A credit score is a three-digit numerical expression that ranges between 300 to 900 which is the representation of your creditworthiness. The lenders refer to your credit score before approving your credit application. A good credit is certainly a winner in every loan or credit application. 

If you are wondering, is 800 a good credit score? Then the answer is Yes! A credit score of 800 is very good! Only a small percentage of people reach and consistently maintain such a high credit score. An 800 credit score is firmly in the excellent range of scores. Lenders use your credit score to decide if you qualify for financial products like credit cards and loans and to set your interest rate.

What is the range of credit scores?

A credit score ranging from 750 to 900 is considered an excellent credit score. The banks, NBFCs and other online lenders prefer candidates with such a credit score. If you have such a credit score, you can be assured that you will be eligible for any credit product. 

There are three credit rating agencies authorized by the RBI to issue credit scores in India – CIBIL™, Equifax, Experian and CRIF High Mark. They issue a score that is a three-digit number ranging from 300-900. Most lenders look for a credit score of 750 or above to approve of a loan. Anything above 750 makes you an attractive, low-risk customer and banks are eager to lend to people with such a good credit profile. The following will help you understand the range of credit score and their meaning.

Credit Score Range Grade What it means
750 - 900 Excellent Eligible for low-interest rates and higher approval chances
700 - 749 Good Can become eligible for better interest rates
650 - 699 Fair The options are limited, but credit approval is possible.
600 - 649 Doubtful Higher interest rates on loans and credit card approval could be harder
Below 600 Immediate Action Required Approval chances are very low

 

Advantages of a credit score of 800

  • A high credit score means that you will have faster access to credit and on much better terms.

  • Your loan/credit card application will be approved much more quickly. With a high score, the approval is completed in a matter of days, if not less.

  • The bank/credit card company will offer you the loan at lower rates of interest since they are confident that you will repay on time.

  • A good score might also result in a longer loan period.

  • A person with a high score might also be eligible for a much larger loan amount – again since the banks are confident that it will be repaid on time and in full.

Ways to Safeguard Your 800 Credit Score

If you have a credit score of 800, it means you already practice excellent credit habits, but the following tips will help you preserve your score. And they’ll be of interest if you like the challenge of going for 850, the top score on non-speciality credit scores.

  • Make sure to set up automatic payments. A single late payment can have as much as 100 points off your credit score. If you don’t have automatic payments, consider setting them up to avoid the risk of missing a payment and tanking your score.

  • Keep an eye on credit utilization. Your score should use less of your credit limits. You can make multiple payments throughout a single billing cycle to keep utilization consistently low.

  • Keep checking for errors on your credit reports. Mistakes on credit reports are common and they may prevent your score from going higher. Observe your reports at the credit bureaus and dispute any errors you may find.

End Note

It is advisable to aim to reach the best possible credit score you can. Depending on where you're starting from, it can take several years or more to build an 800 credit score. You need to have a few years of only positive payment history and a good mix of credit accounts showing you have experience managing different types of credit cards and loans. CreditMantri can guide you on how to improve your score so that you become eligible for loan offers that have much more attractive terms and conditions. 

FAQs

  1. What happens when I have a great credit score?

When you have a good credit score, the credit appraiser feels comfortable that you are not defaulting on any other credit. 

  1. Can a credit score be improved?

Good practice of returning borrowed funds on time enhances your credibility and improves the score. Credit score can't be drastically improved or altered. So, if you suddenly pay off all your debts, your credit score does not jump up immediately.

  1. Does the cancellation of a credit card affect my credit score?

It does not if you inform the bank, pay up the dues, take a no-due letter and then cancel the card. 

  1. Can I get an instant loan with a good credit score?

Lenders usually take time to process the loan even when you have a very good credit score. While personal loans may be instantly approved, long-term loans such as home loans could take time for approval. 

  1. Does my good credit score have an impact on my family?

Yes. Banks update your data such as name, address, family member’s name while sanctioning loans. In case you default on the loan then your family member’s could be impacted.