What is the highest credit score ever recorded?

The highest possible credit score is 850, considered a "perfect" score on the most common FICO and VantageScore models, representing flawless credit management with a long history of on-time payments and low debt. While achievable, an 850 is rare, with typically less than 2% of people reaching it, though scores in the high 700s (800+) also qualify for the best loan rates and terms.

Is a 900 credit score possible?

A 900 credit score isn't possible with the most common scoring models (FICO, VantageScore), which cap at 850, but it can appear in older or industry-specific versions (like FICO Auto/Bankcard) that use different scales, making it a myth for most lenders but achievable in niche scenarios for those with perfect credit history. For the vast majority of people, an excellent score is considered 800+, as the standard range ends at 850, with scores above 800 being exceptionally rare. 

What credit score is needed to buy a $400,000 house?

Credit score requirements to buy a $400,000 house depend on the type of home loan. FHA loans require a minimum credit score of 500, whereas borrowers usually need a 620 credit score to qualify for a conventional mortgage.

How rare is 825 credit score?

An 825 credit score is extremely rare and considered "perfect," putting you in the top tier of consumers, with less than 2% of U.S. adults likely to have a score this high or higher, placing you ahead of about 98% of people. While around 22-24% have scores in the broader "exceptional" 800-850 range, hitting 825 specifically is tough and puts you just shy of a perfect 850, though lenders treat it similarly, signifying top-tier creditworthiness for the best rates.
 

Does anyone have an 850 credit score?

Yes, an 850 credit score is possible, as it's the maximum score, but it's very rare, achieved by only about 1.6% of people, requiring perfect payment history, low credit utilization, long credit history, and responsible use of various credit types over time. While difficult to reach, scores above 800 are considered exceptional and offer similar benefits, making it a challenging but not impossible feat of long-term financial discipline. 

US Average Credit Score Hits New RECORD HIGH

What credit score is needed for a $250000 house?

For a $250,000 mortgage, you generally need a credit score of 620 or higher for a conventional loan, but you can qualify for government-backed loans like FHA (as low as 500-580) or VA/USDA (around 620-640) with lower scores, though higher scores secure better interest rates. Your score affects approval and interest rates, with scores 700+ getting better deals, while scores below 620 often face higher rates or require larger down payments. 

Is there a big difference between 800 and 850 credit scores?

A Perfect Credit Score Might Not Offer Any Extra Benefits

Still, the higher your credit score, the better your chances may be of locking in lower interest rates for certain types of loans – with one caveat. Lenders don't distinguish between a score of 800 and 850.

What is the credit card limit for $70,000 salary?

With a $70,000 salary, you could expect a credit card limit in the $14,000 to $21,000 range or higher, but it heavily depends on your credit score, existing debt (Debt-to-Income Ratio), and the lender, with higher limits possible for excellent credit and low debt. Lenders look at your ability to pay (DTI) rather than just income, so a strong credit history is key for higher limits, often starting around 20-30% of your income and going up. 

What is the riskiest credit score?

The exact score that qualifies as subprime varies: For the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau it's anything below 620, while Experian considers it 600 and below. Lenders consider subprime credit scores a higher risk and you'll find it harder to get approved for credit cards and loans.

Has anyone got a 900 credit score?

No, a 900 credit score isn't possible with the most common U.S. scoring models (FICO, VantageScore), which cap at 850, but it is achievable in other systems like India's CIBIL (300-900) or older/industry-specific U.S. models (FICO Bankcard/Auto), meaning it's a score for specific regions or niche scores, not general use. While 850 is the highest U.S. "perfect" score (held by a tiny fraction of people), a score near 900 indicates excellent creditworthiness in systems where it's possible, unlocking great loan terms. 

What is the 2 2 2 credit rule?

The 2-2-2 credit rule is a guideline for lenders, especially for mortgages, suggesting borrowers should have two active credit accounts, open for at least two years, with two years of on-time payments, and often a minimum $2,000 credit limit per account, demonstrating responsible credit management for a healthy financial profile. This rule shows lenders a consistent ability to handle credit over time, reducing risk for larger loans like mortgages, though meeting it doesn't guarantee approval. 

