[AJ]

Yeah, that's the point. You want to show an ability to manage credit and debt. If you pay off the card every month then you are not showing an ability to managed credit/debt. Don't get me wrong, paying off a CC will build good credit over time, but not nearly as looked as at someone who might carry a $25 - $50 balance on a credit card with a $300 credit limit during several months. It shows use, while not overusing the line of credit. Have the balance so it reports, then pay it off. Then have a small balance for 2 more months, then pay it off. It's best to do this with 2-3 cards (loans or other lines of credit included) max (house and car loans not included).

I've destroyed my credit over time and currently working at building it up again and not only have done my research on the subject as of late, but dealt with some profesional help from credit managing and the three reporting companies.