What is cheapest way to improve credit score if you have several cards with high balances on them?

Question by gladtobeinla: What is cheapest way to improve credit score if you have several cards with high balances on them?
If you have several cards with close to max amount used on them is there a “magic percentage” like paying 65% off or 60% off in order for the credit score bureaus to take note and give an improved credit score?

Best answer:

Answer by Todd S

Under 20% is the magic number per industry experts. So the best way to get your balances down below 20% would be to either pay them down that much (if possible), or execute a balance transfer. If you go the balance transfer route, you’ll have a high balance on one credit card as opposed to two or three or however many cards you’ve got.

The downside is opening a new credit card, which can lower your credit score temporarily. But long term, eliminating those balances will far outweigh the ding for opening a new credit card. A balance transfer credit card will probably also save you a lot of money in interest.

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