What Is an Excellent Credit Score?

When it comes to getting credit, your credit score is invaluable. Lenders use your credit score to determine approvals, interest rates and loan amounts. The higher your credit score, the better your interest rates. Credit scores range from about 330 to 850, with anything over 770 considered to be an excellent credit score.

How Your Score is Calculated

Your credit score is calculated using your payment history, employment history, amount of debt, amount of credit and credit history.

How to Get an Excellent Credit Score

Excellent credit scores are marked by timely payments, low debt and moderate credit. Paying bills on time and keeping a low balance on your credit cards will help you improve your credit score. Review your credit history regularly for accuracy and look for any red flags.

Why Credit Scores Decreases

Late payments, delinquencies, bankruptcies, foreclosures, unemployment, having too much credit and credit inquiries can lower your credit score.

If You Don't Have a Credit Score

If you have yet to establish a credit history, you may not have a credit score. Consider opening up a secured or unsecured credit card, and then use it regularly and pay the balance off each month. Doing this will put you on the fast track to excellent credit.

When Credit Scores Change

Credit scores are updated frequently. You may be able to significantly improve your score within a couple of months with responsible spending and saving.

References

• Annual Credit Report Website

Resources

• 10 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score