<prompt> Human: I have had a student visa with a 500 limit for a few years, but Im graduating now and looking to get an everyday one.I never had my card completely paid off, because I wasnt making enough money to do so working part time. That being said I made most of my monthly payments. I finally got my first full-time paycheck today, so the first thing Im doing is going to the bank to pay my card off and cancel it altogether.My question is, as my credit isnt perfect, once my card is paid off can I apply for a real one? Is there a grace period of some sort between cards or is it once I pay off my student visa, I can apply right away for a new one?I know these things vary from bank to bank, but as I dont have all the information available to me at the moment, Im not quite sure.Thanks!Assistant: Dont cancel the card! Its the only thing on your credit report, and without it, youre back to square one. Keep that card the rest of your life, whether you use it or not. All its doing is increasing the average age of accounts open and your overall credit limit thus, lowering your utilization ratio and boosting your credit score overall.You can apply for a card at any time, whether you have a balance or not. Acceptance is dependent on your score and financial situation, not your current balance.Going forward, dont carry a balance on your card, pay in full every month. Paying interest is your enemy and does nothing for you, earning points and paying in full is effectively a discount on everything you buy on credit.Human: So youre saying just pay it off, and keep it forever? I dont plan on making any huge payments with it anyway going forward, as Im working full time now. I just wasnt sure where Im no longer a student, what happens with that card!  <response>: The card will benefit your average age of accounts and will help towards your utilization ratio. Both of which are big factors in your credit score. I would only consider cancelling it if you are paying and annual fee and even then, wait till you secure another card. 