How to Get Yourself an Excellent 800+ Credit Score
A big goal for many of us is to completely pay off all our debts.
It sucks to realize, often after years of carefree spending, just how much using money that isn’t yours can come back to bite you. As you become more mindful of your financial goals, the weight of past decisions starts to sink in.
For others, it’s not massive credit card debt that’s dragging their score down, but rather a collection of loans or other obligations that continue to impact their financial standing.
Most people aim for a credit score in the 700s, which is considered good. But an 800+ credit score? That’s a whole new level of financial excellence, offering more opportunities and peace of mind. Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to maintain an 800+ credit score. Today, I’ll show you how you can achieve the same.
No one needs an 800+ score to buy a home or secure a rental, but let’s be honest—it’s a brag-worthy accomplishment. For those with scores under 700 looking for practical ways to improve, this blog dives into five essential strategies to help you aim for an 800+ credit score.
1. Use Only a Small Portion of Your Credit Limit
The biggest reason I’ve been able to maintain my credit score in the 800s is that I’ve consistently paid attention to my credit utilization rate.
Credit utilization refers to the percentage of your available credit that you’re using at any given time. While many people know to pay their bills on time, they often overlook the significance of how much debt they’re carrying relative to their credit limit.
Financial experts recommend keeping your credit utilization between 10% and 30%. Personally, I aim for the lower end—around 10%.
For example:
If your credit limit is $1,000, aim to use only $100 to $300 at a time.
Using more than this brings you closer to maxing out your card, which can cause your score to drop.
I once maxed out a credit card, and my score plummeted by over 100 points in a single month. That experience taught me the importance of keeping my credit usage low. Remember: credit isn’t free money—it’s a tool to strategically build your financial future.
A great habit to develop is using your credit card only if you have the cash to pay it off immediately or within a reasonable time frame. This keeps your debt manageable while steadily improving your score.
A laptop with a man’s right hand shown holding a rainbow Mastercard.
2. Increase Your Credit Limit
Another way to improve your credit score is by increasing your credit limit. By doing so, you can instantly lower your credit utilization without changing your spending habits.
For example:
Someone with a $1,000 credit limit can only use $100 to $300 to maintain a low utilization rate.
However, someone with a $10,000 limit can comfortably use $1,000 to $3,000 and still maintain a great utilization rate.
While this strategy works wonders, it’s not for everyone. If you struggle to manage debt or resist the temptation to spend, increasing your limit could lead to financial trouble. But for those who can handle it, this approach can significantly boost your credit score over time.
Personally, I have a total credit limit of around $40,000 but only use about 10% at any given time. This gives me the flexibility to cover unexpected expenses while ensuring my score remains high.
3. Never Miss a Payment
We’ve all heard it a million times: “Pay your bills on time.” While it may sound obvious, it’s one of the most critical factors influencing your credit score.
Late payments not only damage your credit score but also stay on your credit report for up to seven years. That’s why I’ve made it a personal rule to never miss a payment. If I can’t pay off the full balance, I always make at least the minimum payment by the due date.
This habit has kept my credit history in excellent standing, which plays a huge role in maintaining an 800+ credit score.
4. Avoid Credit Cards with Perks
This might surprise you, but I usually advise my clients to avoid credit cards with perks like travel rewards or shopping points. Why? Because these perks often entice people to spend more than they can afford, chasing rewards that aren’t always worth it.
For example, I once got an AMEX card to earn free flights. It took 50,000 points—equivalent to thousands of dollars in spending—just to get $500 off a single flight.
Instead, I recommend debit or prepaid cards with cashback or rewards options. For instance, the KOHO prepaid Visa card offers cashback, automated budgeting tools, and high-interest savings—all without the risk of going into debt.
If you already have a rewards card with a long history, don’t cancel it. Your credit history is an essential factor in determining your score. However, if you’re just starting out, opt for a simple, low-fee credit card without the flashy perks.
5. Keep Your Oldest Credit Card Open
A common mistake I see in the debt-free community is cutting up or closing old credit cards. While it’s understandable to want a clean slate, doing so can hurt your credit score.
Why? Because your credit history—the length of time you’ve had credit—is a major factor in your score. If you close your oldest account, you lose that history.
I made this mistake myself, closing a card with over five years of history to switch to a different provider. It negatively impacted my score, making it harder to qualify for a mortgage later on.
If you’re considering closing a credit card, make sure it’s not your oldest account. Instead, keep it open and use it occasionally to maintain an active credit history.
6. Consider Having Multiple Credit Cards
While it may seem counterintuitive, having more than one credit card can actually help your score—if managed responsibly.
Multiple cards increase your overall credit limit, which can lower your utilization rate. For example, if you have two cards with a combined limit of $10,000, you can use $1,000 to $3,000 while maintaining a low utilization rate.
I personally have two personal credit cards and one business card, which gives me the flexibility to manage expenses without maxing out any single card.
Achieving an 800+ credit score isn’t rocket science—it’s about consistency, discipline, and understanding how credit works. Here’s a quick recap:
Use only a small portion of your credit limit to keep your utilization rate low.
Increase your credit limit (if you can manage it responsibly).
Never miss a payment—even the minimum payment matters.
Avoid credit cards with enticing perks that can lead to overspending.
Keep your oldest credit card open to preserve your credit history.
Consider having multiple credit cards to improve your utilization rate.
By combining these strategies, you’ll not only see your credit score climb but also build the financial confidence to achieve your goals.
Comment below and let me know your thoughts! Be sure to check out my YouTube channel for the video version of this blog post and if you're ready to take your financial wellness journey to the next level, then look below for additional coaching services and resources that can help you build lasting wealth and abundance.
This article is for informational purposes only, it should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Consult a financial professional before making any major financial decisions.
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