The only credit card I really use (I'm an AU on another store card that's at $0 and is never used) is a Citi AA, CL $5200. I tend to charge everything I can to it to get the miles. My bills are $2000-3000 monthly, which hurts my ratio and subsequent score. It's frustrating because I always pay my bill in full, within several days of getting my bill, but the my scores still take a hit because the high amount is what's reported. As I use Citi on-line, I'm thinking of beginning to send my payment a few days before the closing date, so that my statements will go through for close to $0. I'm thinking that the report to the CRAs will then be for that balance amount. Would this work? Are there reasons I shouldn't do this? Also, I'm not that interested in getting other cards at this point, to boost my overall CL.
Maybe you should get another card just to have the better ratio. It's so silly to have to do this but then you won't have the stress of having to get your payment in so early every month. I have a good limit w/ MBNA that I leave open for this very reason.
it just occurred to me: does this mean that I won't receive miles, as I suppose the Advantage miles are based on the statement balances? I don't particularly want that either. Maybe it's best that I pay after the statement closing, for the miles. Except, of course, when applying for something, as Lizardking suggests. Just thinking out loud, but if anyone has any insight, it'd be much appreciated! Thanks all!
Lizardking-- You and I have the same plan. I have seen a tremendous boost in points since I started paying before the cycle closes. Just be careful that you don't overpay though! True story. A month or so ago I ended up with a credit on one of my cards, and of course (Thankyou Mr. Murphy) it got reported as a balance instead. Arrrggh. I don't think the software knows how to deal with the CCC owing YOU money. L (sadly) OL
MILEAGE has NOTHING to do with your payments, as long as they are NOT late. You can pay all but $500 the day your statement shows up on-line (or wait a couple of weeks)... I had the same problem with DISCOVERCARD...even though I PAID IN FULL every month...it LOOKED like I didn't because I charged more...
The only credit card I really use (I'm an AU on another store card that's at $0 and is never used) is a Citi AA, CL $5200. I tend to charge everything I can to it to get the miles. My bills are $2000-3000 monthly, which hurts my ratio and subsequent score. It's frustrating because I always pay my bill in full, within several days of getting my bill, but the my scores still take a hit because the high amount is what's reported. missy73 ==================== I think It's neat how they victimize us and report us as villains don't you?
