A 798 credit score is considered very good and grants you access to some of the best financial products on the market. With this impressive score, you have an excellent chance of being approved for top-tier personal loans and credit cards that offer lucrative rewards. While guaranteed approval is a myth, a very good credit score undeniably tilts the odds in your favor, making you a desirable candidate for lenders.
Your score is significantly higher than the national average, indicating that you are managing your credit responsibly but haven't yet reached the highest echelons. To maintain and potentially improve your score, it's crucial to understand what this number entails and how you can push your credit score even higher.
What kind of credit score is 798?
A credit score within the 740 to 799 range is deemed very good, a milestone that 21% of Americans have reached. Such a score renders you a desirable candidate to a vast majority of lenders, marking you as a borrower who is likely to settle bills, wisely manage debt, and make prudent financial decisions punctually.
Having a 798 credit score places you in a favorable position with lenders who trust in your ability to repay borrowed funds. This trust means you are less likely to encounter protective measures such as additional fees or security deposits, which are often required for those with lower credit scores.
Achieving and maintaining a very good credit score is not only a testament to your financial acumen but also opens doors to the best financial products on the market. By continuing to make timely payments, keeping your credit utilization low, and avoiding unnecessary debt, you can further solidify your financial standing and even aim for an excellent credit score. This proactive approach will ensure you continue to benefit from the most favorable financial terms available.
Getting a credit card with a 798 credit score
Sporting a 798 credit score places you in a coveted spot for credit card acquisition. You will likely qualify for most cards, including those with superior rewards, minimal interest rates, and top-tier perks. Issuers of credit cards highly favor applicants within this score bracket, allowing you the luxury to pick and choose cards that most suitably match your financial aspirations and spending patterns.
With a very good credit score, you will have your choice of rewards cards. Popular types of rewards cards include:
Cash Back Cards: Cash back cards are an excellent choice for those who prefer straightforward rewards. These cards offer a percentage of cash back on every purchase, typically ranging from 1% to 5%. Some cards provide higher cash back rates for specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining. For example, a card might offer 3% cash back on groceries, 2% on dining, and 1% on all other purchases. These cards are perfect for everyday spending and are easy to manage, as the rewards can often be redeemed as statement credits or deposited directly into your bank account, making them highly convenient and beneficial.
Points Cards: Points cards allow you to earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for various rewards, including merchandise, gift cards, travel, or even cash back. These cards often come with sign-up bonuses, enabling you to earn a large number of points by spending a certain amount within the first few months. Points cards are ideal for those who enjoy the flexibility of choosing different types of rewards based on their needs. They offer a versatile way to maximize the value of your spending, catering to diverse preferences and financial goals.
Miles Cards: Miles cards are specifically designed for travelers, offering miles for purchases that can be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. Each dollar spent earns a certain number of miles, and some cards provide bonus miles for purchases made directly with airlines or travel partners. These cards are particularly beneficial for frequent flyers looking to reduce travel costs, as accumulated miles can significantly offset the price of travel. Additionally, miles cards often come with travel-related perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges, enhancing the travel experience.
Co-Branded Cards: Co-branded cards are issued in partnership with specific retailers, airlines, or hotel chains, offering enhanced rewards for purchases made with the co-branding partner. For instance, an airline co-branded card might offer additional miles for airline purchases, priority boarding, and free checked bags. Similarly, a hotel co-branded card could provide free hotel stays, room upgrades, and other exclusive benefits. These cards are best suited for loyal customers of the brand offering the card, as they can maximize the rewards and perks offered, providing significant value and enhancing their overall experience with the brand.
Travel Cards: General travel cards are versatile options that provide rewards for a wide range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. These cards often offer travel-related perks such as travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and access to airport lounges. Additionally, some cards provide bonus points or miles for travel-related purchases, enhancing their value. Travel cards are ideal for frequent travelers who want flexibility in how they redeem their rewards, allowing them to maximize benefits and enjoy a more comfortable and cost-effective travel experience.
