A credit score is a numerical representation of an individual’s creditworthiness, based on their credit history. Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating a better credit history and a higher creditworthiness. An excellent credit score is typically considered to be 750 or higher, and a credit score of 850 is considered to be the highest possible score.
It is difficult to determine exactly how many people have a credit score of 850, as credit scores are not publicly available information. However, it is believed that only a small percentage of the population has a credit score of 850. According to FICO, the company that developed the most widely used credit scoring model, only about 20% of the population has a credit score of 800 or higher. This means that it is relatively rare for a borrower to have a credit score of 850.
To achieve and maintain an excellent credit score, it is important for borrowers to manage their credit accounts and loans responsibly. This includes paying bills on time, using credit cards responsibly, and avoiding high balances on credit cards.
Here are a few tips to help borrowers improve their credit score:
- Pay bills on time: Payment history is the most heavily weighted factor in a credit score, accounting for 35% of the score. It is crucial for borrowers to pay their bills on time to maintain a strong payment history and credit score.
- Use credit cards responsibly: Credit utilization, or the amount of credit used compared to the credit limit, accounts for 30% of a credit score. To improve your credit score, it is important to use credit cards responsibly and avoid maxing out your credit cards or carrying high balances.
- Diversify your credit: Having a diverse credit mix, including credit cards, loans, and other types of credit, can help improve your credit score.
- Check your credit report regularly: It is important to check your credit report regularly to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date. If you find any errors on your credit report, it is important to dispute them with the credit bureau to have them corrected.
In summary, a credit score of 850 is considered to be the highest possible score and is relatively rare. To achieve and maintain an excellent credit score, it is important for borrowers to pay their bills on time, use credit cards responsibly, diversify their credit, and check their credit report regularly. By following these tips, borrowers can improve their credit score and creditworthiness.