Thread: Credit Card: Payment Question of Multiple Cards (Pay Full Vs Pay Partial)

Originally Posted by creditcardhelp

Hello Everyone

So last year, I really messed up with my credit cards as I got diagnosed with an illness and lost my job missing several payments from February 2009 to July 2009. I have 3 credits with Visa (3 different banks). Unfortunately, they all had their credit limit revoked to 0 some time between May to July 2009. They are closed and I would need to reapply. The balance on them is approximately $800 each (so total of $2400ish). The interest is around 19% on each.

My situation improved slightly in july/august, so for the last 6-7 months. I was paying above the minimum each month (around $30-$35/month).

I would like to improve my credit rating. I was wondering if someone could please tell me what the best strategy would be.

1) Should I keep paying above minimum to change my "bad" credit history to good?
2) Should I reduce 1, 2 or 3 cards to below 30%-50% of the balance, than keep making above minimum payments?
3) Should I pay in full 1, 2, or 3 cards and reapply for new ones to build credit?
4) Any suggestions Appreciated.

If someone could please advise me what the best thing/strategy would be do to approve my credit rating, it would be greatly appreciated.

The best thing you can do is continue to pay the balances on time. It will take about 4 years for the late payments to become less relevent on your credit report. Until then you must pay every bill on time. I would not pay too much over the minimum. I would put any extra cash you have each month into an emergency fund to use if you are short the minimum payment any month. This will cost you more in interest but that is the price you will pay to rebuild credit. If your cards have not been canceled then you want to keep them open even with 0 limit so that they keep your account age up.

You will need to live without credit for a few years while paying on time. That is the only way you can rebuild your credit. Do not apply for more cards and do not miss any payments for any reason. If you do it could send you back to the start of that 4 year lookback period.

Hey! Thanks so much for your response! I really appreciate it!
I was reading around and found that like 30-35% of credit history is based on how far you are for the credit limit. And that it should be ideally below 30% of the difference. In my situation the credit limit is 0, so I will always be over.

In this case, I was thinking, should I lower my balance by paying some of it off, and than just keep paying every minimum-above every month (to increase my credit rating + credit history). Or would you (or anyone else) suggest not lowering the balance at all and just keep paying minimum-above payments to build good credit history.

Thanks so much for your help!

Hey Mogul thanks for your response but moving is not an option LOL

I'm hoping just to build my credit

I've only had it for like 3-4 years. And messed up with consistent late payments last year due to the whole recession situation and ailing health.

I am really working hard to rebuild my credit and any feedback would be sincerely appreciated!!!