The best thing I found to do is experiment and see what happens on my individual reports and FICO scores. I use Experian's daily puller product which is sold through a couple of 3rd parties. AMEX sells it as CreditSecure, I get it through USAA for $12.25 a month for daily pulls of all three reports. I called to cancel they dropped it to $6 per month for daily pulls of all three reports. Then I also subscribe to ScoreWatch which sends me updates on my Equifax FICO score whenever it changes ($6 per month). I can watch every month and play with things to see what optimizes my particular credit reports. Altogether it's $12 a month for something I find fun and educational. You can get ideas on what to test by reading forums like myfico.com and creditboards.com. Then play with your own data to see how it shakes out for you.

That is how a person can learn about how to maximize your own FICO scores. It's just another game to play. The banks only use FICO scores as part of their formula when they are deciding whether or not to approve you. They factor in the other data they collect from you and others. Still, it's fun to see how high you can get your score.