Your FICO® Score falls within a range, from 740 to 799, that may be considered Very Good. A 791 FICO® Score is above the average credit score. Borrowers with scores in the Very Good range typically qualify for lenders better interest rates and product offers.
In statistical terms, just 1% of consumers with Very Good FICO® Scores are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.
A credit score of 791 is considered excellent by credit reporting agencies. But what does it really mean to have a score in this range? Is a 791 credit score good enough, or is there still room for improvement? This article will examine what makes up a 791 credit score, the benefits of excellent credit, and how you can maximize your credit profile if you’re close to crossing that 800 threshold.
What is a 791 Credit Score?
Credit scores generally range from 300 to 850. The three major credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion and Equifax – use scoring models that place 791 in the “very good” or “excellent” credit tiers. This means that overall, your credit report indicates you are at very low risk of defaulting on loans or other credit obligations.
Specifically. a 791 credit score breaks down as
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Payment History: You have a long track record of on-time payments and no negative marks for late or missed payments. This factor makes up a significant portion of your overall score.
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Credit Utilization: You maintain low balances compared to your total available credit limits. Keeping credit utilization below 30% is ideal.
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Length of History: You have a relatively long credit history with different types of accounts, including credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, etc.
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New Credit: You have a good mix of new and old accounts on your report. Applying for too much new credit at once can ding your score temporarily.
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Credit Mix You have experience managing different types of credit, not just credit cards This demonstrates you can handle varied obligations.
The Benefits of a 791 Credit Score
A 791 credit score qualifies you for the best offers from lenders and credit card companies. Benefits include:
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Lower Interest Rates: With excellent credit, you can qualify for the lowest interest rates on loans and lines of credit – often under 5%. This saves significantly on financing costs over the life of the loan.
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Higher Limits: Issuers are more likely to approve you for higher credit limits and loan amounts given your lower perceived risk. This provides greater purchasing power and flexibility.
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Special Offers and Perks: Card issuers offer their top rewards programs, sign-up bonuses, and account holder benefits to consumers with excellent credit. Perks can include statement credits, bonus points, airport lounge access, and more.
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Easier Approvals: While excellent credit does not guarantee approval, it significantly increases the chances your applications will be accepted and that you’ll get the best terms.
How to Improve from 791 to 800+
While a 791 credit score is excellent, you may wonder if it’s worth trying to improve your score just a bit more to reach that coveted perfect 850 score. Generally, the benefits between a 791 score and an 800+ score are marginal – but here are some tips to build upon your already strong credit profile:
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Lower Credit Utilization: Keep balances extremely low – under 10% of limits if possible. Consider making extra mid-cycle payments.
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Limit New Credit Applications: New hard inquiries and accounts can lower scores temporarily. Only open accounts you plan to use long-term.
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Monitor All Three Bureau Scores: Make sure excellent scores are consistent across Experian, Equifax and TransUnion scoring models.
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Correct Any Errors: Dispute and correct any inaccuracies on your credit reports that could be dragging down your scores.
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Become an Authorized User: Ask a family member with perfect credit to add you as an authorized user to help improve your length of credit history.
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Manage Existing Accounts: Keep all accounts open and active unless they have high annual fees. The age and stability of accounts has a positive impact.
When is a 791 Credit Score Not Good Enough?
There are very few instances where a lender would consider a 791 credit score inadequate. But if you are applying for a highly competitive program, rate, or opportunity, every point can make a difference.
Examples where a higher score could potentially impact eligibility:
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Jumbo Mortgages – Programs with loan amounts over $500k often require higher scores.
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Exclusive Credit Cards – Some premium cards require 800+ scores for approval.
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0% Intro APR Offers – Long 18+ month 0% financing may need 800+ score.
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Lease Applications – Competitive $0 down, $0 security deposit leases often mandate higher scores.
The bottom line is a 791 credit score is excellent and qualifies you for great interest rates and programs from most lenders. But maximizing your score could make you eligible for ultra premium products only offered to a small group of consumers.
Maintaining Your Excellent 791 Credit
The work doesn’t stop once you’ve achieved excellent credit. Consistently practicing these habits will help you maintain a 791 score long-term:
- Review accounts weekly and dispute errors immediately
- Pay down balances before billing cycles close
- Create payment reminders and use autopay to never miss dues
- Be selective with new credit applications
- Monitor credit reports from all three bureaus
- Keep old accounts open unless annual fees are excessive
A 791 is a great credit score that exemplifies your financial responsibility. But staying vigilant remains important so you can detect issues early and keep your credit profile pristine.
A credit score of 791 is considered excellent by credit scoring models. This unlocks access to the top rates and offers from lenders for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. While the benefits are already significant at this level, improving your credit profile just a bit more to reach 800+ could make you eligible for ultra premium financial products reserved only for consumers with exceptional credit. Maintaining diligent financial habits is crucial though – a 791 score takes work to build and sustain. With ongoing monitoring and care, you can preserve your hard-earned excellent credit for life.
Why a Very Good credit score is pretty great
A credit score in the Very Good range signifies a proven track record of timely bill payment and good credit management. Late payments and other negative entries on your credit file are rare or nonexistent, and if any appear, they are likely to be at least a few years in the past.
People like you with Very Good credit scores are attractive customers to banks and credit card issuers, who typically offer borrowers like you better-than-average lending terms. These may include opportunities to refinance older loans at better rates than you were able to get in years past, and chances to sign up for credit cards with enticing rewards as well as relatively low interest rates.
Shield your credit score from fraud
For hackers and identity thieves, people with Very Good credit scores are attractive targets. Your score could enable crooks to open and exploit sizable bogus loan or credit-card account in your name, and then disappear, leaving you to sort out the mess with the lender. To help avoid this, consider credit-monitoring and identity theft protection services. These services can alert you when they detect applications for new credit or other unexpected changes in your credit report.
Credit monitoring is also useful for tracking changes in your credit scores. It can prompt you to action in case your score starts to slip downward, and help you mark progress toward a FICO® Score in the Exceptional range (800-850).
What is a GOOD Credit Score in 2025? What’s the Average Credit Score Overall & By Age / Generation?
FAQ
How many people have a 791 credit score?
Twenty-four percent have a FICO® Score between 750 and 799, making the “very good” bracket. Data source: FICO (2024). Nearly half of Americans score between 750 and 850, in the very good to exceptional range, while 25% of Americans have a score between 300 and 649, the poor to fair credit score range.
How to get credit score from 791 to 800?
- Pay on Time Every Time. …
- Keep Your Credit Card Balances Low. …
- Avoid Overborrowing. …
- Be Patient. …
- Avoid Opening New Accounts Too Frequently. …
- Maintain a Good Credit Mix. …
- Review Your Credit Reports Regularly.
How rare is an 800 credit score?
An 800 credit score is relatively rare, with approximately 23% of Americans achieving this “exceptional” FICO score range (800-850), according to The Motley Fool.
Is 791 an excellent credit score?
A 791 credit score is Very Good, but it can be even better.