I use that strategy too. I use my card for things that I have the cash for and save the cash until it's time to pay before the statement cuts. You show utilization on the account, good payment history, and will be eligible for an increase when the time is right. That's how I build my credit.

I financed my truck through Toyota Financial Services and what I do is write the check to myself, deposit it into my checking account, and make the payment on Toyota Financial's website.

The reason why I use these checks is because it gives me more time to come up with the money for my truck every month.

That is smart, I have done that before too, though not for my car. But, that is good for utilization. You use $500 a month on a Capital One check and then turn around and pay it in full, they will like you. That is similar with what I do with my Citi Dividend and Discover cards: I buy things that I normally would use cash for: groceries, car insurance, gas, utilities etc and then I turn around and pay it in full each month. Then I get cash on top of it. Love it.

I hear Toyota has their own Visa now. It says it is issued by TFS Bank but the Lexus card is really issued by US Bank so I wonder. Sneaky.

I financed my truck through Toyota Financial Services and what I do is write the check to myself, deposit it into my checking account, and make the payment on Toyota Financial's website.

The reason why I use these checks is because it gives me more time to come up with the money for my truck every month.

I remember. I still get those checks in a big envelope...

HJM

They have been sending me both an envelope with no transaction fee checks and attached to my statement. I think those are a little unsafe-anybody could get a hold of them.

HJM: that is pretty smart actually, you use the checks to pay the car loan so you get high utilization on the credit card for something you would normally pay cash for. One question though, I thought I read that you financed that truck with Cap One. Are you sending Capital One their own check or do you deposit it into your own bank first and then send your own check/go online to pay them?

Nope, lenders don't give points/cashback on checks written from the account.

I don't know if anybody remembers but I was complaining a few months ago about how Capital One had stopped sending me blank checks along with my statements every month that I used to make my car payments. Well, last week I received a letter from Capital One stating that since I was one of their most valuable customers, they sent me three blank checks without a transaction fee for me to use until January 21. They didn't send these checks along with my statement but I hope they start sending these no transaction fee checks along with my statements every month as they used to.

I remember. I still get those checks in a big envelope...

HJM: Do you get points or something for using those checks?

HJM331, my statement didn't cut yet..but the payment due is showing on line...should i wait or call Cap1 ..did want to use the card on Black Friday!

Wait until your statement cuts.

Call them and see if they can do that. But then they may tell you, "i'ts all in the promotions" and they have no control over it.

I don't know if anybody remembers but I was complaining a few months ago about how Capital One had stopped sending me blank checks along with my statements every month that I used to make my car payments. Well, last week I received a letter from Capital One stating that since I was one of their most valuable customers, they sent me three blank checks without a transaction fee for me to use until January 21. They didn't send these checks along with my statement but I hope they start sending these no transaction fee checks along with my statements every month as they used to.

I think I am going to ask for one in Dec, I know I might get a denial because I received one like 2 months ago.

We will see when my statement cuts on the 22nd next month.

HJM331, my statement didn't cut yet..but the payment due is showing on line...should i wait or call Cap1 ..did want to use the card on Black Friday!!

I would have one of each because they don't charge transaction fees when the card is used in foreign countries. Also, unlike here in the U.S., foreign sometimes accept either Visa or Mastercard so it's a wise decision to carry both cards when you're traveling out of the U.S.

I have the Capital One Visa...

When I applied for the Hooters Card just because I wanted a MC, I should of applied at Capital One since they are currently doing MC's! ohh well!

I would have one of each because they don't charge transaction fees when the card is used in foreign countries. Also, unlike here in the U.S., foreign sometimes accept either Visa or Mastercard so it's a wise decision to carry both cards when you're traveling out of the U.S.

Yes, both of them are Mastercards. One of them is a Platinum Mastercard which doesn't offer a reward programs and the other one is a No Hassle Cash Mastercard which gives me 1.25% cash back on all purchases.

Sweet. Mine is a MasterCard also. No Hassle Points. Its weird, sometimes Cap One offers Visas then other times it is just MasterCards.

We will see when my statement cuts on the 22nd next month.