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828 Credit score: What You Need to Know in 2025
July 1, 2025

TL;DR
An 828 credit score isn't just good; it's considered outstanding. This places you squarely in the "Exceptional" category, the highest tier within the FICO scoring model.
What Does a 828 Credit Score Mean?
An 828 credit score is firmly in the "exceptional" category, the highest tier in the FICO scoring model which ranges from 300 to 850. Achieving a score in this bracket signals to lenders that you are a highly dependable and low-risk borrower, demonstrating a consistent and responsible credit history.
Financially, this score unlocks the best possible opportunities. You can expect to be offered the lowest available interest rates and most favorable terms on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, potentially saving you thousands over time. The focus now shifts from building credit to maintaining this elite status, which will continue to open doors to premium financial products.
Who Has a 828 Credit Score?
- Generation Z (ages 18-26): The average FICO score is 680.
- Millennials (ages 27-42): The average FICO score is 690.
- Generation X (ages 43-58): The average FICO score is 709.
- Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): The average FICO score is 745.
- The Silent Generation (ages 78+): The average FICO score is 760, which is considered a Very Good rating.
Credit Cards With a 828 Credit Score
An 828 credit score is considered excellent, placing you in the top tier of applicants. This means lenders see you as a very low-risk borrower, significantly increasing your chances of approval for virtually any credit card. You'll likely qualify for premium cards with the best rewards, lowest interest rates, and most attractive sign-up bonuses available.
Kudos offers personalized tools to help you find the best credit card for your financial situation. You can either take a quiz about your preferences or securely connect your accounts to receive AI-powered recommendations based on your actual spending habits.
Auto Loans and a 828 Credit Score
An 828 credit score places you in the top tier of borrowers, making you an ideal candidate for an auto loan.
Lenders will see you as very low-risk, which means you'll likely qualify for the best interest rates and most favorable loan terms available.
- Super-prime (781-850): According to 2025 automotive finance data, borrowers in this bracket see average rates of 5.25% for new cars and 7.13% for used cars.
- Prime (661-780): Average rates are 6.87% for new cars and 9.36% for used cars.
- Non-prime (601-660): Average rates are 9.83% for new cars and 13.92% for used cars.
- Subprime (501-600): Average rates are 13.18% for new cars and 18.86% for used cars.
- Deep subprime (300-500): Average rates are 15.77% for new cars and 21.55% for used cars.
Mortgages at a 828 Credit Score
An 828 credit score places you in the top tier of borrowers, qualifying you for all major mortgage types, including Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Lenders view applicants with such high scores as low-risk, which generally leads to a smoother and faster approval process.
Your excellent credit score directly translates to significant financial benefits. You'll gain access to the lowest interest rates on the market, potentially saving you thousands over the life of the loan. It also gives you negotiating power for better terms, such as lower Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premiums and credits toward closing costs, according to a guide on credit scores.
What's in a Credit Score?
Figuring out what goes into your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, but it generally boils down to a handful of key elements. The most common factors include:
- Your payment history, which tracks whether you pay your bills on time, is the most significant factor.
- Credit utilization, or the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit, also plays a major role.
- The length of your credit history demonstrates your experience with managing credit over time.
- Having a healthy mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your score.
- Finally, recent credit inquiries, which occur when you apply for new credit, are also taken into account.
How to Improve Your 828 Credit Score
While an 828 credit score is excellent, there is always room for improvement. Consistent positive financial habits can help you polish your already impressive credit profile.
- Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports helps protect your high score from inaccuracies or fraudulent activity that could cause it to drop unexpectedly. This vigilance ensures your hard-earned score remains pristine.
- Keep credit utilization low. Aim to keep your credit utilization ratio well below 30%, as this is a major factor in your score. Paying down balances before your statement closes can further lower your reported utilization and give your score a slight edge.
- Diversify your credit mix. Lenders like to see that you can responsibly manage different types of credit, such as both revolving accounts and installment loans. Adding a different type of credit to your profile can demonstrate your financial versatility and potentially boost your score.
- Limit hard inquiries. Each application for new credit can cause a small, temporary dip in your score. By spacing out applications and only applying for credit when necessary, you can protect your score from these minor dings.
For help managing your cards and maximizing rewards, tools like Kudos can be an excellent financial companion.
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