Business Rewards Cards: Business rewards cards cater to business owners by offering rewards for business-related expenses such as office supplies, advertising, and travel. These cards can provide cash back, points, or miles, and often include useful features like expense tracking, employee cards, and higher credit limits. Additionally, they help businesses manage their expenses more efficiently while earning valuable rewards. By using a business rewards card, you can maximize your spending benefits and reinvest the rewards into your business, enhancing your overall financial management and operational efficiency.
Balance Transfer Cards: If you're managing significant debt, a balance transfer card with a 0% introductory APR can be a lifesaver. These cards allow you to transfer existing high-interest debt to the new card and pay it off without interest for a set period, typically 12 to 18 months. This can save you a substantial amount in interest and help you become debt-free faster. However, balance transfer cards usually charge a transfer fee, typically 3% to 5% of the transferred amount, so it’s important to calculate if the savings outweigh the cost.
Having a 798 credit score allows you to choose from various rewards credit cards. Whether you prefer cash back, points, miles, or co-branded rewards, there is a card that can suit your needs. It’s important to assess your spending habits and financial goals to select the card that will provide the most value.
Getting a personal loan with a 798 credit score
Acquiring a personal loan when you have a 798 credit score typically entails a hassle-free experience. Given that most lending institutions don't ask for a credit score above 740, the likelihood of being turned down based on your credit alone is minimal. Your very good credit score positions you as a top-tier applicant in the eyes of lenders, who in turn are inclined to offer you loans with attractive terms and reduced interest rates.
Numerous types of loans are available to you with your very good score. Peruse the list below and see if any suit your needs. Then visit your local credit union, bank, or go online to find the lenders with the best offers.
Personal Loans: Personal loans are versatile, allowing you to borrow a lump sum for various purposes such as home improvement, medical bills, or even vacations. With a 798 credit score, you can secure personal loans with favorable terms, including lower interest rates and flexible repayment options. These loans are typically unsecured, meaning you don't need to put up collateral. This makes them an accessible and convenient option for covering significant expenses without the need to pledge assets, providing financial flexibility and peace of mind.
Debt Consolidation Loans: If you're struggling with multiple high-interest debts, a debt consolidation loan can simplify your payments by combining them into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This approach can save you money on interest over time and make managing your finances easier. With a high credit score, you’re more likely to qualify for these loans at competitive rates, making it a practical solution for streamlining your debt repayment and reducing your financial burden efficiently.
Business Loans: For entrepreneurs, business loans are essential for funding operations, expansion, or new projects. A strong credit score can help you secure business loans with favorable terms, including lower interest rates and longer repayment periods. Lenders view a high credit score as a sign of reliability and financial stability, increasing your chances of approval. This access to capital allows business owners to invest in growth opportunities, manage cash flow, and enhance their operations, ultimately contributing to the success and sustainability of their business.
Secured Loans: Secured loans require collateral, such as a car or home, which the lender can seize if you default. These loans often have lower interest rates because they pose less risk to the lender. Even with a high credit score, opting for a secured loan can help you obtain even better rates and terms. This makes secured loans a viable option for significant expenses or refinancing existing debt, providing favorable financial conditions and enhanced borrowing power due to the reduced risk for lenders.
Auto Loans: Auto loans are specifically for purchasing vehicles. With a credit score of 798, you can expect to receive some of the best interest rates available, making your car purchase more affordable. Whether you’re buying a new or used car, your strong credit score will be a significant asset, allowing you to secure favorable loan terms. This can lead to lower monthly payments and overall savings on interest, making it easier to finance your vehicle without straining your budget.
Mortgages: Mortgages are loans used to purchase property. A high credit score can help you secure a mortgage with a low interest rate, potentially saving you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Additionally, a high credit score can increase your chances of being approved for a mortgage, even with a smaller down payment. This advantage can make homeownership more accessible and affordable, allowing you to invest in a property with favorable financial terms and manageable monthly payments.
