Approximately 3 years ago Oprah Winfrey had this very subject on her program and we all know many Credit Card Companies do charge way too much interest but what I didn't know until I watch this program was the Credit Card Companies can lower the interest rate (it is the law) but of course they don't want you to know that. No, it shouldn't have anything to do with your credit rating because you have made an honest effort to pay off your debt.
If you need a credit card shop around because there are good deals out there, but the trick is to pay off that balance every month. If you can't afford to pay your balance off at the end of the month don't use your credit card to get you through life! Use it for emergencies only such as unexpected auto mechanic problems, medications, etc.