6 Tips To Get An 800 Credit Score

A strong credit score can be the key to unlocking your full financial potential and better opportunities. The highest credit score you can have is 850 – the perfect credit score. However, 712 is the average credit score among Americans. No matter where your score falls, you can take steps to get as close as possible to a perfect score.

An 800 score is near-perfect credit. It’s in the top credit score range for FICO^® and VantageScore^®, two popular credit scoring models. Falling into the highest credit score range comes with many benefits. Let’s examine some ways to attain and keep an 800 credit score, as well as some potential perks of doing so.

Perks Of Having An 800 Credit Score

Your credit score provides a quick snapshot of your credit file’s healthiness. Your credit history follows you throughout various aspects of your life. Lenders look at it when you apply for financing to determine your creditworthiness. When allowed, landlords and employers may perform credit checks when screening applicants.

Those who check your credit will consider a 700 credit score to be good. A good credit score can expand your access to opportunities, but you’re even closer to perfect with an 800 – which can open more doors with more ideal circumstances for you.

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the perks of having a credit score of 800.

More Financing Opportunities

Borrowers with a high credit score usually have access to more financing options. Most lenders offer a wide range of loans to those with a credit score of 800 or more. This can include personal loans, mortgages and car loans. Credit card issuers may be more likely to grant you access to their best credit card offers.

Personal lines of credit and home equity lines of credit can also become easier to be approved for. Lines of credit are unsecured, so some lenders only offer them to those with excellent credit.

Access To Ideal Terms

Along with more financing options to choose from, you may be able to lock in better terms with an 800 credit score. This could mean a lower interest rate and flexible repayment terms on loans. You may be approved for higher credit limits, increasing your borrowing potential.

In addition to higher limits, you may get the best credit card offers available. These could include cards with low annual fees and premium rewards like cash back or travel miles.

Higher Chances Of Application Approval

On top of more financial opportunities, an 800 credit score can be pivotal in many other settings. For example, in some states, landlords and employers can access applicant credit information. They use this information to determine whether potential tenants and employees are reliable.

A score of 800 is proof of your dependability and responsible financial habits. This, in turn, can improve your chances of landing your dream apartment or job.

What Affects Your Credit Score?

Creditors report your financial activity to credit bureaus. The three main American credit bureaus are Experian^TM, Equifax^® and TransUnion^®. Each bureau has its own credit file of your information.

Your credit score may differ among bureaus. However, the factors that make up your score, and how much they impact your score, remain the same. These factors are:

• Payment history (35%)
• Amounts owed (30%)
• Length of credit history (15%)
• New credit (10%)
• Credit mix (10%)

How To Get A Credit Score Of 800

Using your credit carefully can help you get a credit score of 800. You can practice a combination of good habits that help you build credit. Let’s delve into some strategies that can help boost your credit score to 800.

1. Pay Bills On Time

Payment history impacts a credit score the most. You should prioritize making regular, on-time payments to reach an 800 credit score.

Your credit can take a major hit from late payments and missed payments, so make an effort to keep track of your bill due dates. Paying your balance in full instead of the minimum payment due is also best practice.

2. Keep A Low Credit Utilization Ratio

Credit utilization ratio, or credit utilization rate, heavily influences a credit score as well. It’s the total of your credit card balances compared to your total available credit.

Typically, you should aim for a credit utilization rate at or under 30%. Keeping your utilization low can prove you’re able to repay your debts on time. Using less of your available credit can improve your chances of reaching an 800 credit score. On the other hand, spending too close to your credit limit may hurt your score.

3. Diversify Your Credit Mix

Another way to work toward an 800 credit score is to diversify your mix of credit accounts. This means having different types of credit. A well-kept, diverse credit file is often a green flag to lenders.

Aim for a mix of installment loans and revolving credit. Personal loans or auto loans are common installment loans. Credit card accounts and lines of credit are popular types of revolving credit.

4. Space Out New Credit Applications

Diversifying your credit mix can help get your credit score to 800, but you should only open one account at a time. When you apply to open a new credit account like a new credit card, creditors perform a hard inquiry.

Each hard inquiry on your account causes your credit score to drop. Experts recommend giving your score 6 months to recover between new credit applications.

5. Keep Old Accounts Open

You may want to cut your spending or lower your credit card debt. However, canceling credit card accounts may not be the most effective way. In fact, closing old credit accounts – even if you don’t use them – can hurt your score. Keeping your old credit accounts open may help you reach and maintain a high credit score.

6. Monitor Your Credit Report

You should look out for any errors or suspicious activity, like identity theft, on your credit report. Mistakes and fraudulent activity can hurt your credit and your chances of achieving an 800 credit score. Thankfully, you can dispute any inaccurate information you catch on your report.

Many companies offer free credit monitoring services. AnnualCreditReport.com offers free credit reports from each bureau. You can access your reports for free once a week through the end of 2023. While this is technically a credit inquiry, it’s considered only a soft inquiry. Soft inquiries don’t hurt your credit, so you can check your credit as much as you want.

Final Thoughts

A credit score of 800 can leverage access to a multitude of financial offers with ideal terms. By being aware of what affects your credit, you can make steps to reach and maintain a credit score of 800.

When you’re looking to apply for a personal loan, an 800 credit score helps you qualify for ideal terms. If you think your credit puts you in good standing, apply for a personal loan with Rocket Loans^SM today.