Originally Posted by
longhorn11
It can make a huge difference, utilization makes up 30% of your FICO score. Ideally you want to have one card report a 1-9% utilization and the rest 0 for the max points, but obviously some aren't that obsessed. Look at it as every overall (all cards) utilization grouping (e.g. 10-15%, 15-20%, etc.) you might be losing points. So for churners who keep their utilization down, their FICO scores are always in perfect shape along with their debt.
Personally, I have never done this and have no problem getting tons of bonus cards--over a hundred and counting.
I suspect, as with many things about credit scores, that the prepay thing is pretty much of a myth. But, if you want to do it, go right ahead.
IMHO, most important thing is to NEVER be late in making the payment--and if you are late, call up the company and get them to "correct" the problem. @:-)