Should I Leave a Small Balance on My Credit Card? What You Need to Know

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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.
Why Leave a Balance?
Why Pay off Carry-Over Debt?
Payment history (35%) Amounts owed or credit utilization (30%) Length of credit history (15%) New credit (10%) Credit mix (10%)
Is It Better to Pay in Full or Carry a Small Balance on Credit Cards?
When Carrying a Balance Hurts Your Credit Score
How to Deal With Balances
The Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo credit: iStock/mediaphotos
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About the Author
Jason Steele has been writing about credit cards and award travel since 2008. One of the nation's leading experts in this field, he has contributed to dozens of personal finance and travel outlets and has been widely quoted in the mainstream media.
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