Cash Advance Loans: Cash advance loans from fintech apps offer a quick and convenient way to access small amounts of money before your next paycheck. Unlike traditional payday loans, these apps typically avoid high fees and interest rates. Instead, they may charge a small flat fee, request a voluntary tip, or require a subscription. Additionally, many apps charge a fast funding fee if you need the money immediately. While the fees are minimal, they can add up. These apps can help manage short-term financial needs but it's important to use them responsibly to avoid dependency.
Prequalifying and Comparing Offers: Before committing to a loan, it's wise to prequalify with multiple lenders. Prequalification involves a soft credit check, which doesn’t affect your credit score, and gives you an idea of the loan terms you might qualify for. By comparing offers from various lenders, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Consider factors such as:
- Interest Rates: Lower interest rates decrease the total cost of the loan.
- Repayment Terms: Longer terms can reduce monthly payments but may result in more interest paid over the loan's duration.
- Fees: Watch out for origination fees, prepayment penalties, and other charges.
- Customer Service: Select a lender known for excellent customer service and transparent communication.
This process helps you make an informed decision, securing the most favorable loan conditions tailored to your financial needs and goals.
With a credit score of 798, you have access to a wide range of loan options with favorable terms. Whether you need a personal loan, a mortgage, or a business loan, your strong credit score positions you as a desirable borrower. Take advantage of your high credit score by prequalifying and comparing offers to find the best loan for your needs, ensuring you benefit from the lowest rates and most favorable terms available.
Take your 798 credit score with a grain of salt
While a 798 credit score is certainly a cause for celebration, it's important not to become complacent. Credit scores are fluid, and maintaining—or even improving—your score requires continuous attention to your financial habits. Regularly monitoring your credit report for errors or fraudulent activity is essential, as these can negatively impact your score if left unchecked.
It's also important to remember that while your credit score is very good, it’s only one component lenders consider. Other crucial factors include your income, employment status, and debt levels. For example, you might have a very good credit score but still be rejected for a loan if your debt-to-income ratio is too high. This ratio reflects the amount of your income that goes toward debt repayment and can indicate to lenders whether you can manage additional debt.
Additionally, opening too many new credit accounts within a short period can raise red flags for lenders, even if your credit score is high. This behavior can be interpreted as a sign of financial instability or overextension, potentially leading to loan denials.
While a 798 credit score is a strong asset, it's essential to maintain responsible financial practices and be aware of other factors that influence lending decisions. Celebrate your high score, but stay vigilant and proactive to ensure your financial health remains robust.
How can I get my score even higher?
A very good credit score already separates you from those with bad credit, granting you access to superior credit products. Yet, you’re not at the top. Maintaining responsible credit habits and allowing time to work its magic are essential for climbing to the top credit score tiers.
How Scores Are Calculated
Understanding how credit scores are calculated can help you focus on the most impactful areas. There are multiple credit scoring models. Lenders are more apt to use FICO by the Fair Isaac Corporation, but VantageScore by the three national credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion - is growing in popularity. No matter which scoring model you use, your score is likely to be extremely similar and fall in the same range.
Credit scores are typically calculated based on the following factors:
- Payment History (35%): Your history of making on-time payments is the most significant factor. Even one missed payment can lower your score.
- Credit Utilization (30%): This is the ratio of your current credit card balances to your credit limits. Lower utilization rates are better.
- Length of Credit History (15%): A longer credit history increases your score. This includes the age of your oldest account, the age of your newest account, and the average age of all your accounts.
- Credit Mix (10%): Having a mix of credit types (e.g., credit cards, mortgage, auto loans) can positively impact your score.
- New Credit (10%): Frequent applications for new credit can lower your score due to hard inquiries.
Tips for Achieving an Exceptional Score
To achieve an exceptional score, bear in mind:
Regularly Review Your Report: Regularly checking your credit report is crucial for maintaining a high credit score. Reviewing your report allows you to spot and dispute any errors or signs of fraudulent activity that could harm your score. It also helps you stay informed about your credit status and understand the factors influencing your score. Aim to check your report at least once a year through annualcreditreport.com.
