How does consolidating credit debt effect a credit rating?

I am familiar with consolidating credit debt. You are right, pay it all off faster at a lower interest rate. First, once you've paid off all the debt, leave the cards OPEN. That is the major problem people have, they cut up cards that have high limits and that have been open for years. Do not do that. Leave the accounts open and just cut up the cards if you cannot control yourself enough to not use it. Other than that just keep it to a normal amount 5-10. I prefer the double miles cards or cash back cards. Just keep paying the bills on time. Best of luck.