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Pay it off in full.

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13y ago
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Q: Is it better to pay off your balance in full or to keep a low balance and which will better your credit score?
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Why it is wise to pay the full balance on credit card?

It is wise to pay the full balance on credit card because you will not entail finance charges and other fees. If you pay only the minimum, your next balance will increase due to the finance charges and fees. At the same time, it can build your credit score. I always pay the full balance on my credit cards.


Does a zero dollar balance on a credit card help your credit score?

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.


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.


Is it better for your credit to pay all of your balances down to half or pay one or two in full?

Just make sure that your balances are below 30% of the credit limit. For example, if you have a credit card with a limit of $1,000, make sure that you do not leave a balance higher than $300 or lower. This is called utilization ratio and will increase your credit score. Just make sure you leave a little on you credit card to keep a higher score. I recommend that you set the money aside in an account that will allow you to pay off all debt at will but you are leaving a balance because it gives a better score. Source: Credit Bible by Phil Turner.


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 Credit cards will approve credit for credit score 544?

I dont think there is.. because in order for you to get a high credit score you have to pay on time or in full payment then to increase your credit limit you have to purchase more but you have to pay it in full. so better purchase on things that you are able to pay it in full. that will make your credit score increase. first premier will and if you pay each month on time in 6 months time youll see your score increase rapidly so it does help.


What can bring down your credit score?

you credit score will go down if you are not paying your monthly bills on time, in order for you to increase your credit score you have to pay your credit bills on time or in full.


Isn't paying no interest loan by paying monthly due amount better than paying in full in term of improving credit score by having good payment history?

Making monthly payments on a no interest loan is way better than paying it off in full if you are looking to improve your credit score.


Having multiple open credit cards with no balance is bad or good for credit ratings?

The Credit agencies look at your debt to available credit to determine 30% your credit score which if you have no balance it is good for the ratio but they also like to see your paying history which is worth 35% of your credit score and if you have no balance how are they going to see that. In keeping with being debt free it is recommended to use they once in a while and pay them in full so they can be maintained as active (credit card companies sometimes close them due to inactivity which is bad because you lose your credit history with them) and it shows your good paying history.


To improve my credit score am I better off paying a couple of credit cards in full and leaving higher balances on the rest or paying them all off in equal percentages?

However, be careful; your question was about improving your credit score. The key is to keep you balance below 30% of the balance. Paying higher interest rate credit cards will not increase your credit score. However the balance on those card will affect your score greatly. ------------ You would be best to pay more to those credit cards that have a higher interest rate. Don't miss payments on any card if you don't want to ruin your credit rating.Other Credit Info:The key is your utilization ratio on each credit card and for maximum calculation it should be below 30%. If you are interesting in using your credit in the short run it is NOT a good idea to close your accounts because your credit score will go down. Also you said that you will leave a balance and those accounts will automatically close if there is not activity on the card so I recommend that you spread the balance for optimum credit score. Below is a way of interpreting your credit score. Given the current credit score stats, how does this relate to your own personal score? Generally, if your score is higher than 660, you will be considered a good credit risk. If your score is below 620, then you might have a tougher time getting a loan. The following ratings explain the impact of the different score ranges: * 720-850 - Excellent - This represents the best score range and best financing terms. * 700-719 - Very Good - Qualifies a person for favorable financing. * 675-699 - Average - A score in this range will usually qualify for most loans. * 620-674 - Sub-prime - May still qualify, but will pay higher interest. * 560-619 - Risky - Will have trouble obtaining a loan. * 500-559 - Very Risky - Need to work on improving your rating.


Can you transfer a spouse's credit balance to credit card?

Yes, you can transfer any balance you want to your credit card. Note if you transfer the balance to your credit card, you are now liable for the full debt and not him unless he is an authorized user on the credit card.


If a collection agency is after a small amount of debt and you pay that amount in full how will this payment improve your credit score?

It can improve your credit score a little, but to make the best improvement possible contact them and negotiate to have them remove their listing on your credit reports completely in exchange for your payment in full. This will help your credit FICO score the most.