Even as adults , we still worry about being graded . rather of trial solution or GPAs , most of us are preoccupy with ourcredit scores . established wisdom says that the higher the number , the better . We pay down equilibrium , anguish over late payment , and vex we might not qualify for optimal interest rates on loanword .

A good credit score is sure enough utile . But according to expert , the remainder between " good " and " great " may not have any real , tangible benefits .

Speaking with CNBC Make It , Bankrate chief analyst Greg McBridesaidthat people in chase of a " perfect " mark are wasting their time . FICO scores , which are calculate from data collected from the major credit rating bureaus , range from 300 to 850 . At 650 or lower , you ’re going to be perceived as a risky borrower . At 700 , you ’ll qualify for most loan or offers . But 800 or 850 ? According to McBride , it ’s a wash .

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" Once you ’re above 760 , you ’re suffer the best rates , " McBride say . A musical score of 780 , 800 , or 820 is not potential to have any dramatic impact on your eligibility or term details , making an obsessive pursuit for a " staring " score largely one of ego - satisfaction .

So what does 760 or above get you ? Typically preferential damage that can salvage you thousands in interest over time . You could also qualify for bombastic loan sum , although lenders will also be look at your income and spending to inform those decisions .

The bottom line : By make payments on time , keeping track of your credit utilizations ( typically borrowing no more than 30 percent of your available credit ) , and conglomerate a credit history , you’veprovenyou can carry off debt efficaciously . That ’s really what loaner give care about .

If you ’ve been so persevering with keep on balances low and paying on time that you ’ve reach 850 without trying , you ’re in some very rarefied company . As of April 2018 , only1.5 percentof Americans had a perfect score .

[ h / tCNBC ]