I have excellent credit, but I carry high balances each month for various reasons that are beneficial for my financial situation. In any case, this drops my scores over 100 points due to utilization and number of accounts with balances (scores go from 800+ to 665ish). I am applying for a large mortgage in about 5 weeks. What is YOUR suggestion for increasing my score to around 720? Here are my accounts: -Card (Balance/Limit) Chase (1455/1500) American Express (15735/16600) MBNA (4964/5500) American Express Charge (402/16380) American Express Extended Pay Accnt (930/2966) Juniper (17353/17500) Citibank (14615/14600) MBGA (0/600) I have low inquiries in past 12 months, high income, and no derogs. I also have installment accnts that I'm not listing or paying more than necessary because the FICO reason codes are always regarding my revolving/open accounts. What do you think? Ask for limit increases? Pay down certain accounts and transfer some balances to decrease number of accnts with balance? All sound advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks-DD
I think the fastest way to accomplish this is to do like you suggested, and pay down high balances, and B/t others to just a few cards
