When your credit score is low, it’s likely that all you can think about is how to raise it because that number affects how your interest rates are calculated, which can ultimately influence how large your bills are and how much money you’re able to set aside each month.
You know that it’s worthwhile to maintain good credit. But what’s the credit score that you should aim for? And how do you get there? We’re going to break it down for you.
What is the highest credit score you can get?
A 900 credit score may be the highest on some scoring models, but this number isn’t always possible. Only 1.31% of the population can achieve a credit score of 850, so there’s a certain point where trying to get the highest possible credit score isn’t realistic at all. Having good credit can start at around 700. In fact, only a few credit score models have a credit score limit of 900. For instance, both the FICO and VantageScore models max out at 850.
How are credit scores calculated?
You don’t only have one credit score. Credit reporting bureaus calculate your credit score differently. We explain the most popular credit model, which is FICO, and from there, you’ll be able to understand how credit bureaus calculate your credit score.
How is your FICO credit score calculated?
Here’s how FICO looks at your financial history and ultimately calculates your credit score.
- Payment history: 35%
- Debt or amount owed: 30%
- Length of credit history: 15%
- New credit: 10%
- Credit mix: 10%
Benefits of an excellent credit score
Solid credit scores open up a lot of doors. Here are just a few reasons why raising your credit score is worthwhile.
Access to a range of loan products
It will feel like lenders will practically be beating down your door to give you money to buy a house or a car if you have an excellent credit score. But beware of the risks associated with opening too many loan products, like credit cards, since overspending can be tempting. Make sure you don’t spend above your budget and undo your hard work.
Better chance of rent approvals
Your credit score is often the first thing that landlords look at when going through rental applications. Your high credit score will help you stand out in the rental process. It can make it easier to secure your dream apartment and give you leverage when negotiating your rent amount.
Larger credit limits
Larger credit limits allow you to use more of your lender’s money. This factor has its obvious benefits, but there’s a little more to it than simply having access to more credit. Greater credit limits also make it possible for you to keep a wider distance between your balance and the amount of credit you have available. This is your credit utilization ratio, and it plays a key role in influencing your score. The more available credit you have that you’re not using, the stronger your score will be.
Insurance discounts
One of the first things that insurance providers look at during the approval process is the credit scores of applicants. Lenders label people with high credit scores as more reliable, and they are more likely to approve candidates with stronger credit than those with low scores.
For instance, in the realm of auto insurance, individuals with excellent credit scores might qualify for significant discounts on their premiums, which could potentially lead to more favorable terms and reduced overall costs for their coverage.
Better interest rates
Better interest rates are the result of better credit scores. When you have a strong credit score, your interest rates will be lower when you take out personal loans, credit cards, mortgages, and car loans. You’ll be able to access lower monthly payments and you’ll save over the lifetime of your loan. More savings on interest translates to more money in your budget.
8 ways to achieve a perfect credit score
You can find many ways to raise and fix your credit score. Here are eight helpful tips.
1. Maintain a consistent payment history
Consistently paying back debt can be the best way to raise your credit, but it takes time. Speaking of time, make sure you pay your bills on time. Create a pattern of consistency that you can show to lenders, and you will start to see your credit rise over time.
2. Monitor your credit score regularly
Make sure there aren’t any major snags along the way as you work to raise your credit score. Monitor your credit score regularly. Ideally, you should check in at least once a month, especially since different lenders or creditors will process at different times.
Regularly monitoring your credit score is crucial because it allows you to catch errors or discrepancies early. This process helps ensure that your credit report accurately reflects your financial history. If you notice anything that seems off, you’ll want to contact the credit bureau to report a mistake.
PRO TIP! Building your credit is easier than you think. It starts with knowing and understanding your score, creating goals, and then monitoring your credit as you take steps to build it.
Monitor Your Credit
3. Keep old accounts open and use them sporadically
Your credit score is affected by your credit history as well as how long you have been building your credit. Your old accounts play a key role in defining the length of your credit history. Keep old accounts open and make sure you use them from time to time.
4. Report your on-time rent and utility payments
Your credit is affected by the payments that you make, including rent payments and utility bills. Make sure the major credit bureaus know that you pay your rent and utility payments on time because this information can help you increase your credit score.
5. Increase your credit limit when possible
As you pay your bills consistently, ask your credit card company for a credit limit increase. Having higher credit limits is a sign that you can be trusted to pay your bills on time. This action will translate to a higher credit score over time as well.
6. Avoid maxing out your credit cards
Your credit score has the potential to decrease when you max out your credit cards because your credit utilization ratio will drop considerably. Your available credit should be much higher than your credit utilization. If you do max out your credit card, make sure to pay it all off in the same billing cycle.
7. Balance your credit utilization
It’s best if you keep your credit utilization rate at 30% or less. For example, if your credit limit is $5,000 in total, then your credit utilization balance shouldn’t exceed $1,500.
