Closing cards you don't use will do no long term damage to your credit, keeping them will not effect it either as you don't use them. Keeping one or two for an emergency is a good idea. Carrying a balance does not really help your score, paying in full each month works much better. All carrying a balance does is make you pay more in interest. Forget your score, it is just a reflection of your actions. Concentrate on how you use the cards, that is what makes your score go up or down.

Consider getting a book on personal finance & credit. Reading it will answer your question better then what you will get here.

I have a credit card through my local credit union. I am not sure if this is normal: Essentially, I am using my credit card like a debit card. If I anticipate any major purchases I will put money on the card prior to charging it. I try to keep a couple hundred dollars negative balance at all times. I have never charged amounts to my card where I have a balance due at the end of my billing cycle, so I have never paid any interest/always have the card paid in full.

I always believe in 2 major credit cards. One for every day use and one for emergency. Fortunately I never had an emergency for the past 5 years. But I got a notice from the card I never used that they are closing the account in 60 days whether I use it or not. So I suggest you should use it for small items and use both every other month,

not carrying credit on card does not effect your credit score. your credit score is built and increased by steady continual use with complete payoff by due date for best highest, results. i'd suggest you use 1 for your gas purchases and then you'll always have at least something constantly moving. this emergency idea of you doesn't really encourage steady usage. credit is extremely difficult to get for many people, I would not close anything you have at this time. not using a particular card at least1-2x a year may cause the card issuer to cancel you, and that non-usage at all over a couple years might slightly drop your score.

Not using the cards won't hurt your credit/score. It won't help it either. You have to actually use the cards on a regular basis to continue to build credit.

If you don't use the cards at least periodically, the card company may close them due to inactivity. If you really don't plan to use the accounts, close them via letter and request written confirmation that the account is closed and 0 balance. Keep that confirmation forever.

Paying for purchases with cash does not help your credit score.

You need to make purchases on your credit card and pay it in full every month. That builds credit.

You have too many cards.