if I might add two more things

Don't apply for any credit, even if you receive offers in the mail. Every time you accept an offer, that's another inquiry on the credit report. Too many in one year brings down the credit score.

Avoid balance transfers as much as possible - apparently, this also has an impact on things. I read this at the MSN Money web site and can trace down the details.

And as a side note ... pay your debts directly at the web site, if at all possible. It's a guaranteed way of knowing that the creditor received the payment on time. If for any reason they don't, it not only slaps you with a late charge but it could have an impact on your current interest rate. It only takes ONE late payment to cause this. And since creditors are constantly watching your credit report, a single mark can cause a domino effect and your interest goes up all over the place. Negative on the FICO.

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