What's The Highest Credit Score And How To Get It?
What's The Highest Credit Score And How To Get It?
by
December 20, 2022
Did you know that a high credit score can unlock a world of financial opportunities and save you thousands of dollars in interest over time? In today's world, your credit score determines your eligibility for loans, credit cards, and other financial products, as well as the interest rates and terms you'll receive. According to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, only 1.2% of Americans have a perfect credit score of 850. In this article, we will demystify the highest credit score possible, provide actionable tips on how to achieve it, and discuss the benefits of having an excellent credit score.
How is Credit Score Calculated?
A credit score is a numerical representation of an individual's creditworthiness, determined by analyzing their credit history. The two major credit scoring models in the United States are FICO and VantageScore.
The FICO Score, developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation, is the most widely used credit score in the United States. It ranges from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating lower credit risk. FICO scores are calculated based on five components: payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%), and credit mix (10%).
VantageScore, developed by the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), also ranges from 300 to 850. It uses a slightly different calculation model, which includes payment history (41%), age and type of credit (20%), credit utilization (20%), balances (11%), recent credit behavior and inquiries (5%), and available credit (3%).
Credit Score Range: FICO Score vs. Vantage Score
FICO and VantageScore credit scores have slightly different ranges and categories, let's have a close look at them:
FICO Score range
- Poor (300-579)
- Fair (580-669)
- Good (670-739)
- Very good (740-799)
- Exceptional (800-850)
Vantage Score range
- Very poor (300-499)
- Poor (500-600)
- Fair (601-660)
- Good (661-780)
- Excellent (781-850)
Based on these ranges, you can check if your score is a good credit score. For example, is 700 a good credit score? Yes, for both FICO Score and Vantage Score, 700 falls in the range of "good" credit scores. Is 700 a good credit score, then? Now it depends on which credit score you are referring to. For FICO Score, it is considered as a "very good" score, while for Vantage Score, it is considered a"good" score, same as 700 points.
So, what's the highest credit score possible?
The Max Credit Score Possible
The max/highest possible FICO score is 850, and the highest possible VantageScore is also 850. Achieving a perfect credit score is rare but not impossible. The factors that contribute to a perfect score include payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix.
7 Tips to Achieve the Highest Credit Score
After knowing the credit score range and the highest credit score possible that you can get, are you ready to unlock the secrets to achieving the highest credit score and opening the door to a world of financial benefits? We've got you covered! Follow these detailed, specific, and educational tips to boost your credit score and make the most of your financial potential.
1. Make timely payments: your ticket to a positive payment history
- Never miss a payment deadline by setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders.
- Remember, your payment history has the biggest impact on your credit score, so consistency is key!
2. Mastering the art of credit utilization
- Aim to maintain a credit utilization rate below 30% to showcase your responsible credit management.
- Pro tip: Pay off balances in full each month or make multiple payments throughout the month to keep utilization low.
3. Diversify your credit mix: variety is the spice of life
- Show off your financial prowess by maintaining a mix of different types of credit accounts, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages.
- Demonstrating responsible management of various credit accounts is essential for achieving that perfect score.
4. Play it cool with hard inquiries and new credit applications
- Be strategic and only apply for new credit when necessary, as too many applications can negatively impact your credit score.
- Space out credit applications, giving your credit score time to recover from any temporary dips.
5. Be vigilant: monitor your credit report and dispute errors
- Knowledge is power! Regularly review your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
- Take charge and dispute any inaccuracies to maintain an accurate and pristine credit history.
6. The Credit Builder Loan: your secret weapon for credit improvement
- Consider taking out a credit builder loan to establish or improve your credit profile.
- Make timely payments on the loan to showcase your commitment to responsible credit behavior.
7. Preserve your credit legacy: keep old accounts open
- Old credit accounts contribute to your overall credit history length, so keep them open and in good standing.
- Remember, a longer credit history demonstrates financial responsibility over time and can positively impact your credit score.
By diligently following these informative and engaging tips, you'll set yourself on the path to improving your credit score and unlocking a world of financial opportunities. Keep in mind that achieving the highest credit score takes time and commitment; it won't happen overnight. However, by embracing your journey towards credit excellence and maintaining persistence, you will gradually reap the rewards that come with an exceptional credit score.
Benefits of Having a Good Credit Score
A high credit score comes with numerous benefits, such as lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, better chances for loan and credit card approvals, access to premium credit cards and rewards programs, higher credit limits and better terms, and easier approval for renting apartments and lower insurance premiums.
- Lower interest rates on loans and credit cards: A high credit score can save you money on interest payments over the life of a loan or credit card balance.
- Better chances for loan and credit card approvals: Lenders are more likely to approve your applications with a high credit score.
- Access to premium credit cards and rewards programs: Enjoy perks such as travel rewards, cashback, and exclusive offers with premium credit cards.
- Higher credit limits and better terms: Lenders may offer you higher credit limits and more favorable terms due to your demonstrated creditworthiness.
- Easier approval for renting apartments and lower insurance premiums: Landlords and insurance companies often consider your credit score when assessing risk, and a higher credit score can work in your favor.
Unlock better perks by using Cheers Credit Builder
Achieving the highest credit score is an ambitious goal, but with discipline and smart financial habits, it's attainable. By making timely payments, maintaining low credit utilization, diversifying your credit mix, limiting hard inquiries, monitoring your credit reports, using credit builder loans, and keeping old accounts open, you can work your way toward an excellent credit score.
Don't miss out on the benefits of a high credit score. Sign up for the Cheers Credit Builder today and take the first step towards building a strong financial future. Now Cheers Credit Builder has ranked 4th of all credit builder apps!
No upfront fee, no credit check. Sign up within 2 minutes and then make on-time payment each month. All of your payments will be reported to 3 credit bureaus to build positive payment history for you. Get it today!
