Does making only minimum payments hurt my credit score?

Yes. Minimum payments keep your account current but extend your repayment period and increase utilization, which can negatively impact your credit score.

Should I close old credit cards to boost my score?

No. Closing old cards reduces your available credit and shortens your credit history, which may lower your score instead of improving it.

Can I build credit without carrying a balance?

Yes. On-time payments and low credit utilization are enough to build credit. Carrying a balance only increases interest costs with no scoring benefits.