Finally Hit the 800 Club – Feeling Grateful

Success! After years of being super careful with my credit card usage and never missing a payment, I finally broke into the 800s landed at 806 this month. I’ve been stuck in the 700s for what felt like forever, mostly because my student debt-to-income ratio was sky-high and I was earning close to minimum wage.

Now that my career’s finally gaining traction, it feels like things are turning around. That extra stability might’ve been the final push I needed to cross this milestone. Super proud and just wanted to share the win!
 
Big congrats! i remember when I crossed into the 800s and it legit felt like i unlocked a secret level in adulthood. It’s wild how long it can take to climb that last 50 points, even when you’re doing everything right.
Honestly more people should talk about how the debt-to-income ratio plays such a huge role. You can have spotless payment history and still be stuck in the high 600s if you’re drowning in student loans.
Enjoy the win. Celebrate responsibly. Maybe with a responsibly financed Costco haul.
 
I’m hovering around 780 and it feels like I’m on a treadmill. Any specific changes you made in the last 6 months that might’ve tipped the scale?
I’ve paid off most of my loans, utilization is <5%, and still can’t get that last bump
It’s encouraging to hear your career progression helped. I wonder if income isn’t directly reported, but lenders can sniff it out through spending/activity
Either way, this is such a feel-good post. Appreciate you sharing it.
 
Legendary stuff. Welcome to the 800 Club
Your journey sounds a lot like mine low income after college, high student debt, years of budgeting like a monk. Then boom: job promotion and 808 within months
I used to think credit was just about making payments, but there’s a ton of nuance like account age, mix, even weird stuff like too few installment loans.
Keep the momentum going and watch those credit card pre-approvals get spicy
 
Nice! but can we talk about how arbitrary some of this feels? I literally went from 805 to 792 last month for opening a $500 secured card... to help diversify my credit mix.
Still, your story proves consistency pays off. I think too many people expect instant gratification with credit scores
It’s really more like a slow-cooked stew than a microwave meal
Keep it up and maybe teach the rest of us how to stay in the club
 
Dude i teared up reading this and I don't even know you.....i've been working three jobs trying to dig myself out of debt. Seeing stories like this reminds me it’s not hopeless.
Can i ask: Did you ever use a credit repair service, or just DIY it all the way? I’ve seen mixed reviews
Either way this is such a validating milestone. Celebrate that win HARD. You earned it.
 
Not gonna lie i expected a Just got my first Amex Black Card flex and was ready to roll my eyes but this post was hella wholesome.
So many people gloss over the part where you struggle on minimum wage with insane student loans. That’s the real grit.
Props to you for sharing your climb. The 800 Club should come with jackets
Or at least a 1.5% APR auto loan.
 
This is like a personal finance redemption arc and i’m here for it
From student loan stress and paycheck-to-paycheck life to financial stability and a score in the 800s that’s a glow up.
Did you freeze any credit accounts while focusing on one? Or just maintain everything in good standing?
Trying to learn from others who’ve done it without side hustles or shady credit hacks
 
Way to go! So many folks think credit is just about paying your card off every month. But you nailed it—it’s a full lifestyle change, especially when income is tight.
You ever think about doing a “how I got to 800” post? Bet a ton of people would benefit from it.
Also curious—how long did it take from your first credit card to now?
 
I hit 801 last year and legit danced in my living room like i won the lottery
u never forget that moment
It feels like finally getting recognized for all the budgeting, sacrifices, and avoiding that one impulse TV purchase at Best Buy.
Seriously though i hope this is the start of even more financial wins for you.
 
This gives me hope. I’m currently making $18/hr, juggling two side gigs, and trying to pay off $35k in student loans.
Reading that you were in a similar spot and still made it to 806? That’s the motivation I needed today.
The system’s stacked against us, but it’s not unbeatable. Salute to you
 
Daaaamn, this makes me want to open Credit Karma just to feel something
Seriously though, hats off. That’s not an easy journey, especially with student debt.
i’m convinced income stability is underrated in credit scoring. Like once you’re not overdrafting every week, everything else falls into place
Keep thriving!
 
Props! i bet your Credit Karma confetti was wild this month
What changed career-wise if you don’t mind me asking? Always curious what jobs give that final boost people talk about
Did your credit score jump gradually, or was there one month where it just skyrocketed?
 
Major congrats! Hitting the 800s is no joke takes discipline, time, and usually a bit of luck. I remember when I hit 803 last year, i literally refreshed Credit Karma like three times to make sure it was real. Keep riding that wave, and don’t forget to negotiate better rates now. Lenders practically roll out the red carpet for 800+ folks.
 
I love seeing posts like this! You stayed consistent even when your income was low, and that’s no easy feat. Most people underestimate how big of a deal income stability is to credit models. I had a similar experience once i got a steady job, my score just ballooned. You earned this. Celebrate responsibly
 
I’ve been sitting at 792 for months and it’s driving me nuts. You give me hope.......was it a certain credit line increase or just time + income boost that did the trick? Either way hats off to you! Might go check my Experian again right now out of pure jealousy.
 
Curious how long is your average account age? I’m stuck around 740 despite perfect payment history and low utilization. I think it’s because i opened too many new cards for travel hacking. Your story makes me want to slow down and let my accounts age naturally.
 
Not to be that guy… but credit scores are kinda a game. Like why should we have to be perfect little borrowers to get decent treatment from banks? That said you played the game well. Respect where it’s due. Just don’t forget who invented the rules.
 
Bro I literally stopped buying sneakers to get my utilization down. Worth it though jumped from 660 to 790 in a year. Still chasing that 800 mark, but this gives me hope. Big ups to you man.
 
Posts like this hit hard when you’re on the grind. I’m currently juggling two jobs and paying off debt slowly. Knowing there’s light at the end of the tunnel helps. You didn’t give up,and now you’re thriving. Congrats!
 
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