Money Management

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If you’ve reached an 850 FICO credit score, congrats — you’ve achieved credit score perfection. But now that you’ve hit that top-tier number, you might be wondering: What now?Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Here’s the truth: A perfect score doesn’t come with better perks. Once you’re in the “exceptional” range — which means anything above 800 — you’ve already unlocked the best interest rates, credit card offers, and approval odds.Still, there are a few things worth knowing about what actually happens once you hit 850.Perks plateau above 800Most lenders don’t treat an 850 credit score much differently than they would an 800. That’s because FICO, like other scoring models, groups consumers into ranges, with anything at or above 800 qualifying as “exceptional.”That means:You’ll likely qualify for the lowest advertised interest rates on loansLenders and landlords may be quicker to approve applicationsYou may get access to higher credit limits or better financing termsPremium credit cards with big sign-up bonuses and strong rewards are within reach. Check out our list of the best credit card sign-up bonuses to give yourself an earnings boost today.According to Experian, only about 1.5% of U.S. consumers had a perfect 850 FICO® Score as of late 2023. But that doesn’t mean everyone else is missing out on anything major.The habits matter more than the numberEven though an 850 credit score is fun to look at, it’s the habits that got you there that really count.Here’s what folks with perfect credit scores tend to have in common:On-time payments: They never miss a due dateExtremely low credit utilization: Often below 5% of total available creditLong credit histories: Many years of responsible credit useFew hard inquiries: They only apply for new credit when it makes senseThese habits are what help you qualify for the best offers — not just the number itself. And they’re what keep your score strong, even if it drops below 850 now and then.But maintaining a perfect score can pay offIf you do hit 850 and want to stay there, it’s not impossible — it just takes continued effort. The biggest risk is a sudden drop from something small, like running up a high balance or applying for too many new cards at once.Some ways to protect your score:Set up autopay or reminders so you never miss a paymentKeep balances low, especially right before your statement closesCheck your credit reports regularly for errorsOnly apply for new credit when it aligns with your goalsGet a valuable credit card with your high credit score todayIf you’re already in the exceptional range, consider putting your credit to work and enjoying the perks of a valuable credit card. Check out one of our favorites. It earns cash rewards on all purchases and has no annual fee. Apply today to get started and receive a decision in minutes.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you’ve reached an 850 FICO credit score, congrats — you’ve achieved credit score perfection. But now that you’ve hit that top-tier number, you might be wondering: What now?

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Here’s the truth: A perfect score doesn’t come with better perks. Once you’re in the “exceptional” range — which means anything above 800 — you’ve already unlocked the best interest rates, credit card offers, and approval odds.

Still, there are a few things worth knowing about what actually happens once you hit 850.

Perks plateau above 800

Most lenders don’t treat an 850 credit score much differently than they would an 800. That’s because FICO, like other scoring models, groups consumers into ranges, with anything at or above 800 qualifying as “exceptional.”

That means:

• You’ll likely qualify for the lowest advertised interest rates on loans
• Lenders and landlords may be quicker to approve applications
• You may get access to higher credit limits or better financing terms
• Premium credit cards with big sign-up bonuses and strong rewards are within reach. Check out our list of the best credit card sign-up bonuses to give yourself an earnings boost today.

According to Experian, only about 1.5% of U.S. consumers had a perfect 850 FICO® Score as of late 2023. But that doesn’t mean everyone else is missing out on anything major.

The habits matter more than the number

Even though an 850 credit score is fun to look at, it’s the habits that got you there that really count.

Here’s what folks with perfect credit scores tend to have in common:

• On-time payments: They never miss a due date
• Extremely low credit utilization: Often below 5% of total available credit
• Long credit histories: Many years of responsible credit use
• Few hard inquiries: They only apply for new credit when it makes sense

These habits are what help you qualify for the best offers — not just the number itself. And they’re what keep your score strong, even if it drops below 850 now and then.

But maintaining a perfect score can pay off

If you do hit 850 and want to stay there, it’s not impossible — it just takes continued effort. The biggest risk is a sudden drop from something small, like running up a high balance or applying for too many new cards at once.