8. Consider a credit-building loan
A credit-building loan is a type of loan specifically designed to help individuals with limited or poor credit history build up their creditworthiness. Unlike traditional loans, the primary purpose of a credit building loan is not to provide immediate funds but to demonstrate responsible borrowing behavior to credit bureaus.
So, how does a credit-building loan work? Instead of receiving a lump sum of money upfront, the loan amount is typically held in a savings account or a certificate of deposit (CD). You then make regular monthly payments on the loan, just like with any other loan. However, the payments are not used to pay off the loan but are reported to credit bureaus as on-time payments, which can help positively impact your credit history.
PRO TIP! A good credit score can lead to lower interest rates and increased borrowing power on loans and credit cards. MoneyLion offers a free and convenient way to find offers from our trusted partners to help you improve your credit.
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The Power and Perks of a 900 Credit Score
A 900 credit score may seem like a lofty goal — which is why it’s not always attainable. The good news is that you don’t need a 900 credit score to have good credit. Good credit starts at around 700 and improves over time. As long as your score is within the 700 to 800 range, you should have optimistic approval odds and some leeway on negotiating lower interest rates. All in all, building good credit is a process — not a one-and-done. It’s important to stay consistent and practice smart financial habits for the long run!
FAQ
What percentage of the population has a credit score over 900?
It’s exceedingly rare for anyone to have a credit score over 900, as most credit scoring models have a maximum limit of 850, and even achieving that score is uncommon.
Can I buy a house with a credit score of 780?
A credit score of 780 is generally considered excellent and should qualify you for favorable mortgage terms, making it very feasible to buy a house.
Is a 950 credit score possible?
In most conventional credit scoring systems, such as FICO and VantageScore, a credit score of 950 is not possible, as they typically have a maximum score of 850. However, some custom or industry-specific scoring models might use a different scale, but they are not as widely used.
LaKenya Hill LaKenya is a freelance content writer and full-time Ph.D. student in Michigan. She has experience writing for StockX and uses her interest in business and accounting to contribute to her MoneyLion publications. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, spending time with her family, and working as a full-time therapist.
The concept of credit scores and their impact on financial decisions is multifaceted. Understanding credit scoring models, strategies to improve credit, and the implications of different score ranges is crucial. Let's delve into the key aspects of this article:
Credit Score Ranges and Models:
- Highest Possible Credit Score: While a 900 credit score may seem like the pinnacle, most scoring models cap at 850, like FICO and VantageScore, making it extremely rare to hit the maximum score. Only about 1.31% of the population reaches the 850 mark.
- Good Credit Starting Point: Aiming for around 700 is a practical target for good credit. Scores in the 700 to 800 range offer favorable approval odds and room for negotiating lower interest rates.
Credit Score Calculation:
- Components: The FICO model, for instance, considers several factors:
- Payment History (35%): Timely bill payments.
- Debt/Amount Owed (30%): Total debt and credit utilization.
- Length of Credit History (15%): How long credit accounts have been open.
- New Credit (10%): Recent credit inquiries and new accounts.
- Credit Mix (10%): Variety of credit accounts.
Benefits of Excellent Credit:
- Access to Loans: Higher chances of loan approvals for homes, cars, etc.
- Rent Approval: Easier rental processes with a high credit score.
- Larger Credit Limits: Increased access to credit, positively affecting the credit utilization ratio.
- Insurance Discounts: Better credit scores lead to more favorable terms and discounts on insurance premiums.
- Better Interest Rates: Lower interest rates on loans, saving money over the loan term.
Strategies to Improve Credit:
- Consistent Payment History: Timely bill payments contribute significantly to raising credit scores.
- Regular Credit Monitoring: Checking credit reports monthly helps identify errors early.
- Utilizing Old Accounts Sparingly: Keeping old accounts open and using them occasionally to maintain credit history length.
- Reporting Rent and Utility Payments: Ensuring on-time payments for rent and utilities to strengthen credit.
- Requesting Credit Limit Increases: Higher limits signify trustworthiness if managed responsibly.
- Balancing Credit Utilization: Keeping credit utilization below 30% of available credit.
- Consider Credit-building Loans: Specialized loans designed to build credit by showcasing responsible borrowing behavior.
Additional Information:
- Achieving a 900 Credit Score: While challenging, it's not necessary for excellent credit; aiming for the 700 to 800 range suffices for most financial needs.
- Population with Scores over 900: Exceptionally rare due to scoring model limits.
- Home Purchase with a 780 Credit Score: A credit score of 780 typically qualifies for favorable mortgage terms, facilitating the purchase of a house.
- Possibility of a 950 Credit Score: Not attainable in most conventional scoring systems capped at 850, although specific industry models might differ.
Understanding these components and strategies empowers individuals to navigate credit systems more effectively, improve scores, and make informed financial decisions.
