My credit score improved more than 20 points in both yardsticks. TransUnion reports 730 now, up from 704 in May. Eloan/CreditXpert reports 700, up from 679.

One of the reasons behind this credit score increase is probably because after the refinancing, my previous lender, ABN AMRO, now reports I have zero balance, and my new lender, EverBank, has not yet reported my new mortgage into the credit system. I learn this because Eloan reported my balance dropped from more than $250k to $3K in a month. If this is the main factor for the improvements in credit score, the next month will see some sharp reversal of my score.

Inspired by Scott Bilker, who reportedly owns 80 cards and a FICO score of 794, I applied more credit cards in the last few weeks. Currently I have 10 cards now, including a newly acquired $6,000 credit limit on my first Discover card. I understand I may take a short term hit due to frequent credit inquiry, but it should pay off in the long run when I have more options in borrowing.