Some ways to protect your score:

• Set up autopay or reminders so you never miss a payment
• Keep balances low, especially right before your statement closes
• Check your credit reports regularly for errors
• Only apply for new credit when it aligns with your goals

Get a valuable credit card with your high credit score today

If you’re already in the exceptional range, consider putting your credit to work and enjoying the perks of a valuable credit card. Check out one of our favorites. It earns cash rewards on all purchases and has no annual fee. Apply today to get started and receive a decision in minutes.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Sometimes the best money advice comes from the most unexpected places.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. My friend and I handle our finances very differently. He’s one of those ultra-frugal types (actually, sometimes he strays more into cheap territory). I’m more of a go-with-the-flow spender — as long as I’m saving enough, too.Anyway, over the years I’ve picked up a few of his money habits, and they’ve actually saved me thousands.1. Every penny in interest countsI used to keep all my extra cash in a regular checking account. I knew that high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) existed, but always brushed them off because the interest rates seemed small. Like, what’s a few extra percent really gonna do?But then I ran the math, and…whoa!With my old checking account earning 0.01%, a $10,000 savings would earn just $1 in a whole year. But by switching to a high-yield savings account at 4.50% APY, now we’re talking $450 in earnings.I made the switch a couple years back, and it’s paid off big time. In fact, in all of 2024 I earned $798 from my HYSA interest.If you’re still using an outdated account paying pennies, it’s time to switch. Start earning up to 4.40% APY today with one of the top high-yield savings accounts2. Subscriptions are silent killersDid you know the average American spends $32.84 every month on subscriptions they’re not even using!? That’s almost $400 a year wasted on nothing.I used to be one of those wasteful spenders. Until my friend got me into the habit of checking my monthly transactions like a hawk. Now I scrutinize anything on my statements I don’t recognize, no matter how small.Pro tip: You can also use one of these top budgeting apps to track expenses easily and spot things to cut.3. The 48-hour rule for spendingAnother cool money hack I learned from my friend is the 48-hour rule. Basically, anytime I want to buy something spontaneously — especially online — I now wait a full two days before pulling the trigger.Nine times out of 10, my desire fades and I never actually end up buying the thing.I can’t tell you how much I’ve saved from this single rule alone. Probably in the tens of thousands over the years.This stuff all adds up!Cutting a subscription here, avoiding an impulse buy there, earning a few hundred in interest — all these seemingly small activities have made a huge difference in my financial life.And I have my frugal friend to thank for it.While I won’t be adopting all his money habits, I’m certainly glad I paid attention to these ones.And you should, too. If you’ve got cash just sitting around, make it work harder for you. Check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts and earn up to 4.40% APY on your money.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Sometimes the best money advice comes from the most unexpected places.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

My friend and I handle our finances very differently. He’s one of those ultra-frugal types (actually, sometimes he strays more into cheap territory). I’m more of a go-with-the-flow spender — as long as I’m saving enough, too.

Anyway, over the years I’ve picked up a few of his money habits, and they’ve actually saved me thousands.

1. Every penny in interest counts

I used to keep all my extra cash in a regular checking account. I knew that high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) existed, but always brushed them off because the interest rates seemed small. Like, what’s a few extra percent really gonna do?

But then I ran the math, and…whoa!

With my old checking account earning 0.01%, a $10,000 savings would earn just $1 in a whole year. But by switching to a high-yield savings account at 4.50% APY, now we’re talking $450 in earnings.

I made the switch a couple years back, and it’s paid off big time. In fact, in all of 2024 I earned $798 from my HYSA interest.

2. Subscriptions are silent killers

Did you know the average American spends $32.84 every month on subscriptions they’re not even using!? That’s almost $400 a year wasted on nothing.

I used to be one of those wasteful spenders. Until my friend got me into the habit of checking my monthly transactions like a hawk. Now I scrutinize anything on my statements I don’t recognize, no matter how small.

Pro tip: You can also use one of these top budgeting apps to track expenses easily and spot things to cut.

3. The 48-hour rule for spending

Another cool money hack I learned from my friend is the 48-hour rule. Basically, anytime I want to buy something spontaneously — especially online — I now wait a full two days before pulling the trigger.

Nine times out of 10, my desire fades and I never actually end up buying the thing.

I can’t tell you how much I’ve saved from this single rule alone. Probably in the tens of thousands over the years.

This stuff all adds up!

Cutting a subscription here, avoiding an impulse buy there, earning a few hundred in interest — all these seemingly small activities have made a huge difference in my financial life.

And I have my frugal friend to thank for it.

