Quote Originally Posted by nathanledet View Post
I've love listening to advice from Suze Orman..she freakin rocks!

And, sorry Ed, she totally contradicts you...

She says that you do not close credit cards, even if you don't use them because of your credit to debt ratio.

It's a good thing to have a LOT of credit, but very low debt. So, if you have 5 credit cards open, then you have more credit...if you have a zero balance on all of them, then you have a big credit to debt ratio, which is a good thing.
I was going to say this too, Nate. I talk to my financial advisor at my bank on occasion and I asked him once if I should close all the CC that I am not using (and honestly I have quite a few). And he told me that it is better to leave them open so that your debt to available credit ratio is much better.

I think the two biggest things about increasing your credit score is this, pay your bills on time (whether or not your pay off balances... at least pay it on time) and don't apply for too much stuff (loans, CCs, etc) all at the same time. Anything that you apply for that needs a credit check can put a mark on your credit. Definitely plan ahead, and know what is on your Credit Report!!