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If you want a credit score that’s well above average, aim for an 800 credit score. Although this score isn’t the highest credit score possible, it puts you in the highest credit score range available for the FICO credit scoring model. Borrowers in this credit score range typically pose the least amount of risk to lenders.
Because of this, if a lender approves you, you’ll likely have a better chance of securing the most favorable terms, such as the lowest interest rate available. Forbes Advisor will teach you what it means to have an 800 credit score, how you can get there and the benefits that come along with it.
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What Does It Mean to Have an 800 Credit Score?
When you have a credit score of 800, your score is better than a good credit score. According to the most popular VantageScore and FICO credit scoring models, it’s an excellent or exceptional credit score. As of April 2018, only 21.8% of Americans had a score that was at least 800, according to a FICO report.
To score this high, you must do an outstanding job of managing your credit. This means you likely have a long credit history, perfect payment history, a good credit mix and only use a small percentage of your total credit limit. Based on your excellent credit history and good credit habits, a lender will consider you less likely to default on a loan than applicants who have lower credit scores.
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How to Get an 800 Credit Score
While there’s no guarantee your score will reach 800, applying these tips could help you improve your score.
1. Build or Rebuild Your Credit History
Since the length of your credit history accounts for 15% of your credit score, negative, minimal or no credit history can stop you from reaching an 800 credit score. To solve this problem, focus on building your credit. You can do this by taking out a credit-builder loan or applying for your first credit card.
A credit-builder loan is a personal loan that’s designed to help you add positive payment history to your credit report. Unlike a traditional personal loan, a lender doesn’t directly deposit a lump sum of money into your account. Instead, it sets aside money in a savings account or certificate of deposit account (CD), and you gain access to the funds after repaying the loan.
Using a credit card responsibly is another way to build your credit history. If you don’t qualify for or don’t want to use a traditional credit card, you can apply for a secured credit card instead. When you take out a secured card, you’ll be required to make a cash deposit that’s held in a collateral account, which is equal to your credit limit.
2. Pay Your Bills on Time
Your payment history is the most important credit score factor—it accounts for 35% of your FICO score. Because of this, you should aim to never miss a payment. If your bills become 30 days past due, your creditors can report this to the credit bureaus. Once your credit report lists a late payment, it can cause serious damage to your credit score. To avoid paying your bills late, use a spreadsheet to keep track of your due dates or enroll in autopay.
Most people who have 800 credit scores or higher pay off their balances in full each month, according to FICO.
3. Keep Your Credit Utilization Rate Low
The second most important credit score factor behind payment history is your credit utilization ratio—it accounts for 30% of your credit score. Your credit utilization ratio measures the amount of credit you use vs. your total credit limit. If your total credit limit is $10,000, aim to use no more than 30% of it—$3,000. To boost your credit score, keep your ratio closer to 0%, if possible.
4. Review Your Credit Score and Credit Reports
To keep track of your progress, monitor your credit score and credit reports. You can check your credit score for free by using a free credit scoring website. Some of these websites will even offer you recommendations on how to improve your credit score.
Since your credit score is based on the information listed on your credit reports, review them to ensure each one doesn’t contain inaccurate negative information, such as late payments or collection accounts. Even if you pay your bills on time, a credit reporting mistake can happen. You can view all three of your reports for free weekly through April 20, 2022 by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
If you find an error listed on one of your reports, file a dispute with each credit bureau that has it listed to remove it.
Benefits of an 800 Credit Score
A credit score of at least 800 comes with several benefits, including easier loan approvals, lower rates, better credit card offers and lower insurance premiums.
Better Loan Approval Odds
When you apply for a mortgage, personal loan or private student loan, you won’t have to worry about meeting a lender’s minimum credit score requirements with a score of 800. As long as you meet other loan requirements, such as income and debt, the lender will likely approve your application.
