Credit Cards and Credit Scores: Maximize Rewards and Build Credit

Credit Cards and Credit Scores: Maximize Rewards

Credit score ranges from 300-850. Excellent is 750+, good is 700-749, fair is 650-699, poor is below 650. Five factors: payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), length of history (15%), credit mix (10%), hard inquiries (10%). Pay every bill on time - payment history is most important. Keep credit utilization below 30% of available credit. Multiple accounts types boost scores. Never close old accounts - length of history matters. Credit card rewards: cash back 1-5%, points can redeem for travel/products. Premium cards with annual fees justify expense if rewards exceed fees. Sign-up bonuses are valuable - often worth $300-500. Never carry balance if APR >0% - interest eliminates rewards.