Ask the Dolans: What's better for my credit score - pay in full or carry a balance?

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

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Credit is by far the number one topic we get questions about. Many are about how to build, keep and protect good credit. To answer today's question, we'll expose one of the biggest credit myths when it comes to how your credit card balances impact your credit score.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I just got my first credit card and it's a gas card. My first bill is about to arrive and I want to know what's better to help build my credit card: should I pay it off in full or carry a balance?

--Thomas

Learn simple ways to boost your credit score 100 points at Dolans.com.