ORIGINAL: GMMAT
Matt.....it would also (believe it or not) do you GOOD to leave a balance and pay it off on terms (on your CC). Doesn't make sense to many.....but it will build your credit score higher to carry a loan (or CC balance) to term.
This is 100% true. They (creditors) want to know if you can make reliable payments
over time.
EDIT: It is even recommended (if you are trying to build your credit score) to take out small loans, even if you have the cash, and make all of the payments to pay it off. One of the reasons long time property owners are usually a very good risk is that they have made reliable payments on their property over a long period of time.