An excellent credit score opens the door to some of the most rewarding financial products available. While you don’t need top-tier credit to qualify for a solid credit card, having a score in the 800–850 range — classified as “Exceptional” on the FICO scale — brings clear advantages that enhance your purchasing power and save you money.
For starters, an excellent credit score can help ensure you qualify for the best interest rate a credit card is offering. For example, a credit card says you only need a good credit score (670 or above) for approval and offers an APR of 14.59%-23.59%. With an excellent score, you stand a good chance of securing an APR on the lower end of the scale; while it may still be on the lower end with a good score, it probably won’t be as low. There are even cards out there that offer interest rates in the single digits for cardholders with top credit scores. Depending on your spending habits and the balance you carry from month to month, a low interest rate could save you significant cash each year.
Beyond lower rates, an exceptional score is your ticket to the market’s premier cash back cards. The top contenders in this category pair high reward rates on everyday purchases with valuable perks like extended 0% APR intro periods, generous welcome bonuses and no annual fees.
Take a look at these CardRatings’ picks for cash back rewards cards for people with excellent credit:
See Rates and Fees for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
