From getting a mortgage or renting an apartment to taking out a loan, having a good credit score can make a huge difference in your everyday life. Having an exceptional or excellent credit score between 800 and 850 can offer even more opportunities — but boosting your score isn’t always as easy as it seems.
To offer insight into what it takes to get an exceptional score, our researchers analyzed the anonymized credit reports of 100,000 LendingTree users with credit scores of at least 800. Here’s what habits they had in common.
Getting an exceptional credit score of 800 or higher may seem like an impossible feat but with dedication and smart financial habits it is achievable for many people. An 800+ credit score unlocks major benefits like lower interest rates and better approval odds for loans and credit cards. So how long does it actually take to go from a lower score to the 800 club? While the timeline varies based on your starting score and credit history, with focus and commitment, you can get there faster than you may think.
Why strive for an 800 credit score?
Before diving into the timeline, it’s helpful to understand why an 800+ score is a worthy goal in the first place. Key benefits include
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Better rates on loans and credit cards: An 800+ score qualifies you for the lowest interest rates lenders offer, saving substantially on interest over time.
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Higher approval odds: Lenders view 800+ scores as lower risk, so you’re more likely to be approved for new credit and get higher credit limits.
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More leverage in negotiations: A higher score gives you greater bargaining power to negotiate favorable terms with lenders.
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Insurance discounts: In most states, an exceptional credit score makes you eligible for lower rates on insurance policies.
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Bragging rights: Reaching 800+ puts you in rarefied air. Only 23% of Americans have credit scores that high currently.
Factors that influence the timeline
There are many things that can change how long it takes to go from, say, a 650 score to above 800. Key factors include:
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Your starting score: It takes longer to get to 800 if your starting score is low. Someone who starts at 650 will take longer than someone who starts at 750.
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Your credit history: A short credit history presents a bigger challenge. Longer positive histories reinforce your credibility with lenders.
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History of payments: If you have late payments or collections on your record, they will wear off over time.
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Credit utilization: High balances relative to limits drag down scores, requiring work to optimize utilization.
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Credit mix: A more diverse mix of credit (cards, loans, etc) can accelerate score gains.
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Too many new accounts and credit inquiries in a short amount of time make it harder to make progress.
Timeframes based on starting score
While everyone’s credit profile is unique, focusing on your starting score provides a helpful benchmark. General timeframes to reach 800+:
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Starting at 650: Approximately 2 to 4 years
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Starting at 700: Approximately 1.5 to 3 years
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Starting at 750: Less than 1 year to 2 years
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Starting at 775+: Often less than 1 year
These timelines assume consistent, prudent financial habits. Recovering from past credit mistakes adds time. The ranges account for influencing factors like history length and credit mix.
Strategies to reach 800 faster
You can accelerate your progress and reach that 800+ score more quickly by employing strategies like:
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Pay all bills early or on time, without fail. Payment history is crucial; every on-time payment builds your standing with lenders.
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Lower credit utilization below 30%, ideally 10%. Ask issuers for higher limits if needed.
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Don’t close old accounts. Keep longstanding accounts open to preserve your overall history length.
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Limit new credit applications. Too many new accounts and hard inquiries within a couple years raise red flags. Space requests out.
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Correct reporting errors. Mistakes on your credit reports negatively impact your score. Dispute them.
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Become an authorized user on a strong account. This can build your history length and credit mix.
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Request credit limit increases. Higher limits help lower your utilization for a score boost.
Maintaining an 800+ score
Reaching that exceptional score level is just the first step. Vigilance is required to maintain an 800+ score over the long haul. Helpful tips include:
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Continue paying all bills early or on time, without exceptions. Missed payments can drop your score fast.
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Keep credit utilization low on all accounts, individually and overall. Don’t get complacent.
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Be very selective in applying for new credit to minimize hard inquiries. Space out new accounts.
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Check at least one of your credit reports annually for errors and fraudulent activity. Dispute any found.
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Consider setting up automatic payment minimums on all credit accounts as safeguards against ever missing due dates.
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Contact issuers before payments are 30 days late if unforeseen circumstances arise impacting your ability to pay on time. Avoid 30+ day delinquencies.
Reaching an 800+ credit score requires dedication and perseverance, but with the right habits and strategies, it’s an achievable goal within a few years or less from most starting scores. Once attained, ongoing diligence is necessary to hold onto that exceptional standing. The effort pays dividends in the form of better loan rates and credit opportunities. Check your latest score and start mapping your 800+ game plan today.
