No recent revolving balances

FICO code numbers

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

People who pay each card before its statement date see this code. The habit keeps utilization at zero, but FICO says a low utilization ratio has a more positive impact than using none of your available credit.

The model scores how you handle revolving debt. When every card and credit line reports $0, there's no recent revolving balance to judge, and the file gets less credit for card management than one with a small reported balance.

What to check on your credit report

• Check the last reported balance on each card and line of credit.
• Confirm the cards are open, not closed.

What you can do about it

• Let one card's statement close with a small balance, then pay it in full before the due date.
• Keep paying the other cards before their statement dates if you like seeing zero.

The free statement date planner can help with this step.

How soon a change can show

One statement cycle with a reported balance is enough for the next score pulled to see it.

If you are applying for a mortgage

In the month before a lender pulls credit, let one card report a small balance and pay it in full. You pay no interest, and this code can drop off.

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.
• Is there a best credit utilization percentage?Everyone quotes a different utilization target: 30%, 10%, 1%. What FICO and VantageScore say, and how to pick a target for your situation.
• 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.
• 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.