Introduction
Nurses are responsible. We need to be because the lives of others depend on us. With responsibility comes privilege. And privilege comes with achieving the highest credit score you can have. There are many perks to having a high credit score. But achieving this takes effort and strategy. In this blog post, you’ll explore exactly what is the highest credit score you can have and how to pursue it.
Credit Score Basics
What is a Credit Score?
Before we explore the highest credit score you can have, let’s review the basics. Credit scores are a measure of your creditworthiness. They help financial institutions assess the risk of extending you credit.
What Companies Calculate Credit Score?
Two companies calculate credit scores, FICO (formerly Fair Isaac Corp.) and VantageScore. Each company has different scoring models. Although they are similar, there are key differences between the two companies. Let’s explore the differences.
FICO
- Founded in 1956 by Bill Fair and Earl Isaac1.
- Publicly traded company founded in California1.
- Uses a 45-day span to calculate scores2.
- Includes mortgages, car loans, and student loan inquiries in credit reports3.
- Assigns higher credit scores to consumers considered as lower-risk borrowers4.
- Uses different weighting and rules when calculating scores5.
VantageScore
- Jointly founded by Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian in 20061.
- Located in California6.
- Uses a 14-day span to calculate scores2.
- Counts multiple hard inquiries for the same purpose on credit reports as one for a certain period to minimize the inquiries’ impact on credit scores7.
- Assigns higher credit scores to consumers considered as lower-risk borrowers4.
- Doesn’t generate industry-specific scores, only calculates base scores8.
What Companies Report Credit Scores?
Credit bureaus report the scores. There are three credit bureaus. They are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These bureaus supply consumer reports that have information about payment history, credit use, and other inquiries and information.
How is a Credit Score Decided?
Your credit score is decided by many factors. Each factor carries its own weight. The factors that decide credit scores are:
- Your payment history
- Credit Use
- Types of Accounts
- Recent Inquiries
Why Your Credit Score is Important
Having a high credit score is important because it affects your ability to get approved for credit, such as loans, credit cards, and mortgages. It also affects the interest rates and terms you receive. A higher credit score means you are less risky to lenders and can qualify for lower interest rates and better terms. This can help save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of a loan or credit card.
Achieving a high credit score you can have can also affect other areas of your life, such as your ability to rent an apartment, get a job or insurance. Landlords, employers, and insurance companies may check your credit score to assess your financial responsibility and trustworthiness.
Credit Score Ranges
Credit scores fall within a specific range. The range starts at 300 and the highest credit score you can have is 850. Both FICO and AdvantageScore use the 300 to 850 range. If 850 is the highest credit score you can have, you may wonder how the other scores compare. Let’s break down the FICO ranges according to Equifax (Retrieved 9/21/2023).
Excellent Credit
An excellent credit score ranges from 800 and up. Anyone in this range has shown the highest responsibility with credit. A score in this range offers you many advantages, especially qualifying you for the best rates.
Very Good Credit
A very good credit score ranges from 740 to 799. While not in the excellent range, this score still qualifies you for favorable terms and is seen as responsible financial management.
Good Credit
A good credit score ranges from 670 to 739. Borrowers in the good range qualify for additional credit but may be limited to certain products and rates.
Fair Credit
If your credit score falls between 600 and 699, it’s considered fair. While you can still get credit, the terms may be less favorable, and you might face higher interest rates.
Poor Credit
Scores below 600 are generally categorized as poor. It can be challenging to secure credit with a poor credit score. And if you do, the terms may be far from ideal.
Factors Influencing the Highest Credit Score You Can Have
Several factors influence your ability to achieve a perfect credit score, including:
- Payment History: Consistently paying on time is crucial.
- Credit Use: Keeping your credit card balances low compared to your credit limit is key.
- Credit History: The longer your credit history, the better.
- Types of Credit: A diverse mix of credit accounts can boost your score.
- Credit Inquiries: Limiting new credit inquiries can positively impact your score.
How to Improve Your Credit Score
Now that we’ve covered what the highest credit score is let’s discuss how you can work toward achieving it or at least improving your score.
Check Your Credit Report
Start by getting a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can open an online account with each company to check your credit. Review your report for errors or discrepancies that might be dragging down your score. Dispute errors right away. And remember to review your credit report often but at least every year.
Make Timely Payments
Consistently pay your bills on time. This includes all payments like rent or mortgage, credit cards, and student loans. Payment history is one of the most significant factors affecting your credit score. Consider setting up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.
Reduce Balances
High credit card balances relative to your limit can hurt your score. Aim to keep your credit use below 30% by paying down outstanding balances. By reducing your balances, you save on interest, which helps your cash flow. You can save the extra money or consider investing it. Another benefit of reducing your balances is it lowers your debt-to-income ratio, which impacts your ability to get credit.
Keep Accounts Open
The length of your credit history matters. Keep your older accounts open, even if you don’t use them regularly, to show a longer credit history.
Limit New Credit Applications
Each time you apply for new credit, a hard inquiry is made on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score. Be selective about opening new credit accounts. Also, consider freezing your account to avoid unsolicited inquiries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a nurse, achieving the highest credit score possible is a valuable financial goal. It can open doors to better loan terms, lower interest rates, and help you achieve financial wellness. While achieving a score of 850 is challenging, it’s more important to focus on improving your current score to access better financial opportunities. These tips aim to help you elevate your creditworthiness for you achieve the highest credit score you can.
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Footnotes:
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-score/fico-vs-vantagescore-credit-scores-whats-the-difference/, March 8, 2021.
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/difference-between-fico-scores-vantagescore/, Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-reports/credit-checks-and-inquiries, Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/difference-between-fico-scores-vantagescore/, Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/whats-in-your-credit-score, Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/vantagescore/about/, Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VantageScore, Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- https://www.allstateidentityprotection.com/content-hub/whats-the-difference-between-vantagescore-and-fico, June 14, 2023.
Georgene Collins, RICP®, RN, PhD, MBA is a registered nurse turned Financial Advisor at Airey Financial Group. Georgene helps other nurses take control of their finances and prepare for retirement. Georgene began her career with Airey Financial Group in 2017 after retiring from 30 years in healthcare.
Georgene holds the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation from The American College of Financial Services. She holds health and life insurance licenses and a long-term care certificate in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Georgene is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative and has earned the FINRA Series 63 and 65 registrations.
