VantageScore grade of "B" is very good

Dear EFF,

Yes, 838 is a very good score. The score you refer to is a VantageScore. It is the only scoring system I am aware of that associates the numbers with a grading scale similar to report card grades in school.

The idea is to help give some context to the numbers by comparing them to something we are all familiar with. It is a good idea and does give you a better idea of what the numbers represent, but it isn’t a perfect comparison.

The VantageScore numbers and grades the ranges compare to are:

901-990     A     Super Prime

801-900     B     Prime Plus

701-800     C     Prime

601-700     D     Non-Prime

501-600     F      High Risk

The third column lists the more common lending terms you may hear and their relative relationship to the VantageScore number and letter scales. As with most other scores, the higher your score, the less risk you represent in terms of lending and the greater likelihood you will get the best rates and terms available.

For more about the VantageScore and what the numbers and letters mean, visit http://www.vantagescore.experian.com.

The key to having good credit scores, no matter what score is used, is to focus on managing your credit wisely rather than getting too hung up on the number, or in this case letter. If you pay your bills on time and keep your balances low, your scores will take care of themselves. Over time your scores will get better.

Thanks for asking.