803 credit score: A guide to credit scores

Quick insights

• An 803 credit score falls within the top credit score categories, according to the two main credit scoring models.
• With an 803 credit score, you may find that you have better access to financial opportunities than someone with a lower score.
• Keeping up with positive financial habits and diversifying your credit mix may help you maintain and further improve your score over time.

Your credit score is a number representing your “creditworthiness,” or your ability to repay money you borrow. This number may be viewed by potential lenders, employers, landlords and other authorities and can be used as a decision-making factor for loan applications, rentals, jobs and more. The two credit scoring models, VantageScore^® and FICO^®, give labels to five credit score ranges between 300 to 850. For both models, an 803 credit score falls in their top ranges, which are “excellent” and “exceptional,” respectively.

In this article, we’ll further examine the implications of an 803 credit score, including possible opportunities of this score, areas to look for potential improvements and ways to protect it.

Is 803 a good credit score?

As of January 2025, VantageScore ranges are:

• Excellent: 781 to 850
• Good: 661 to 780
• Fair: 601 to 660
• Poor: 500 to 600
• Very Poor: 300 to 499

As of January 2025, FICO score ranges are:

• Exceptional: 800+
• Very Good: 740 to 799
• Good: 670 to 739
• Fair: 580 to 669
• Poor: 579 and below

Because an 803 credit score is in the top credit score ranges for both credit scoring models, a person with this score may feel like they have a “good” score. However, VantageScore^® and FICO^® have their own terminology to identify the top tiers of their ranges. For VantageScore^®, an 803 credit score is considered “excellent.” For FICO^®, this score is considered “exceptional.”

Someone with an 803 score may have better chances of being approved for applications for credit, jobs and rentals than a person with a lower score. This is because a score of 803 suggests that the individual may be a lower-risk borrower, likely due to a history of timely payments and responsible credit management.

Benefits of having a high credit score

Credit scores are used to assess creditworthiness, and from certain perspectives (such as potential landlords and employers), a person’s overall responsibility. For that reason, having a credit score of 803 may open doors for broader financial opportunities. These may include:

• Increased chances for approvals: Although scores are not generally the only factor considered, a credit score of 803 may help an applicant be approved for credit cards, loans, rental applications, insurance coverage and employment opportunities.
• Better loan terms and interest rates: In addition to improved chances of approval, credit applicants with a high credit score may be offered lower interest rates and more favorable terms, which could lead to savings over time.
• Eligibility for premium credit cards: Applicants with higher credit scores tend to have better chances of approval for premium credit cards that have higher credit limits, more substantial perks and robust rewards programs.

How credit scores are calculated

There are many different factors used to determine a person’s credit score. If you have an 803 credit score, you may have a strong payment history and healthy credit utilization, two factors which are considered to make a higher impact on your score. Additionally, there are some differences between the two scoring models; For example, VantageScore tends to weigh utilization more, while FICO prioritizes payment history. Other factors include the types of credit in use and number of hard checks on your credit report.

Credit utilization

Credit utilization is considered a high-impact factor in credit scoring. This is because using a high percentage of one’s available credit can indicate riskier borrowing behavior. If you have an 803 credit score, you may already be keeping your utilization to 30% or below. For example, on a credit card with a $10,000 limit, this would mean using no more than $3,000 at a time.

Payment history

Your payment history, or how you manage your bills over time, is a substantial factor in credit scoring. A strong payment history means you consistently make your payments on time. Missing one or more, even by a few days, may have a negative impact on your score.

Length of credit history

A long history of responsible credit use is another important factor when it comes to your credit score. This includes not only a long history of consistent payments, but the age of your most mature credit accounts. Those with high scores often have loans or credit accounts that have been active for multiple years.

Types of credit in use

Having a mix of credit types can have a positive impact on your credit score. For example, a person’s score may improve when they have both a revolving line of credit (like a credit card that can be drawn down and repaid repeatedly) and an installment loan (such as a car loan with recurring, same-size payments). Having only one credit type may indicate inexperience with credit.

New credit checks

Certain kinds of credit applications include what’s called a “hard” credit check or inquiry. While one inquiry may only make a slight temporary impact on a person’s credit, frequent inquiries can suggest more financial instability. Several within a short period of time can have an accumulating effect and drag down a person’s score.

Areas for potential improvement

An 803 credit score is considered excellent or exceptional by scoring models; However, it can be helpful to take certain steps to maintain and improve this score, such as:

• Monitoring credit utilization: While you may find it necessary to use your credit for major purchases from time to time, working to keep your credit utilization under 30% can help you avoid sudden dips in your credit score.
• Diversifying credit types: If you’ve already been considering a new credit card or loan, moving forward may help improve the blend of your credit types. However, keep in mind that a hard credit check run through either application may temporarily impact your score.

Protecting your credit score

In addition to keeping up the good habits you’ve already established, monitoring your credit score can help you detect sudden drops. Chase Credit Journey^® is a free tool that lets you check your VantageScore 3.0 anytime, provided by Experian™, without impact to your score. Credit Journey also includes free identity monitoring, which can help you quickly identify fraudulent use of your credit. Staying credit-aware and proactively reporting fraud and inaccuracies to the credit bureau(s) can help you maintain your score.

In summary

If you have a credit score of 803 or higher, chances are you’re experienced with managing your credit usage. With this score, you may be in a good position to pursue financial opportunities such as applying for new lines of credit. Keeping up positive financial habits, including making timely payments and managing your debt, can help you maintain a high credit score.