It’s the holy grail of FICO credit scores: the seemingly bullet-proof credit score of 800 and above. For an over-achiever it’s a badge. For the credit-proud, a testament of hard work. But…is it worth pursuing?
An 800 credit score with FICO (the Fair Isaac Cooperation) is practically the credit score dream. A credit score of 800 will get you into the “exceptional” category of credit scores as it’s near the top of the credit score range (which goes from 300 to 850). And having an excellent credit score can come with some pretty great perks (which we dive into below). But first, let’s talk about what you can do to build that good credit.
To see what goes into the credit scoring process for a high credit score like an 800+ score, we combed through sources like FICO’s blog.
On this last point, the credit bureau TransUnion has mentioned that in order to begin building credit earlier, you can be added as an authorized user on a parent’s credit card. Just keep in mind that there could be risks associated with being an authorized user, like if the account holder has a poor credit history.
Learn more: What You Need to Know About Being An Authorized User On a Credit Card.
Credit scores change because of things you can control, like applying for a new credit card, which could impact your credit portfolio, just as closing credit card accounts can, too.
But credit scores can also be affected by things you don’t have control over, like fraud. A good way to watch out for fraud or keep errors off of your credit reports is through credit monitoring:
You’re entitled to receive a free credit report from each of the credit bureaus - Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian - once every 12 months. Credit monitoring is also a good personal finance habit to do no matter what.
In addition to bragging rights, having and maintaining an 800+ credit score could come with some additional benefits: you’re considered to have an excellent credit score. As such, lenders are more likely to approve a loan or credit account, as well as offer you lower interest rates.
It’s possible that you also could receive a higher credit limit as a result of your excellent credit score, and qualify for top rewards credit cards that let you earn cash back and/or miles on your purchases. And with more credit card options, you’ll also have more options when it comes to cards’ annual fees (or no annual fee).
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized professional advice. Individuals should consult their own tax advisor for matters specific to their own taxes and nothing communicated to you herein should be considered tax advice. This article was prepared by and approved by Marcus by Goldman Sachs, but does not reflect the institutional opinions of Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries or division. Goldman Sachs Bank USA does not provide any financial, economic, legal, accounting, tax or other recommendation in this article. Information and opinions expressed in this article are as of the date of this material only and subject to change without notice. Information contained in this article does not constitute the provision of investment advice by Goldman Sachs Bank USA or any its affiliates. Neither Goldman Sachs Bank USA nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this document and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.
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