I am getting $3100 back on my taxes and I want to know the best way to pay down some debt. Which looks better to creditors?

Card1 $3750 limit $4000
Card2 $5999 limit $7500
Card3 $999 limit $5000
Card4 $2095 limit $2500

Should I take the $3100 and pay off Card3 and Card4 or should I pay down Card2 or Card1 to get the balance far away from my credit limit. What are your guys' advice. I appreciate it!

I think you're getting hurt a little with card 1 being within 10% of the limit. But I have found recently that Equifax is dinging me for having too many revolving accounts with a balance, which would lead me to recommend paying off card 3 and 4, so only 2 cards have a balance.

I'm guessing that simply applying the $3100 to reduce overall debt utilization, for whichever cards you choose, will have an effect on your FICO much greater than the other factors, so I think you have some flexibility.

You could follow the Dave Ramsey strategy and wipe out card 3 & 4 for 2 quick wins, then start working on card 2 (next lowest balance) and pay any extra dollar to pay it off, then move on to card 1.

If you are vigilant and attentive, mathematically it makes the most sense to pay off the highest interest card first. Then focus on the next highest interest rate card, applying any extra dollar on that one until paid. Just pay the minimums on the other cards while you focus on the single worst card. If it were me, I'd be sure to get at least one card paid off for a quick win, then work on the highest interest card next.

One last thing... with those 4 card accounts, what is the total of all the minimum payments? You should commit to yourself that you will devote that amount (or more) to debt reduction until all cards are paid off. The key to accelerating debt reduction is paying higher than the minimum amounts. You should be able to afford at least the total of the 4 minimums until all debt is paid off. This is the payment snowball effect, where later cards have higher available payments based on your commitment now, with 4 payments. If you can do this, you'll be out of debt in a couple years or less. If not, you're likely looking at another 10 years of credit card debt. You might check out DueMinder.com (free) to see how the snowball payments greatly accelerate debt reduction.

What are you planning to do?
Will you be applying for credit soon or do you just want to work on your credit?

Thanks for the insight ksluis62. Some goo info.

Andy, I just want to pay down debt to get better overall credit and simply get rid of some debt. About 3 years ago when I bought a card my FICO was 732, and I have accrued a lot of credit card debt since then. The last I checked which was about 2-3 months ago, my score was around 680-690 I can't remember exactly. I plan on buying a house in about 1.5 years, so less debt would help in that.

If you spend the next year paying down debt and paying on time, you will raise your score. The focus should not be completely on raising your score more than bettering your financial management.

I would payoff card 4 and use the rest towards card 1. This will save more money and lower your utilization. I would then focus on getting all the cards to 0, save an EF, then save for a down payment. By the time you accomplish these goals, your score should be quite sufficient, and you will be in good financial shape.

I completely agree with maat55. He hit the nail on the head!