The average credit score in the US is around 692 points. There are many people with bad credit, whose scores can go as low as 350 points. And then, on the other end, are those few with perfect and near perfect credit, who have scores from the high 700s to 800 or more. One half of one percent of consumers have a perfect 850. What distinguishes these few from the pack?

They Don’t Miss Payments. Ever.

Missing payments is the one thing that will do more damage to your credit than any other action. People who attain and keep high scores do so, in part, by making sure that their payment history is flawless.

To keep your credit score climbing, make sure that every bill is paid on time every month. Know how much you earn and where it goes so that a bill never surprises you. Keep an emergency fund so that, if a bill is larger than expected, you have the funds to keep payments up to date.

They Exercise Restraint

Have you ever looked at the latest shiny electronic, a new dress, or any other thing you wanted and thought that you could just put it on a charge card and pay it off later? This is the sort of thinking that, if done too often, can kill your credit score. People with high credit scores never charge anything they can’t pay off in full. They view credit as a tool they use, rather than a crutch. On average, they only use 7% of their revolving credit.

They Have a Mix of Credit Types

Creditors want to see that you can be responsible with both revolving credit and installment loans. By having a mix that includes car loans, credit cards and a mortgage, they maximize their scores.

If you are trying to increase your score and need a new vehicle, consider getting an auto loan. These are relatively easy to get and they can be refinanced as your credit improves. Pay the loan on time every month, otherwise it counts against you instead of in your favor.

They Started Early

The older the oldest entries on your credit report, the higher your record. People with high credit scores, on average, have accounts that are 25 years old or more.

While you can’t go back and change your personal history, you can make positive changes going forward. Many people mistakenly believe that they can raise their credit scores by closing unused accounts. However, what this really does is shorten your available credit history. Make sure that you keep old accounts active by using those cards on a regular basis.

We recommend charging a regular payment, such as your cell phone bill or a health club membership, to your oldest card. Set up automatic payments so that you never forget to pay the bill. This way, you keep the card active without increasing your expenses, and, you make sure that it never goes overdue.

By emulating the people with the top credit scores, you can increase your score and get access to better opportunities.