Question: How does carrying a balance over a long period of time affect your score? So lets say Joe Credit has a $5000 line of credit and is never late, always pays at least the minimum at 35$, but not much over the minimum and therefore total balance is carried over a long period of time vs Sally Credit who is making $500 monthly payments a month and pays off the line of credit within a year? Would this count against you has a "Slow payer" or would it only count against your score in the debt ratio calculation at the time your credit is queried for credit?