No recent bank/national revolving balances

FICO code number

Code numbers can differ by bureau and score version. The wording of the statement is what to match.

What puts this reason on your score

In FICO's list, code 29 is a base code for TransUnion. The Equifax and Experian entries are marked for FICO 10T. It shows when every bank card on your TransUnion report reported $0.

Store cards don't fill this gap. The model wants recent use of a general-purpose card in particular, so a department store card with a balance doesn't help.

What to check on your credit report

• Check the last reported balance on each bank card on your TransUnion report.
• Compare the same cards on Equifax and Experian. Issuers can report to each bureau on different dates.

What you can do about it

• Let one bank card report a small statement balance, then pay it in full.
• Make sure the card you use reports to TransUnion.

The free middle score can help with this step.

How soon a change can show

The next TransUnion update from that card brings the change, and the next score pulled after it reflects it.

If you are applying for a mortgage

Check whether your TransUnion score is your middle score. If it is, a small reported balance on one bank card is worth timing before the lender pulls credit.

Guides that go deeper

• The AZEO method, with the math and the trade-offs shownAZEO means letting every card report $0 except one with a small balance. A worked 3-card example, what it costs, and when it's worth doing.
• When card issuers report to the credit bureaus, and how to checkMost card issuers report once a month, usually around the statement closing date, but schedules vary. How to find out exactly when your cards report.
• Middle credit score rule: two borrowers, FHA and Fannie MaeLenders pull three scores and use the middle one, or the lower of two. How FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and USDA handle it, including two borrowers.
• What your credit score reason codes are telling youReason codes list what held your score back the most, in order. What the common ones mean, which you can act on, and which to leave alone.