How Do You Get a Good Credit Score and Keep It?

Habits that will take you all the way to the top.

Building your credit score is one thing.
Maintaining and continually improving it—year after year—is where the magic happens.

Credit scores aren’t static; they’re living, breathing reflections of your ongoing financial habits. Whether your score is recovering, growing, or already solid, you can absolutely keep it climbing into the higher tiers—yes, even approaching that mythical 850.

This blog breaks down:

• The long-term habits that strengthen your score
• What it actually takes to reach the top tier
• Whether income or number of accounts play a role
• What to expect on the journey toward exceptional credit

Let’s get into it!

What Is the Highest Credit Score?

The most common scoring models—FICO and VantageScore—both max out at 850.

However…

👉 Very few people ever see a perfect 850.
👉 You do NOT need an 850 to get the best interest rates.
👉 A score of 760+ typically unlocks the same benefits as the perfect score.

So, if you’re not chasing perfection, the “gold zone” is anything in the high 700s and above.

How Do You Get Above An 800 Credit Score?

While hitting 850 requires near-flawless credit behavior, getting into the 800–820+ range is absolutely achievable for many people. Here’s what the highest scorers generally have in common:

1. Long Credit History (Often 10+ Years)

This is the #1 factor most people underestimate.

To hit 800+, you typically need:

• Longest account open for 10–20 years
• Average age of credit around 6–12 years

This is why keeping old accounts open is so vital.

2. Exceptionally Low Utilization

Top-tier scores usually show:

• 1–7% utilization reported at statement time
• Rarely carrying balances
• Multiple cards with small activity

Utilization is a HUGE scoring factor—top scorers keep balances tiny.

3. Multiple Types of Credit

High scorers almost always have:

• Revolving credit (credit cards)
• Installment credit (auto loan, mortgage, student loan, personal loan, etc.)

You don’t need a lot of loans—just a healthy mix.

4. Zero Late Payments—Ever

This is one of the biggest deal-breakers.
An 800+ scorer almost always has:

• No missed payments
• No 30-day lates
• No collections
• No charge-offs

Even one late payment can take years to fully recover from.

5. Limited Hard Inquiries

Top scorers rarely apply for credit.
Typically:

• 0–2 inquiries in the last 2 years

They are selective and intentional.

Does Income Affect Credit Scores?

No.
Income is NOT part of your credit score.

You can have:

• A high income and a low score
• A low income and a high score

Credit scoring models only look at how you use credit, not how much you earn.

That said, higher income can indirectly help because it:

• Makes it easier to keep utilization low
• Helps avoid missed payments
• May make approvals easier (though this is lender-driven, not credit-score-driven)

But again: income itself isn’t measured.

Do You Need a Certain Number of Accounts?

Not a specific number—but higher scores tend to have:

• A mix of credit cards and installment loans
• 5–10+ accounts total
• A history of accounts kept open for many years

Why?
Because scoring models reward:

• Stability
• Longevity
• Variety
• Responsible usage

You don’t need to chase accounts—just manage a healthy mix.

Long-Term Habits That Keep Your Score Climbing (and Keep It High!)

Once your credit is stable or improving, the next step is maintaining habits that continually reinforce your score. These are the exact behaviors lenders associate with “top-tier reliability.”

1. Pay Every Single Bill on Time (No Exceptions)

Payment history = 35% of your score, the biggest single factor.

To stay top-tier:

• Set auto-pay for at least the minimums
• Use calendar reminders
• Track due dates in a budgeting app

One late payment will follow you for years.

2. Keep Your Utilization Between 1–10%

This is the secret sauce for top credit scores.

Examples:

• If your limit is $10,000 → keep reported balances under $1,000
• If your limit is $2,000 → keep reported balances under $200

And remember:
👉 It’s not about the balance when you pay.
👉 It’s about the balance when the statement closes.

This is one of the easiest ways to improve your score quickly.

3. Keep Old Accounts Open—Even If You Don’t Use Them

Credit improvement takes a few months for small changes and about 6–18 Your length of credit history matters long-term.

Do this:

• Keep old cards active with one small recurring charge
• Avoid closing your oldest accounts
• Let your credit age gracefully

Time is a powerful credit-builder.

4. Maintain a Balanced Credit Mix

Lenders love stability.

Aim to maintain:

• At least one credit card (ideally 2–3)
• At least one installment account at some point

You don’t need to take out debt just for the sake of a mix. But when life naturally offers a loan (car, home, etc.), handle it responsibly and your score benefits.

5. Space Out New Credit Applications

Each hard inquiry can drop your score 5–15 points temporarily.

Suggestions:

• Only apply for new credit when necessary
• Keep applications grouped together when rate-shopping
• Give yourself time between new accounts

Top scorers move slowly and strategically.

6. Keep Your Debt Levels Low

You don’t need to be debt-free to have excellent credit—but you do need predictable, consistent repayment behavior.

Tips:

• Pay more than the minimum
• Keep loan balances declining
• Avoid maxing out cards
• Build an emergency fund to avoid relying on credit

Consistency matters more than speed.

7. Monitor Your Credit Regularly

This helps you catch:

• Fraud
• Identity theft
• Unexpected accounts
• Reporting errors

Use tools like:

• Credit Karma (trend tracking)
• Experian or TransUnion monitoring
• AnnualCreditReport.com for full detail

Staying informed keeps your score safe.

8. Avoid Co-Signing Unless You Are 100% Sure

Co-signing means YOU are responsible.

If the other person:

• Pays late
• Misses payments
• Defaults

…your credit suffers the same consequences.

It’s one of the fastest ways to destroy an otherwise excellent score.

9. Maintain Good Financial Hygiene Overall

Credit is only one part of your financial picture.

Top long-term habits include:

• Budgeting
• Keeping cash reserves
• Avoiding overextension
• Living within your means

These behaviors prevent accidents that harm your score.

So… Who Really Has an 850?

People with perfect scores usually share these characteristics:

• 20+ years of credit history
• No missed payments—ever
• 1–5% utilization
• 6–15 accounts in good standing
• Very few inquiries
• Excellent mix of credit
• No debt in collections
• No high balances
• Stable borrowing patterns over time

But here’s the truth:

👉 You do NOT need an 850 for any real-world financial benefit.
👉 An 820 qualifies you for the same rates as someone with an 850.
👉 A 760 qualifies for top-tier pricing on most loans.

The last 20–40 points are mostly bragging rights and algorithm quirks.

Keeping your credit score climbing long-term is all about developing habits that support financial stability—low balances, on-time payments, and thoughtful credit usage. While the path to an 850 exists, you don’t need perfection to unlock the best financial opportunities.

Your score can grow for years simply by being consistent, intentional, and aware.
And best of all—credit improvement is something anyone can achieve, no matter where they’re starting.

 

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