<prompt> Human: I recently opened up a credit card. My first statement isnt due yet and I want to know if I should pay it in full or pay only part of it. I have 0 interest for over a year, so it is completely fine for me to not pay in full. I suffer no consequences if I pay my minimum.Ive been told all throughout my life to leave some money in my balance to prove I can handle debt. My father did not do this and has a significantly lower credit score than my mother, who did. My father has never missed a payment and has always paid in full whereas my mother has almost never paid off her credit within a month. They share all debt besides credit card debt.Why is everyone on this subreddit saying to always pay in full if that situation points to the contrary? I understand its circumstantial and his credit may be lower due to other reasons, but everyone Ive ever asked has had a similar or even the same story: pay most of the debt off for the month, but keep some to prove you can handle debt.Also, Im only 18, so really basic terminology would be helpful. I read a lot about utilization but didnt understand what was being said. For reference: I never spend more than I earn and I could also pay off my debt in full monthly if that really does improve my FICO score.  <response>: Ive been told all throughout my life to leave some money in my balance to prove I can handle debt.No, you dont need to do this.You can put money on the card, allow the statement to generate, and then pay the full statement balance by the due date. That will show the credit companies that you are using the card since the statement balance is what is reported to the bureaus while also allowing you to never pay interest! Win-win! 