Optimizing Equifax FICO 4 (DCU)

[cv91915]

I've been tracking my Equifax FICO 4 ("mortgage FICO"), which I've gotten monthly from DCU, for 12 years.

 

While I've maxed FICO 8 and FICO 9 scores innumerable times (thanks to what I learned from the fine people here), I've never maxed this model.

 

Recently I've come closest with a (once-broken) string of 814s.

 

Has anyone here maxed this model at 818?  Any insights as to the most likely reasons I can't squeeze out the last 4 points?

[MP80]

I have never seen anyone score 818 on Equifax FICO 4, which is certainly the pinnacle of FICO 4, equivalent to 850 on the FICO 8 scoring model.

 

The highest score I have ever received was 803 on Equifax FICO 4 a few times. This FICO 4 scoring model is particularly sensitive to reporting 3 or more credit card account balances, which can cause a slight drop in score.

 

I always have 1 or 2 credit card reports with balances per billing cycle, but occasionally, I will have 3 or 4 credit card transaction lines with balances on my credit report, which will cause a 6 or 7-point ding, such as from 803 to 796.

 

My Equifax FICO 4 score is similar to Alliant Credit Union’s VantageScore 4. VantageScore 4 is very different from VantageScore 3 which is hardly used by any lenders.

[hdporter]

Still chasing FICO white whales?  I had hopes that your life had become sufficiently fulfilling thst you had "bigger fish" on your plate to fry ...

[shifter]

Good to see you back in action as a proper Credit Pimp. I think I've gotten in the teens with the $2 trick. It's super sensitive to balances and also bucketing. 

[cv91915]

On 11/26/2024 at 8:29 PM, shifter said:

Good to see you back in action as a proper Credit Pimp. I think I've gotten in the teens with the $2 trick. It's super sensitive to balances and also bucketing. 

 

That mirrors my thoughts as well.

 

But since I posted that my Nov score came out (817, 1 point shy of the max).

 

This is with 10 cards reporting balances (13 others including some AUs are at $0), ranging from < 1% up to 11% utilization, which is pretty routine.

 

For installments I have one mortgage reporting with a $500 balance which has been that way forever (my recast/installment hack), and a car lease with 7/24 months remaining.  So no major milestones in the installments.

 

But now that I've typed all that, I'm wondering if the $2 trick might get me that last elusive point.