High credit score consumers with younger accounts have less credit on average
Having younger accounts has a noticeable impact on other credit factors. Notably, consumers with a credit score of 800 or higher and a credit history of less than 10 years have an average credit limit of $50,798 — lower than the credit limit for all consumers.
| Factor | Credit history of less than 10 years |
|---|---|
| On-time payment rate | 100% |
| Total debt | $120,840 |
| Monthly payments | $1,261 |
| Credit card limit | $50,798 |
| Credit utilization ratio | 4.9% |
| Age of oldest active account | 7.4 years |
| Number of open accounts | 7.4 |
| Credit inquiries in past 2 years | 1.8 |
Source: Analysis of anonymized credit reports of 100,000 LendingTree users
Younger consumers also generally have short credit histories. The average age of the oldest active account for those 30 and younger is more than 13 years old, with eight open accounts. Their limits are similarly smaller, at an average of $54,657.
For those ages 35 and younger, the average age of their oldest active account and number of open accounts are the same as their slightly younger peers. However, they have a slightly higher credit card limit, with an average of $60,467 available to spend.
| Factor | 30 and younger | 35 and younger |
|---|---|---|
| On-time payment rate | 100% | 100% |
| Total debt | $110,089 | $163,236 |
| Monthly payments | $980 | $1,404 |
| Credit card limit | $54,657 | $60,467 |
| Credit utilization ratio | 7.2% | 5.3% |
| Age of oldest active account | 13.4 years | 13.4 years |
| Number of open accounts | 8 | 8.2 |
| Credit inquiries in past 2 years | 1.8 | 2 |
Source: Analysis of anonymized credit reports of 100,000 LendingTree users
Full credit report profile of people with credit scores of 800 or higher
| Factor | Everyone | Gen Zers | Millennials | Gen Xers | Baby boomers | Silent generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-time payment rate | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Total debt | $150,270 | $51,693 | $197,082 | $193,051 | $114,848 | $66,593 |
| Monthly payments | $1,556 | $506 | $1,732 | $1,985 | $1,309 | $715 |
| Credit card limit | $69,346 | $54,003 | $64,947 | $72,255 | $69,829 | $63,111 |
| Credit utilization ratio | 6.1% | 3.1% | 5.4% | 6.6% | 6.3% | 4.6% |
| Age of oldest active account | 21.7 years | 17.9 years | 14.8 years | 19.6 years | 24.8 years | 28.2 years |
| Number of open accounts | 8.3 | 7.2 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 8.2 | 7.1 |
| Credit inquiries in past 2 years | 1.8 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.4 |
Source: Analysis of anonymized credit reports of 100,000 LendingTree users
How To Increase Your Credit Score DRAMATICALLY
FAQ
Is 800 a good credit score?
If you’re looking for a credit score that gives you a strong chance of credit approval at favorable terms, shoot for an 800 credit score. This score isn’t perfect, but it places you in the exceptional credit score range. That’s the highest tier of FICO ® Scores ☉, which are used by 90% of top lenders.
How long does it take to get an 800 credit score?
It takes years to achieve an 800 credit score. The exact date will depend on your current financial situation. However, people with an 800 credit score usually have a long credit history, with accounts that are over 10 years old on average. 5 years.
How can I get a credit score over 800?
1. On-time payments The best way to get your credit score over 800 comes down to paying your bills on time every month, even if it is making the minimum payment due. According to LendingTree’s analysis of 100,000 credit reports, 100% of borrowers with a credit score of 800 or higher paid their bills on time, every time.
What does a 800 credit score mean?
Better credit offers: An 800 credit score significantly boosts your chances of snagging the best credit cards, including cards reserved for people with excellent credit. Further, you have a better chance of getting mortgages, auto loans, and other types of credit.
How rare is an 800 credit score?
An 800 credit score is not as uncommon as most people think. According to data from FICO, about 23% of adults have a credit score in the 800–850 range. A score in this range allows consumers to access the best credit card offers and loans with the most favorable terms. Source: FICO data as of 2021.
Can a 20 year old get a 800 credit score?
It’s possible to achieve an 800+ credit score in your 20s if you establish healthy credit habits early on. By making on-time payments, keeping credit card balances low, maintaining a diverse credit mix and avoiding opening too many new accounts, you can build a strong credit profile over time. How can I raise my credit score to 800 fast?
How quickly can I get an 800 credit score?
It’s possible to achieve an 800+ credit score in your 20s if you establish healthy credit habits early on. By making on-time payments, keeping credit card balances low, maintaining a diverse credit mix and avoiding opening too many new accounts, you can build a strong credit profile over time.
How long does it take to build your credit from 700 to 800?
If you possess a good credit history and maintain a low credit utilization ratio, reaching an 800 credit score could be achievable within a few years.Sep 7, 2024
How rare is it to get an 800 credit score?
Even better, just over 1 in 5 people (21.2%) have an exceptional FICO credit score of 800 or above, all but guaranteeing access to the best products and …May 23, 2024
Is a 900 credit score possible?