While I won’t be adopting all his money habits, I’m certainly glad I paid attention to these ones.

And you should, too. If you’ve got cash just sitting around, make it work harder for you. Check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts and earn up to 4.40% APY on your money.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
It’s easy to get lured in by short-term CDs offering 4.00% APY or more — especially in these weird economic times, when the future is so uncertain.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. These rates are nothing to scoff at, especially after years of sub-1% returns. But personally I’m not locking up my cash anytime soon. There are just too many reasons to keep my cash more liquid.Here are the three biggest reasons I’m not buying CDs this month.1. I don’t want my money locked upIt’s true that you can cash out a CD early if you want. But most CDs come with early withdrawal penalties, which means you’ll forfeit several months’ worth of interest — maybe more.The truth is my goals may shift mid-year. I may book more vacations with my family or buy into the stock market dip. I haven’t quite decided what the rest of 2025 looks like for me, and locking cash in a CD means I don’t have flexibility for evolving plans.2. High-yield savings accounts are still paying bigRight now, many online high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are paying around 4.00% APY. And there’s no commitment required, so you can access funds at any time.The APY gap between CDs and HYSAs is quite small right now.Here’s a quick comparison:Option$10,000 Earns (1 Year)12-Month CD – 4.35%$435HYSA – 4.00%$400Data source: Author’s calculations.For just $35 more in interest, my cash would be stuck for a year. Not really worth it for me.Looking for a top-tier HYSA? Check out our expert picks for the best HYSAs available today (earn up to 4.40% APY)3. Future interest rates are up in the airCDs come with fixed rates — which is awesome if you’re confident that interest rates are headed down soon.But if there’s anything I’ve learned over the past 12 months, it’s that nobody can predict the exact direction of interest rates. Not the Fed, not economists, and definitely not me!That’s why I’m staying flexible. With all my cash in an HYSA, the rate I earn will adjust with the market. And if things change unexpectedly (as they always seem to), I’m not locked into a decision I made months ago based on a forecast that didn’t pan out.The bottom lineI’m not against CDs. In fact, if I were a retiree and had a chunk of money I wasn’t going to touch for 12 months or longer, I’d probably consider one. If you’re in that boat, check out the top CD rates available now.But for my goals (or lack thereof) right now, CDs just don’t make sense. The tiny bit of upside isn’t worth the potential downside of missing out on a new opportunity that pops up.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

It’s easy to get lured in by short-term CDs offering 4.00% APY or more — especially in these weird economic times, when the future is so uncertain.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

These rates are nothing to scoff at, especially after years of sub-1% returns. But personally I’m not locking up my cash anytime soon. There are just too many reasons to keep my cash more liquid.

Here are the three biggest reasons I’m not buying CDs this month.

1. I don’t want my money locked up

It’s true that you can cash out a CD early if you want. But most CDs come with early withdrawal penalties, which means you’ll forfeit several months’ worth of interest — maybe more.

The truth is my goals may shift mid-year. I may book more vacations with my family or buy into the stock market dip. I haven’t quite decided what the rest of 2025 looks like for me, and locking cash in a CD means I don’t have flexibility for evolving plans.

2. High-yield savings accounts are still paying big

Right now, many online high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are paying around 4.00% APY. And there’s no commitment required, so you can access funds at any time.

The APY gap between CDs and HYSAs is quite small right now.

Here’s a quick comparison:

For just $35 more in interest, my cash would be stuck for a year. Not really worth it for me.

3. Future interest rates are up in the air

CDs come with fixed rates — which is awesome if you’re confident that interest rates are headed down soon.

But if there’s anything I’ve learned over the past 12 months, it’s that nobody can predict the exact direction of interest rates. Not the Fed, not economists, and definitely not me!

That’s why I’m staying flexible. With all my cash in an HYSA, the rate I earn will adjust with the market. And if things change unexpectedly (as they always seem to), I’m not locked into a decision I made months ago based on a forecast that didn’t pan out.

The bottom line

I’m not against CDs. In fact, if I were a retiree and had a chunk of money I wasn’t going to touch for 12 months or longer, I’d probably consider one. If you’re in that boat, check out the top CD rates available now.

But for my goals (or lack thereof) right now, CDs just don’t make sense. The tiny bit of upside isn’t worth the potential downside of missing out on a new opportunity that pops up.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More