High credit score question

[Drake3287]

Just received my credit score from the bank after excepting a new credit card. My score was 825 which is pretty normal since it's been in the 800's for years. Apparently the highest score possible is 850 but I don't know what it could take to get to that level. There's nothing physically or financially I can do that would improve my situation. How does someone get that top rating? Does anyone?

This isn't important obviously but I'm curious as to what it takes to get there.

[krantcents]

I recently leased a car for my wife and both of our scores were over 850! It generally takes time. My wife and I are in our sixties and our credit has been great for over 45 years. I never thought about my scores very much, I just handled our finances responsibly and the score takes care of itself. I do check my credit reports periodically to make sure there is no erroneous reporting or fraudulent transactions.

[disneysteve]

Apparently the highest score possible is 850

both of our scores were over 850!

Just to clarify, there are a variety of credit scoring models. The standard traditional FICO score goes up to 850 but there are other models that use a different scale that goes higher than that.

I posted just yesterday that my wife just got her FICO on her Discover statement and for the first time had a perfect 850 so it is possible. Mine was "only" 844.

What does it take to get there? A long credit history - ours both date back over 30 years. Making every single payment on time always without fail. And not carrying much debt relative to your available credit or your income. We almost never charge more than 10% of our credit line. We have a very small mortgage and one small car loan.

Basically just clean financial living.

[Drake3287]

I guess it's one of the only things to look forward to with age!

[bjl584]

Don't get too hung up striving for a perfect score. While a nice achievement, it won't get you anything better than a 825 score would get you should you be applying for a loan.

[disneysteve]

Don't get too hung up striving for a perfect score. While a nice achievement, it won't get you anything better than a 825 score would get you should you be applying for a loan.

Agreed! 825 is excellent and puts you at the top of the charts. A few extra points doesn't get you anything extra or special.

[WillieGearhart]

Good tips for increasing credit score:
First of all check your credit reports, re-establish your credit history if you had a problem, pay bills on time,