. keep using and paying off your credit card every month to improve your credit score


Once you have completely paid off credit card debt should you throw away your credit cards or will this mess with your credit?

If you feel it absolutely necessary to "throw your card(s) away" after paying them off, I suggest to just cut the card, and toss. However, DO NOT, DO NOT close your credit card account! Why, you may ask . . . one of the things that effects your FICO score is your credit history with the credit card company. Another factor is the debt ratio. For instance, if you have a $2000 credit limit, and you have no balance on your card, that will positively affect your FICO score. But, on the same token, if you have a $2000 credit limit, with a $1500 balance on the card, that will reduce your FICO score.