Ok, my credit is pretty good (probly high 600s-low 700s) considering I don't have much of a credit history. I'm trying to build it up, and right now have a $1500 CL mastercard. What would help my credit the most? Paying off in full every month or pay most of it and get hit with some finance fees? I know 19% APR or so sucks, but if it helps my credit score build quicker than I wouldn't really mind it that much (I only charged like $115 of stuff and the min payment is $15). I probly will pay it all off, tho I'd still like to know if paying in full is better than partial. (My avail credit ratio to my entire credit limit is still pretty good, cuz I've got a credit union card I never use with like a $500 limit and I only used like $115 on my $1500 limit...).
Its been said it is always good to keep a low balance on your card. So if you charge $100 one month, pay $90 of it off. That way, you have activity on the card, and the c.c. gets to charge you minimal interest, which keeps them happy. Keeping a low balance to limit ratio is also important, but you seem like you're doing good enough on that on your own.
If you have the funds, I would always recommend paying in full because it will help your score by keeping your debt/limit ratio down. Your credit report doesn't differentiate between paying in full or in installments, it just shows your most recent total balance. The only advantage I see for carrying a balance is for getting better rates and higher limits faster. You can get both of these even if you pay in full though.
I've decided to keep paying in full. Good habit to get in to, and it helps keep perspective on spending habits.
