How to get an 850 Credit Score

A flawless 850 FICO® score unlocks the lowest interest rates, elite credit card offers, and top-tier negotiating power on loans. At BlueWater Credit, we’ve guided thousands to exceptional scores. Follow this step-by-step roadmap to elevate your credit profile and lean on our experts whenever you need help.

1. Assess Your Starting Line: Pull Your Credit Reports

Start with a clear picture of your credit history. Order your free reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. For full FICO® score monitoring, you can also check your scores through this MyScoreIQ link.

Review your reports for:

- Accounts you don’t recognize (possible fraud)

- Late payments or delinquencies

- Recent hard inquiries

- Public records like liens or bankruptcies

Keep copies of each report so you can track progress and catch any surprises early.

2. Build an Unbreakable On-Time Payment Streak

Your payment history makes up 35% of your score—the single most important factor. To keep it spotless:

- Automate all bills, from mortgage to utilities

- Set reminders at least two days before due dates

- Maintain a buffer in your bank account to avoid accidentally missing payments

A consistent record of on-time payments signals that you’re a low-risk borrower.

3. Crush Credit Utilization: Keep Balances Low

Credit utilization makes up 30% of your score. Aim to keep balances under 10% of your credit limits:

- Make multiple payments throughout the month

- Request credit limit increases periodically (but don’t spend more)

- Spread purchases across cards to avoid any single high balance

Low utilization shows lenders you use credit wisely—not excessively.

4. Cultivate a Healthy Credit Mix

Your credit mix accounts for 10% of your score. A balanced profile may include:

- Revolving credit (credit cards, lines of credit)

- Installment loans (auto, mortgage, student)

- Secured cards or retail accounts

Only open new accounts when they serve a purpose—too many new accounts can hurt more than help. If you’re looking to diversify your mix, explore current credit card offers here.

5. Preserve Account Age: Honor Your Oldest Accounts

Length of credit history makes up 15% of your score. Here’s how to maximize it:

- Keep old accounts open, even if unused

- Downgrade fee-based cards instead of closing them

- Avoid opening too many new accounts at once

Long-standing credit relationships show stability and reliability.