How much of a house can I afford if I make $70,000 a year?

With a $70,000 salary, you can likely afford a house in the $210,000 to $350,000 range, but this depends heavily on your credit, down payment, and existing debts, with lenders aiming for monthly housing costs under about $1,633 (28% of your gross income) and total debts under $2,100 (36%). A larger down payment and lower debts allow for more, while higher interest rates and debts reduce your budget. 

What is the perfect credit score?

Credit scores can range from 300 to 850. A score of 850 is considered a perfect score. About 1.76% of Americans have a perfect score, according to Experian data. But more than 21% of consumers have scores of 800 or higher, which is still really good, according to the same source.

What is considered excellent credit by Capital One?

Exceptional (800-850): Borrowers in the exceptional credit score range are the most likely to qualify for credit and get good interest rates, according to Experian®, a major credit bureau. Very good (740-799): FICO says borrowers in this category also tend to have higher-than-average credit scores.

Does income affect credit score?

How does my income affect my credit score? Your income doesn't directly impact your credit score, though how much money you make affects your ability to pay off your loans and debts, which in turn affects your credit score. "Creditworthiness" is often shown through a credit score.

What habits build a high credit score?

Pay your loans on time, every time

Some helpful ways to make sure your payments are on time are to set up automatic payments or electronic reminders. If you've missed payments, get current and stay current. Most credit scores consider repayment history as the number one factor for building a strong credit score.

What is the biggest killer of credit scores?

Your payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, making it the most important factor. The later the payment, and the more recent it is in your credit history, the bigger the negative impact to your score. Plus, the higher your score is to start, the worse of a hit it will take.

Is it true that after 7 years your credit is clear?

It's partially true that negative items generally fall off credit reports after about seven years, but it's not a universal "clear" button, as bankruptcies last longer (up to 10 years) and the clock starts from the original delinquency, with some debts potentially lingering or getting "re-aged" by debt buyers, so you must check your actual reports to ensure removal. 

How many Americans have $20,000 in credit card debt?

While exact, real-time numbers vary, studies from 2024-2025 suggest around 6% of all credit card holders have balances over $20,000, but this jumps significantly higher for specific groups, with 23% of those who have maxed out their cards owing over $20k, and it's a common threshold for those seeking financial help, reports Liberty Street Economics and PR Newswire. The New York Fed noted 6% of cardholders had balances over $20k in late 2023, while a Debt.com survey in March 2025 found 23% of maxed-out cardholders had over $20k in debt, highlighting that while not a majority, it's a substantial and growing concern, especially for those struggling to pay bills. 

What credit score do you need for a $400,000 house?

Credit Score

When applying for a $400,000 home, lenders evaluate your credit scores to determine eligibility and the rates you'll receive: 740+: Best rates and terms. 700-739: Slightly higher rates. 660-699: Higher rates, may require larger down payment.

What is a respectable credit limit?

If you're just starting out, a good credit limit for your first card might be around $1,000. If you have built up a solid credit history, a steady income and a good credit score, your credit limit may increase to $5,000 or $10,000 or more — plenty of credit to ensure you can purchase big ticket items.

What credit score is needed to buy a $30,000 car?

To qualify for a $30,000 car loan, most lenders prefer to see a credit score of at least 660 to 700. That being said, your credit score is only one part of the equation. Lenders will also consider: Your debt-to-income ratio (how much you owe compared to how much you earn)

What is considered excellent credit?

Scores of 700 and above are considered “good,” and scores over 800 are considered “exceptional.” Those who have “very good” or “exceptional” credit scores are more likely to qualify for loans and receive favorable terms, like lower interest rates and flexible repayment periods.

Does paying bills on time raise credit score?

Building Credit History: If you use your credit card responsibly, paying bills on time can help build and improve your credit score. This can be beneficial if you're looking to apply for a mortgage, car loan, or even a better credit card down the line.

Does closing accounts hurt my credit?

Credit utilization.

As outlined above, your credit utilization ratio is your total credit balance divided by the total credit that's available to you. Ideally, keep it under 30%. Closing accounts lowers your available credit and may increase this ratio, hurting your credit score.