<prompt> Human: Hello rpersonalfinance,I am not sure if there is some kind of FAQ for this question but here we go. I never applied for credit cards due to my father always telling me not to get involved with them. So I applied for my first one last year at the age of 29. My issue is this, I like to keep my bills paid off as much as possible, but I am unsure if I should be paying off the balance of my credit card or just pay off the minimum amount. And if my credit limit is 2500 how much of a balance should I carry on my card. I am trying to build up my credit so that I can buy a house next year. Thanks.  <response>: And if my credit limit is 2500 how much of a balance should I carry on my card.0. Never carry a balance past the statement due date. Always pay off your balance in full, every month, no exceptions by the statement due date. 