Perks plateau above 800
Most lenders don't treat an 850 credit score much differently than they would an 800. That's because FICO, like other scoring models, groups consumers into ranges, with anything at or above 800 qualifying as "exceptional."
That means:
You'll likely qualify for the lowest advertised interest rates on loans
Lenders and landlords may be quicker to approve applications
You may get access to higher credit limits or better financing terms
Premium credit cards with big sign-up bonuses and strong rewards are within reach.
According to Experian, only about 1.5% of U.S. consumers had a perfect 850 FICO® Score as of late 2023. But that doesn't mean everyone else is missing out on anything major.
The habits matter more than the number
Even though an 850 credit score is fun to look at, it's the habits that got you there that really count.
Here's what folks with perfect credit scores tend to have in common:
On-time payments: They never miss a due date
Extremely low credit utilization: Often below 5% of total available credit
Long credit histories: Many years of responsible credit use
Few hard inquiries: They only apply for new credit when it makes sense
These habits are what help you qualify for the best offers -- not just the number itself. And they're what keep your score strong, even if it drops below 850 now and then.
But maintaining a perfect score can pay off
If you do hit 850 and want to stay there, it's not impossible -- it just takes continued effort. The biggest risk is a sudden drop from something small, like running up a high balance or applying for too many new cards at once.
Some ways to protect your score:
Set up autopay or reminders so you never miss a payment
Keep balances low, especially right before your statement closes
Check your credit reports regularly for errors
Only apply for new credit when it aligns with your goals
You can read the full article here.
Building and keeping strong credit habits is more valuable than chasing perfection. You want to achieve an, “exceptional” score if you can. But don’t need to focus on perfection. Lenders look at more than just your credit score. They consider what has gone into it. Establishing good financial habits will help you in ways that go far beyond your FICO number. They will lead to stability and a more secure future.