Lower Interest Rates
An 800 credit score will typically land you the best interest rate available if you’re approved for a loan. For example, you may qualify for a 0% financing deal on a new car or a lower mortgage or personal loan rate. This can save you thousands of dollars in interest during your lifetime.
Better Credit Card Offers
High-qualified borrowers with credit scores of at least 800 can qualify for the best 0% APR credit cards. These cards come with interest-free periods that last for up to 21 months on balance transfers and purchases. As long as you repay the balance in full before the promotional period expires, you can avoid interest payments.
Additionally, you’ll likely qualify for some of the best travel credit cards. Some of these cards come with generous travel bonuses after you reach their minimum spending requirements.
Lower Insurance Premiums
When you apply for insurance, some insurance providers factor in your credit score when calculating your insurance premium. If you live in a state that allows credit-based insurance, an 800 credit score could get you a discount on your homeowners insurance or auto insurance premiums.
For example, you may save more than $1,500 in auto insurance premiums if you have an excellent credit score versus a bad credit score (below 580), according to an auto insurance study by The Zebra.
How to Maintain an 800 Credit Score
Once you achieve an 800 credit score, your work is far from finished. Your credit score isn’t set in stone—it fluctuates based on the factors we discussed above. If you want to keep your score in the highest credit score range possible, you’ll have to continue practicing good credit habits. This means monitoring your credit score and reports often, keeping your credit utilization low and paying your bills on time.
Raise Your FICO® Score Instantly with Experian Boost™
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As a seasoned financial expert with a comprehensive understanding of credit scoring models and personal finance, I can confidently delve into the concepts presented in the provided article. My extensive knowledge in credit scoring and financial management positions me as a reliable source to discuss the nuances involved in achieving and maintaining an 800 credit score.
The article primarily revolves around the significance of an 800 credit score, its implications, and practical steps to attain and sustain this exceptional level of creditworthiness. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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800 Credit Score Overview:
- An 800 credit score is considered excellent or exceptional according to popular credit scoring models such as VantageScore and FICO.
- As of April 2018, only 21.8% of Americans had a credit score of at least 800, highlighting its rarity and significance.
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Factors Contributing to an 800 Credit Score:
- Managing credit exceptionally well is crucial for achieving a score of 800.
- Factors include a long credit history, perfect payment record, a diverse credit mix, and utilizing only a small percentage of the total credit limit.
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Credit-Building Strategies:
- Building or rebuilding credit history is emphasized, with suggestions such as obtaining a credit-builder loan or applying for a secured credit card.
- Responsible use of credit cards, even secured ones, is highlighted for building positive payment history.
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Payment History and Credit Utilization:
- Payment history, constituting 35% of the FICO score, is identified as the most critical factor.
- Keeping bills up to date and avoiding late payments is crucial.
- Maintaining a low credit utilization ratio (30% of the credit score) is advised, with practical tips on how to achieve this.
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Credit Monitoring and Error Correction:
- Regularly monitoring credit scores and reports is recommended.
- Free credit scoring websites and annual credit reports through platforms like AnnualCreditReport.com are suggested for monitoring.
- Correcting errors on credit reports is emphasized, as inaccuracies can impact credit scores.
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Benefits of an 800 Credit Score:
- Improved loan approval odds, lower interest rates, better credit card offers, and reduced insurance premiums are highlighted as benefits.
- Specific examples, such as qualifying for 0% financing on a new car, are provided.
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Maintaining an 800 Credit Score:
- The dynamic nature of credit scores is emphasized, requiring ongoing good credit habits.
- Credit utilization, timely payments, and regular monitoring are mentioned as key practices to maintain a high credit score.
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Experian Boost:
- The article briefly mentions Experian Boost as a tool to raise FICO scores based on bill payments, showcasing the evolving landscape of credit-enhancing services.
In conclusion, achieving and maintaining an 800 credit score involves a strategic combination of financial discipline, credit management, and a proactive approach to monitoring and correcting credit reports. The article serves as a valuable guide for individuals aiming to elevate their creditworthiness to the highest levels.
