credit card accounts

How does someone build credit without a credit card?
I am thinking of those who do not have a credit card and pay for everything by check and cash. How is their credit rated? Is it based on a loan for example (car, student, etc.) and what if it is their first time applying for such [...]

I have no credit card debt but a few credit cards that are open I never intend on using. Is there any way I can close these accounts without hurting my credit? I do not like the idea of having open credit card accounts, for fear of theft of these numbers.

Tags: hurting, [...]