Martin Lewis advises on the best way to improve a credit score (2024)

FAQs

What does Martin Lewis say about credit score? ›

Martin Lewis: Why you shouldn't worry too much about your credit score – it's not actually a real thing. When it comes to finances, numbers are key – whether it's what you earn, your credit card balance or the interest rate on your mortgage, small changes can add up to a big difference.

To increase your credit score to 800, you'll need a nearly flawless payment history, a credit utilization rate well below 30%, a healthy mix of credit types, and an extensive credit history. The average American has a credit score of 716, well within the range of what is considered a good credit score.

1. Payment History: 35% Making debt payments on time every month benefits your credit scores more than any other single factor—and just one payment made 30 days late can do significant harm to your scores. An account sent to collections, a foreclosure or a bankruptcy can have even deeper, longer-lasting consequences.

Paying your bills on time Is one of the most important steps in improving your credit score. Pay down your credit card balances to keep your overall credit use low. You can also phone your credit card company and ask for a credit increase, and this shouldn't take more than an hour.

You can increase your credit score by paying bills on time, using a low percentage of your available credit, and using a variety of credit types. Opening several new lines of credit at once can hurt your credit score.

While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.

How many people have 800 credit score? ›

How rare is an 800 credit score? An 800 credit score is not as rare as most people think, considering that roughly 23% of adults have a credit score in the 800-850 range, according to data from FICO. A score in this range allows consumers to access the best credit card offers and loans with the most favorable terms.

It's possible that you could see your credit scores drop after fulfilling your payment obligations on a loan or credit card debt. Paying off debt might lower your credit scores if removing the debt affects certain factors like your credit mix, the length of your credit history or your credit utilization ratio.

Most people with an 800 credit score have a long credit history, just a little under 22 years. Credit history length does not represent how long you've used credit. Rather, it represents the average age of the open accounts on your credit report. If you close an old credit card, it can shorten your credit history.

The primary credit scoring models are FICO® and VantageScore®, and both are equally accurate. Although both are accurate, most lenders are looking at your FICO score when you apply for a loan.

If your credit score is between 725 to 759 it's likely to be considered very good. A credit score of 760 and above is generally considered to be an excellent credit score. The credit score range is anywhere between 300 to 900. The higher your score, the better your credit rating.

FICO^® Scores consider a wide range of information on your credit report. However, they do not consider: Your race, color, religion, national origin, sex and marital status.