What Is an Excellent or Perfect Credit Score?

Whether your score is already in the 700s or you’re aiming to improve it further, taking your score from good to excellent can afford you better interest rates, attractive credit card offers, and more. Learn what it takes to achieve an excellent credit score and follow our 5 tips to help you get there.

What is an excellent credit score?

An excellent credit score typically falls between 800 and 850 on the most common credit scoring models: FICO and VantageScore. Both use a scale from 300 to 850, with 850 being a perfect credit score—the highest possible.

• FICO Score Ranges:

  • Exceptional (Excellent): 800–850
  • Very Good: 740–799

• VantageScore Ranges:

  • Superprime (Excellent): 781–850
  • Prime: 661–780

A perfect credit score of 850 is rare, but a score in the high 700s or above 800 is generally considered excellent and qualifies you for the best interest rates, premium credit card offers, and favorable loan terms.

Why an Excellent Credit Score Matters

Generally speaking, a higher credit score can translate to cost savings and perks. Your credit score is a key factor considered by lenders, and an excellent score can help you get credit at lower interest rates (which can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on interest over time). An excellent or perfect credit score can unlock:

• Lower interest rates on loans and credit cards
• Higher credit limits
• More favorable mortgage and auto loan terms
• Potentially better approval odds for rental housing

5 Tips to Achieve an Excellent or Perfect Credit Score

1. Pay All Bills on Time

Payment history is the most important factor in both FICO and VantageScore models. Even one late payment can hurt your score—especially if it’s 30+ days overdue. Set reminders, use autopay, or put due dates on your calendar to stay consistent.

⚠️ Pro Tip: If you miss a payment, pay it as soon as you can. Delinquencies may lose their impact over time but can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years.

2. Keep Credit Utilization Low

Your credit utilization ratiohow much credit you're using versus your total limit, should be kept as low as possible. Under 30% is great, but under 10% is ideal, especially for excellent scores.

Ways to lower your credit utilization:

• Pay more than the minimum each payment cycle
• Make multiple payments each payment cycle
• Ask for credit limit increases
• Refinance with a personal loan
• Keep old accounts open

3. Check Your Credit Report for Errors

Errors or fraud on your credit report can drag your credit score down. Monitor your credit regularly using tools like Upgrade’s Credit Health or request free reports from the three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you catch something inaccurate on your report, follow the steps to dispute the error, like sending a written dispute letter to the major credit bureaus.

4. Limit New Credit Applications

Each new credit application can trigger a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score. Space out credit applications and only apply when needed; too many new accounts in a short period can signal financial stress.

📌 Pro Tip: Don’t close old credit cards unless necessary—they help preserve your credit age and utilization. Closing accounts can harm your score under certain circumstances. 

5. Maintain a Healthy Credit Mix

Lenders and credit scoring models like to see that you can manage a mix of credit types. Demonstrating you can responsibly manage multiple kinds of credit can give your score a boost.

The two types include:

• Revolving credit, like credit cards
• Installment credit, like auto loans, personal loans, and mortgages

Next Steps: Build Toward an Excellent Score

Ready to improve your credit score?

✅ Sign up for Upgrade Credit Health Monitoring
✅ Check your free score and use the credit score simulate to understand future credit moves
✅ Explore personalized insights to boost your credit faster

Remember, perfect scores are rare, but excellent scores are achievable with time, consistency, and smart credit habits.