my question is should I leave them open and not use them or close them? I really want to close them but not sure if it will lower my credit score? Also how long does it take to show on the credit report that they were payed off Thanks mopar65
Leaving the credit card open and not using them will not improve you credit rating. Using a credit card and paying it off in full every month will improve your credit rating.This proves that you can handle credit. Question is, can you pay them off every month. Use them sparingly and pay full balance when due. If you can't control yourself don't use them.
Most companies report monthly to the credit bureaus, so about 30 days. Hope this helps.