820 is considered an excellent credit score! All scores within the range of 800 and 850 fall in the “excellent” credit category.
According to the credit bureau Experian, 21% of all consumers have a FICO score in this “excellent” credit range.1
Here, you’ll learn all about what it means to have an excellent credit score like 820, how you can maintain this score, and what benefits you can expect to come your way!
Key Takeaways for an 820 Credit Score
Overview of Your
Credit Rating
An 820 credit score falls in the top credit rating category of excellent credit scores.
Borrowing Options With an 820 Credit Score
With excellent credit, most loan options are available with some of the best rates and terms available!
Improving an 820
Credit/FICO Score
Maintaining a positive payment history and watching your credit utilization will help maintain this great score.
Is an 820 Credit Score Good?
An 820 credit score is better than just a good credit score; it’s an excellent score! Borrowers with scores between 300 and 579 have a poor credit score, borrowers with scores between 580 and 669 have an average credit score, borrowers with scores between 670 and 739 have a good credit score, borrowers with scores between 740 and 799 have a very good credit score, and finally, borrowers with scores between 800 and 850 have an excellent credit score.
What Can You Get Approved for With an 820 Credit Score?
With a great credit score like 820, most doors will be open to you when it comes to loan approval. Check out some of the most sought-after loan products you may be able to take advantage of with an 820 credit score.
Personal Loans
A personal loan is one of the most versatile types of funding out there. Coming in high or low loan amounts, personal loans can cover just about any expense. Furthermore, you can expect some of the lowest rates and most favorable terms available.
The key to finding the best type of personal loan is researching different lenders and products before you apply. You may even be able to get special pre-approval offers thanks to your excellent credit!
Bank Loans
Consumers typically use bank loans for large purchases like major home renovations, vehicle repairs/maintenance, or debt consolidation. As some of the strictest lenders out there, banks usually only extend credit to applicants with higher FICO scores. So, with a score of 820, you should expect to receive approval for a bank loan.
Credit Cards
With an almost perfect credit score, you can expect credit card issuers to give you a great deal on their revolving credit products. Some credit cards you may enjoy with top-tier credit are:
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Discover it® Miles
- Discover it® Chrome
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Citi Double Cash® Card
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- United℠ Explorer Card
Auto Loans
Auto loans are a kind of loan consumers get to purchase a vehicle. You can finance the purchase of a new or used vehicle with a bank, direct lender, or car dealership. Rates, terms, and other loan information will be determined by your credit, income, assets, and financial history.
Home Equity Lines of Credit
If you are a homeowner, you may be able to take advantage of the equity of your property with a home equity line of credit. Since the value of most homes is quite high, you can expect a higher credit limit with home equity loans and lines of credit.
Products to Help Maintain an 820 Credit Score
Some products that can help maintain your credit score are:
Services to Monitor Your Credit Report
While you can review your free credit score reports on your own, adding some extra monitoring can help identify errors or suspicious activity you may not have caught on your own.
Below is an overview of some of the most popular free and paid credit monitoring services available:
Service Name | Free Version Available? | Paid Version Price Range | Credit Bureaus Monitored | Identity Theft Protection? | Mobile App? |
Credit Karma | YES | N/A | Equifax & TransUnion | NO | YES |
Experian | YES | $19.99 – $29.99/month | Experian | YES, in paid versions | YES |
MyFICO | NO | $19.95 – $39.95/month | Equifax, Experian, & TransUnion | YES | YES |
LifeLock | NO | $9.99 – $29.99/month | Equifax, Experian, & TransUnion | Yes, with Norton 360 | YES |
IdentityForce | NO | $17.99 – $23.99/month | Equifax, Experian, & TransUnion | YES | YES |
Credit Sesame | NO | $9.95 – $19.95/month | TransUnion | YES, in paid versions | YES |
Disclaimer: Prices and features are subject to change. Always check with the service provider for the most current information.
Budgeting Apps
Keeping your ingoing and outgoing finances in order is essential if you want to maintain your excellent credit score. Years ago, consumers would have to track their budget manually and be responsible for updating information on their own. Thankfully, there are now mobile apps that can track your spending and even help you set financial goals!
A few common budgeting apps you can take advantage of now are:
- YNAB (You Need a Budget)
- PocketGuard
- GoodBudget
- Simplifi by Quicken
Benefits of an 820 Credit Score
Some benefits consumers with an excellent FICO score like 820 can enjoy are:- Higher credit limit on credit cards
- Faster loan approval
- Special pre-approval offers
- Lower interest rates
- Better home and car insurance rates
How to Maintain Your 820 Score
Try the following tips to help you maintain your credit score.Prioritize Your Payment Due Dates
If there’s one thing you do to maintain your credit, make sure it involves your payment history. As the most influential factor that determines your credit score, making all your due payments on time is essential if you want to maintain or improve your credit. If you need some help with this, consider signing up for autopay so you never miss a payment due date!Review Your Credit History Regularly
When you already have a good credit score, you may think you don’t have to check your credit report regularly. However, this isn’t the case. You still want to check your credit reports regularly to ensure no errors or suspicious activity bring down your score!Consider Investing or Diversifying Your Credit Mix
If you already have a good handle on your bills and credit reports, consider diversifying your credit mix. Consider investing, getting an additional credit card, or even starting a business to diversify your credit portfolio. CNBC reports that the average credit utilization of consumers with credit scores above 800 is about 7%.2 Furthermore, these types of consumers tend to have more lines of credit but lower credit card balances, resulting in a more favorable credit utilization ratio. According to CNBC, consumers with a credit score of 850 have an average of six credit cards!2FAQs About 820 Credit Scores
Can an 820 credit score impact my job prospects?
Yes, some employers check credit during the hiring process, especially for positions involving financial responsibility. An excellent score can positively influence your job prospects.
Does having an 820 score guarantee the best mortgage rates?
While an 820 score offers access to excellent rates, mortgage rates also depend on down payment size, income, and debt-to-income ratio.
How often should I use my credit card to maintain an 820 score?
Regular use is recommended, but ensure to pay off balances in full each month to avoid interest and maintain your score.
What Interest Rate Can I Get With an 820 Credit Score?
Lenders tend to favor consumers with higher credit scores when it comes to setting interest rates on loans. So, with a top-tier score like 820, you can expect some of the best interest rates and terms available!
Can I Buy a House With an 820 Credit Score?
Buying a house is no simple task, but the process should be easier when you have an excellent credit score. However, it’s important to keep in mind that credit history isn’t the only factor lenders consider when approving applicants for a mortgage. Your income, assets, and current debts will also play a role.
