So confused about credit scores :( And a little irritated to boot: 666

Yes, the low ranking is due to the high balance on your credit card. I am guessing by your young age that you don't have an extensive credit history, so this one card will have a larger effect on you than someone who has had numerous home and auto loans. The good news is that it will not be that difficult to repair. Once you feel comfortable paying it down, get your balance under thirty percent of the limit. Once you have done this, keep the balance low and over time your credit score will begin to climb back up.

Pay your credit cards down to less than 30% of the available credit line.

To optimize your credit scores you need a good blend of credit history of on time payments and consistent low balances. Pay the card you mention down to the recommended 30% of the limit or lower and you will see your scores increase.

High balances will always affect your scores. Keep a low balance 30% or less and your scores will increase.

sometimes the online credit reports will score lower... they like the phone to ring.. email me at yourloanpartnerforlife@live.com... there are some tricks in getting your score higher... linda

the credit scoring system is not an exact science,keep your balances at at least 50% of the high credit limit on your revolving accounts, dont pay them off or they wont report.stay on time and you will see your scores rise.emarez@thefederalsavingsbank.com

High credit card utilization can negatively affect your credit score. You want to be sure not to use more than 30% of your available credit. Paying down your credit card(s) will help improve your score.

I know that 30% balance is the standard response, but it really does depend on who the Creditor is. If it's a "prime" credit card, such as Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, AMEX, Discover, etc., then you're safe at 30% balance.If it's Capital One, First Premier, HSBC, etc., it's best to be below 20%. For example, if your credit limit is $500 for a First Premier card, don't go above $100.

Probably the biggest headache I deal with every week is getting people to understand, and explaining credit reports. Many items go into your score, including longevity of the accounts, and balance as a percentage of limit. You may be max'd out today, witch effects your score, and paid down to nothing next month, which should improve your score. My suggestion is to simply sit down with an experienced, and licensed local mortgage broker. Let them review a full application and credit report. They will make suggestion, and put you on track to a great credit score, and a great first time home buyer deal. In MN and WI, visit www.JoeMetzler.com

There are many things that go into determining your credit score.. Your payment history has the biggest impact, which you have said you pay on time 100%, the 2nd biggest impact are the amounts you owe based on your available revolving credit.. keeping your credit card balances below 25%- 30% will give you the biggest improvement to your score, however I caution you.. if you pay them all off to "Zero".. you could lower your score.. it's best to continue to use the charge cards on a limited basis.. the remainder of your score is driven by the length of credit, any new credit, and the type of accounts you have.. with credit length, only time can move this number, with new credit, you can abstain from applying for every pre approved offer you receive in mail, and with "Type" of credit.. credit companies recognize preferred lenders vs. secondary lenders.. so a BofA credit card will give you a better score than an Orchard secured credit card.. also, keep in mind that your credit score is a snapshot of your credit profile at that very moment in time your credit was run.. if you have a high CC balance, but you paid it way down and the payment did not reach your creditor before your credit was run, it could show a lower score than actual, so just be aware.. paying down credit card balances can be the fastest way to improve your scores.. .. I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com

Your not the only one confused about credit scores, even lenders (like the ones here) are not 100% sure how credit works. Paying a credit card down to zero will never hurt your scores. Your credit utilization ratio is a percentage of the balance vs the credit limit, the lower that number the higher your score will be. Your score isn't 666 on a mortgage credit report, different algorithm used in the mortgage industry than a consumer report, a report you get yourself online. Credit Karma or Credit Sesame are great tools and phone apps but not accurate, it's an estimate. Email me or go to our website if you want some advice on your credit or obtaining a mortgage.www.thelendersnetwork.com

And "Type" of credit does not refer to the issuing bank or secondary lenders? that is actually quite laughable anyone would think this.. "Types of Credit" refers to the just that, types of credit accounts (revolving and installment) having a good mix of different types of credit, having 6 revolving accounts and no installment accounts is not the best thing to do to attain the highest score. An Orchard bank card will do the exact same thing for you credit wise as an American Express card will..