<prompt> Human: Were both young adults. My friend is trying to convince me that holding onto student loans is a good idea solely to build credit. Because when you pay interest you get a tax rebate, and it sort of balances out, but the credit it builds is well worth the interest.Im under the impression that all interest is bad, why lose money when you dont have to? Is it possible to build similar credit using credit cards, and paying off the balance immediately? Or is the best way to build enough credit for a down payment on a house, to carry debt?  <response>: Never take financial advice from this friend.Just smile and nod your head in agreement. 