<prompt> Human: Forgive me if this has been asked before, or if Im in the wrong place. I just got a credit card and Im working on building my credit. My question is: After making a purchase, should I pay it off immediately or should I let it sit long enough a couple of days for creditors to see the charge and THEN pay it off to show a positive arch in my credit score?  <response>: For almost everyone, the best plan is to let it sit until the statement is created. Then, you have 30 days until the statement balance is due, which you pay in full. In practice, this means you pay your credit card 12 times per year. The only reason to pay it more frequently like you are suggesting is 1 if you are unexperienced and arent sure if you will have the cash in your checking account to pay it in full at the end of the month or 2 if you are imminently applying for a large loan such as a home mortgage or 3 if you have reached your credit limit and you want to continue using it. 