Is It Possible To Have a 900 Credit Score? | MoneyLion (2024)

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%
Is It Possible To Have a 900 Credit Score? | MoneyLion (1)

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.

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.

Is It Possible To Have a 900 Credit Score? | MoneyLion (2)

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.

Is It Possible To Have a 900 Credit Score? | MoneyLion (2024)

FAQs

Is It Possible To Have a 900 Credit Score? | MoneyLion? ›

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.

Can someone get a credit score of 900? ›

While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.

Does anyone have an 850 credit score? ›

How many people have perfect FICO® Scores? Data from April 2023 found that about 1.7% of people who meet the minimum requirements for a FICO® Score had an 850. That's an increase from previous years, but still a small minority of people.

Is a 1000 credit score possible? ›

A credit score of 1,000 is not possible because the standard credit score range used by FICO and VantageScore is 300 to 850. Other credit scoring models have a high of 900 or 950, but they are industry-specific and only used by certain financial institutions.

What's the highest credit score? ›

The highest score you can have on the most widely used scales is 850. According to data from FICO, about 1.7% of all FICO scores were at the coveted 850 as of April 2023.

How rare is an 800 credit score? ›

According to a report by FICO, only 23% of the scorable population has a credit score of 800 or above.

Is 650 a good credit score? ›

As someone with a 650 credit score, you are firmly in the “fair” territory of credit. You can usually qualify for financial products like a mortgage or car loan, but you will likely pay higher interest rates than someone with a better credit score. The "good" credit range starts at 690.

How rare is an 843 credit score? ›

Your 843 FICO® Score falls in the range of scores, from 800 to 850, that is categorized as Exceptional. Your FICO® Score is well above the average credit score, and you are likely to receive easy approvals when applying for new credit. 21% of all consumers have FICO® Scores in the Exceptional range.

Can I go from 500 to 700 credit score? ›

The time it takes to raise your credit score from 500 to 700 can vary widely depending on your individual financial situation. On average, it may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months of responsible credit management, including timely payments and reducing debt, to see a significant improvement in your credit score.

What is the average credit score in America? ›

What is the average credit score? The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024.

Can you buy a house with a 622 credit score? ›

Credit score and mortgages

The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

What is the highest credit limit ever? ›

The highest credit card limit you can get is over $100,000 according to reports from credit card holders. But like most credit cards in general, even the highest-limit credit cards will only list minimum spending limits in their terms.

How much can I borrow with a 700 credit score? ›

You can borrow from $1,000 to $100,000 or more with a 700 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.

Is 950 credit score possible? ›

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.

Can you get a 1200 credit score? ›

Depending on the credit reporting agency, your score will be between zero and either 1,000 or 1,200. A higher score means the lender will consider you less risky. This could mean getting a better deal and saving money.

What is the lowest credit score possible? ›

What is the lowest credit score possible? Generally, credit scores range from 300 to 850, making 300 the lowest possible credit score. But it's important to note that you typically have more than one credit score. And they may differ depending on the credit-scoring company and when they were calculated.

Is it hard to get a credit score of 1000? ›

A credit score of 1,000 is not possible because credit scoring models simply do not go that high. According to Experian, some credit scoring models reach upwards of 900 or 950, but those are industry-specific scores that are only used by certain institutions.

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