By Sarah Li Cain ·March 20, 2024 · 6 minute read
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If you have an 810 credit score, congratulations. The score is considered excellent and could help you qualify for loans with more favorable terms or premium rewards credit cards.
Let’s take a closer look at what an 810 credit score means and some different strategies that could help boost your credit score.
What Is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number that reflects a consumer’s creditworthiness, or ability to pay back loans in a timely manner. Scores range from 300 to 850. Generally speaking, the higher the credit score, the better you tend to appear to a potential lender.
The two most popular credit scoring models are FICO and VantageScore. To calculate your score, both use credit history information provided by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
💡 Quick Tip: Your credit score updates every 30-45 days. Free credit monitoring can help you learn about your score’s normal ups and downs — and when a dip is cause for concern.
Reasons to Care About Credit Scores
There are several reasons why a good credit score is essential to your financial health. Here are three to keep in mind.
It can increase your chances of being approved for a loan
The higher your credit score, the more likely lenders will approve loan or credit card applications. Whether it’s to purchase a house, buy a car or private student loans, having access to loans can help you achieve some big financial goals. Note that some banks may also run credit checks before issuing you an account.
You may have access to better loan rates and terms
Lenders are more likely to offer consumers with better credit scores lower interest rates and more favorable terms because they’ve proven they pay back their loans on time. A higher credit score may also get you access to other types of products such as premium rewards credit cards.
You could save money
When you move into a new home, the utility company or your landlord may check your credit score to determine how much of a security deposit you’ll need to put down. Typically, the lower your score, the higher your deposit. Though the money is often refundable, it’s usually held in a third-party account that you won’t have access to. Potential employers may also run a credit check before you’re offered a job.
Is an 810 Credit Score Considered Good or Bad?
An 810 credit score is considered very good. In fact, just 21% of consumers in the U.S. have a credit score of 800 or higher, according to Experian. By comparison, the national average credit score is 715.
What Does an 810 Credit Score Mean?
Having an 810 credit score means you’ve proven through your credit behavior that you are likely to pay back loans on time. As mentioned above, a score of 800 or above places you in the top tier of consumers.
You are also considered to be in the “exceptional” range for your FICO score and “superprime” for your VantageScore. This means lenders are more likely to approve you for loans and offer you access to products such as loans with lower interest rates and premium credit cards. Landlords and utility companies may also ask for a lower security deposit amount (if at all).
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How to Build Credit
Looking to build your credit? You have several avenues to explore. Below are a few to consider. Note that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s a good idea to research all the options available to you.
Use a Credit Card
Even if you’re just starting out in your career or only have fair credit, you may still be able to be approved for a credit card. For instance, you can open a credit card that’s specifically for college students. Or you may want to consider a secured credit card, where you pay a refundable security deposit that acts as your credit line.
Whatever purchases and payments you make on the card are reported to the three major credit bureaus. This in turn helps to establish your credit history.
Become an Authorized User
An authorized user means that your name will be put on someone else’s credit card account. You can use the credit card much like the primary cardholder can, though this person is ultimately responsible for ensuring the minimum payments are paid on time.
If the primary cardholder has a good credit score, then their positive credit history may be added to yours.
Add Monthly Bills to Your Credit Report
Some free credit monitoring services will report your utility and rent payments to your credit report. Doing so can help build your credit history. Even if there is a small fee involved, it may be worth using for a few months, depending on your financial situation.
Take Out a Credit Builder Loan
Credit builder loans are designed to help borrowers who are looking to build their credit. They’re similar to a personal loan, except you don’t initially receive the loan proceeds. Instead, the money will be held in a separate savings account until you pay off the loan. Meanwhile, your payment activity will be reported to the credit bureaus.
How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?
It can take several months for you to establish and build credit. This is because credit scoring models need enough information from your credit history in order to assess your creditworthiness.
As you work on building your credit, do your best to practice good financial habits, such as making on-time payments.
Credit Score Tips
Even if you have an excellent credit score, it’s a good idea to keep up good credit behavior. This includes:
• Consistently making on-time payments
• Keeping your credit utilization, or the percentage of the available limit you’re using on revolving credit accounts, as low as possible
• Avoiding applying for too many new loan or credit accounts at once
• Keeping your longest credit card or loan account open
• Regularly monitoring your credit score
• Checking your credit history and immediately disputing any errors you find
How to Check Your Credit Score
Wondering how to find out your credit score for free? You have several options. The first is your credit card statement. Many credit card issuers provide customers with a complimentary look at their score. To find it, you may need to log into your account or check your monthly credit card statement.
Another option is to use credit score monitoring tools; some are free, others require a payment. Before opening an account, compare each tool to see which one best serves your needs.
💡 Quick Tip: One way to raise your credit score? Pay your bills on time. Setting up autopay can help you keep your account in good standing.
The Takeaway
It’s good news if you have an 810 credit score and a sign that you have a track record of paying back your loans. A good score may help improve your access to loans with better terms or premium or luxury credit cards. If you want to improve your score — or just maintain it — you can try practicing good financial habits, like consistently making on-time payments, keeping tabs on your credit score, and disputing any errors.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
FAQ
What is a decent credit score for a 23-year-old?
Chances are, at 23 you’re probably still building your credit. According to Experian data, the average credit score for people aged 18 to 25 is 679. If yours is higher, then it’s considered above average.
What is the highest credit score possible in 2024?
The highest credit score you can achieve is 850 for both FICO and VantageScore scoring models.
Is a credit score of 800 good at age 23?
Whether you’re 23 or not, an 800 credit score is considered excellent.
Photo credit: iStock/Makhbubakhon Ismatova
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circ*mstances.
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