Have you ever wondered what do you have to do to have a super-high credit score? FICO has published a report on those it considers “high achievers,” or those with FICO scores of 785 or higher.

Aiming for a perfect credit score might seem like you’re trying to attain the unattainable, but hitting the coveted 850 FICO score isn’t impossible. A dedicated few find a way to obtain it by taking such steps as acquiring and maintaining good financial behaviors, monitoring their credit, and using only a small percentage of their available credit each month.

In this day and age, just about every facet of life is connected to your creditworthiness. It’s not just about buying a home or car anymore. Employers check credit reports to see if you are trustworthy. Insurance companies tie premiums to your credit rating. Even landlords check credit ratings to see if you pay your bills on time. Establishing credit helps you get the best deals of life’s big purchases.

Whenever a creditor views your credit history, it will appear as an inquiry on your credit report. Too many inquiries can lower your Credit Score, which may cause your credit application to be denied.

While most mortgage applicants know a good credit score is a key element for a loan approval, not everyone realizes raising your credit score by even a few points can make the difference between qualifying for a mortgage or not. In addition, if you are applying for a conventional mortgage rather than an FHA-insured home loan, you can pay a lower interest rate if you are able to boost your credit score into the next level.