The twenty-sixth mile. Perfect sprinkles on a birthday cupcake. A walk down the red carpet to collect an Oscar. The peak of Mount Everest. A perfect credit score.

There’s no need to pay anyone to “repair” your credit; you have all the tools you need to raise your FICO number.

Having a high credit score buys the average consumer more than bragging rights. Read on to find out how else you could benefit from a top-notch credit score.

If there are errors in your credit report (such as incorrect loan balances or missed payments recorded in error), you can dispute them with credit bureaus such as CRIF.

Your credit record could be the silent culprit behind your struggles to secure a loan, credit card, mortgage, or even a basic bank account. If you've been repeatedly turned down for mobile phone contracts or any form of borrowing,