[Miscguy]

Actually carrying a large dept on a credit card isnt bad for your credit at all. It shows that you can make large purchases and pay them off in installments. Many places want a steady payment record more than "i bought a pack of gum with my card, then paid it off". Availible dept and incuring and digging out of it are actually things considered "good" by credit compaines. Basically it shows you are responsible, and can manage your funds to pay things off.

I did the small purchase, pay off thing, and was still told i didnt have any credit. Then i made a large purchase with my card and starting making regular payments. Car financing was a breeze with a damn fine interest rate for a first time buyer.