Alternatively, you can also dispute the balance on EQ, which will remove it from the fico calulation, at least for 30 days. Only works for EQ, and only if you have high balances, and other tradelines. But for me, my score went up 36 points by disputing two credit card tradelines that are maxed out. I would love to follow the above strategy by don't have the funds to pay down the balances.