<prompt> Human: Hi everyone, I have a pretty decent credit score and I am trying to figure out the negatives of carrying a balance on a credit card. I have googled it but havent gotten a clear cut answer. Scenario, I have a balance on my credit card that I can afford to pay in full but plan on traveling so I want to make payments on it to avoid paying a lump sum, how will that affect my credit? Edit : the post in question is a scenario, I do not have the credit card yet. I have enough money to pay for a trip I was simply wondering if with good credit and a large credit limit if charging less then 2000 and paying it off over a short period of time would affect my credit negatively. I am going through a separation so this will be the first time I am approaching this subject alone as my spouse always handled the finances. My credit is damn near perfect.. I figured there has to be some incentive to having good credit. If it will hurt me ... okay but I am saving for the future so if I dont have to take a chunk out of my bank account and can earn miles, thats would I would like to do ... thus the motivation behind my question.  <response>: Scenario, I have a balance on my credit card that I can afford to pay in full but plan on traveling so I want to make payments on it to avoid paying a lump sum...This statement is not clear. If you can afford to pay off the card, do so. If youre worried about missing payments, use auto-pay. 