Opt for Autopay: A slip in memory can happen to anyone, even those with a strong payment history reflected by a 798 score. Setting up autopay can cover your full balance or the minimum due, ensuring you never miss a payment. This reliable method helps maintain your excellent credit score and avoids late fees or negative marks on your credit report.
Tighten Credit Utilization: While maintaining credit utilization at 30% is commendable, aiming for less than 10% can further strengthen your credit profile. However, don’t reduce your utilization to 0%, as you need to use credit to build and maintain your score. Regular, low-level use of credit demonstrates responsible financial behavior and can significantly boost your creditworthiness.
Make Additional Payments: Paying off your balances throughout the month, in addition to the due date, can help keep your credit utilization low throughout the billing cycle. This practice ensures that your credit card balances remain low when reported to the credit bureaus, which can positively impact your credit score. Regular mid-month payments demonstrate consistent financial responsibility and can contribute to an exceptional credit profile.
Don’t Shut Down Old Accounts: It may feel intuitive to close unused accounts, but doing so can inadvertently hurt your credit score by increasing your credit utilization ratio and shortening your credit history. Unless there are significant fees associated with the accounts, it's better to keep them active. Maintaining these accounts helps demonstrate a longer credit history and lower utilization, both of which positively impact your credit score.
Limit Credit Applications: Excessive credit inquiries can signal financial instability to lenders, potentially lowering your credit score. To protect your high score, apply for credit only when necessary. Each hard inquiry can have a minor impact on your score, so being selective about when you seek new credit helps maintain your strong credit profile and assures lenders of your financial stability.
Age Your Credit: Lenders value long credit histories because they provide detailed insights into your financial behaviors. Most consumers with scores of 800 or more have a long-standing credit history, typically around 10.5 years. This extended history demonstrates consistent, responsible credit management, which reassures lenders of your reliability and ability to manage credit over time, contributing to higher credit scores.
Maintaining and Enhancing Your Score
Adhering to these guidelines maintains and can significantly enhance your credit score. Consistent, responsible management of your credit accounts is key to reaching and sustaining an exceptional credit score. By optimizing your payment habits, managing credit utilization, maintaining long-standing accounts, and being reasonable with new credit applications, you can work towards achieving an outstanding credit score and enjoying the financial benefits that come with it.
Next Steps for your 798 credit score
Your credit standing qualifies you for the crème de la crème of financial offerings. This achievement is something to take pride in, and it sets a solid foundation for continuing positive financial behavior. Should your ambitions stretch even further, aiming for the 800s could bring an additional layer of satisfaction, marking you as an exceptionally creditworthy individual. To ascend to such heights, persist in practicing sound credit habits, minimize your debt levels, ensure full payment of your balances, and remember that reaching exceptional creditworthiness demands time and patience.
To ascend to such heights, persist in practicing sound credit habits. Implementing autopay to avoid late payments, paying bills mid-month to manage credit utilization, and regularly checking your credit report for errors are essential practices. Minimize your debt levels by keeping your credit utilization ratio below 10% and be selective about applying for new credit to avoid unnecessary hard inquiries.
Additionally, reconsider closing old accounts as this can negatively affect the average age of your credit history, which is a critical factor in credit scoring. Cultivate a lengthy credit history by keeping accounts open and demonstrating long-term responsible credit use.
Reaching exceptional creditworthiness demands time and patience. Continue to pay your balances in full each month and maintain a consistent record of timely payments. By staying vigilant and proactive with your credit management, you can gradually move from a very good credit score into the elite 800s range, unlocking even more advantageous financial opportunities and benefits.
This content is general in nature and is provided for informational purposes only. MoneyFor is not a financial advisor and does not offer financial planning services. This content may contain references to products and services offered through MoneyFor marketplace.