>>190832152Credit score is a mix of: age of your oldest credit account, total credit across all cards and loans, paying loans off in full/on-time, and time.
This is why I keep my oldest card despite barely using it, because I've had it 10+ years and it reflects well on my score. Things like autopaying your cell phone or power bill can help a bit as well. Auto loans paid on time also helps. Carrying debt over where you accrue interest even if you make a payment doesn't really get you much.
Better to merely use your CC like cash to accrue cash-back or other points rewards and pay it in full every month. 1-2% here and there adds up. Other thing you can do is like when black friday rolls around: If you know you spend X amount per year on Amazon, they often offer like 15% bonuses or such on gift card purchases. If you are going to make a large purchase, it's better to invest your money yourself and take their loan if the interest rate is low enough: If they will lend you money for 2% and you can make 7% on a low-risk mutual fund, keep your money and use theirs instead.
