Your credit score, which determines your ability to be approved for credit, is a three digit number that can ranges from 300 to 850. The higher the score, the better. A perfect credit score of 850 is almost unreachable. Maximum credit scores that fall anywhere between 750 and 800 are considered excellent and prove that you are a creditworthy customer. Most people’s scores aren’t perfect, but fall somewhere between 600 and 700.

You should not be surprised if you find some negative information on your report, even if you are sure you don't deserve it. Even if you think you always pay your bills on time, never missed a payment, never had a conflict with the law, not to mention a bankruptcy, you will most likely not get the maximum credit ranking.

First of all, no matter how early you mail that check with payment, it may still get there late or get lost. Another reason may be that mistakes can be made by people who enter your information into the computer system at the credit agency. Creditors, banks and credit card companies also make mistakes from time to time. In fact, it is estimated that as much as 60% of credit reports contain some errors.

As you approach the maximum credit score, it becomes harder and harder to get to that perfect rating. If your credit score is high - approaching 800, even minor negative information on your report will end up costing you 10 or 20 points.

And usually it's nothing to be concerned about. Credit score generally stops mattering for most purposes after 775, and even with some flaws on your report you will still be eligible for credit at competitive rates and favorable loan terms. Particularly if your credit history is long and contains a lot of positive information, the positives will lessen the effect of a few not-so-positive items. However, if you are very young or are a recent immigrant with short credit history, a negative item will have a bigger impact on your score.

If you want to get a perfect credit score, make sure you pay your outstanding credit card balances in full each month, do not skip or be late with a bill payment, maintain a variety of accounts---credit, student, auto and mortgage---and repay large balances in a short period. Credit agencies favor paying off loans and mortgages in short periods of time. Avoid personal loans. Credit agencies like when people use revolving credit accounts and secured debt like mortgages and auto loans.

Getting a maximum credit score is not as critical as you may think. When you apply for credit, lenders consider different factors, and credit score is only a small part of the equation. For example, if you plan to take a small business loan, the creditor will want to see evidence demonstrating that you will be able to generate a profit. A mortgage lender will not finance a $15 million mansion for a family who earns $150,000 per year even if they have the maximum credit rating.

The main advantage of having maximum or close to maximum credit is the ability to negotiate with creditors from a position of strength. A perfect credit score demonstrates a history of financial trustworthiness. Maximum credit score is a proof of your commitment to financial integrity.