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Based on information gathered from credit reporting agencies, your FICO® Score ranges from 300 to 850, with 850 considered “perfect.” According to Experian, only 1.54% of Americans have a perfect credit score.

Let’s find out whether a perfect credit score benefits you, and what you should do with it once you achieve it.

Upgrade your credit card

Let’s say you’ve carried the same credit card for years, and while it’s been serviceable, it doesn’t offer many bells and whistles. Now that you’ve hit the perfect mark with your credit score, you’re looking for a card that better suits your needs. While you used to get nervous about applying for new credit, your top-of-the-mountain credit score makes it easy to apply confidently.

Ready for something new? Click here for our picks for the best credit cards.

Refinance high-interest debt

If you’re paying high-interest debt, why? Maybe you took on a loan when you were too young to have much of a credit history, or your credit score once dipped low enough to prevent you from snagging a great rate on a loan or credit card. Now is the time to look into a lower-interest consolidation loan. Here’s how a consolidation loan works:

• You add up how much you owe in high-interest debt. This can include debt of any kind, from credit cards to payday loans.
• You apply for a consolidation loan large enough to pay off each of your existing debts.
• The lender deposits a lump-sum check into your bank account or pays off your old creditors directly.
• Instead of several debts, you’re left with a single lower-interest debt.
• Paying less in interest means saving money over the life of the loan.

While consolidation loans are a great option, they’re not your only option. You can opt for a balance transfer credit card instead. In addition to offering a 0% promotional period, the best balance transfer cards provide cardholders with an excellent array of perks and benefits.

Make a major purchase

If you’ve postponed a significant purchase, there’s no better time to take care of business than when your credit score is at its highest. It’s no secret that lenders reserve the best interest rates for “highly qualified” borrowers.

And unless your credit score is at complete odds with your spending habits (which is doubtful), chances are with a perfect credit score, you’re a highly qualified borrower. Here’s a peek at how much a lower interest rate can save you.

Imagine that Taylor and Cameron each purchase a new car. They’ve negotiated the same sales price, and both plan to finance $30,000 for four years. With a credit score of 650, Taylor’s credit is considered “fair,” and Taylor is offered an interest rate of 9.75%. With a score of 850, Cameron lands an interest rate of 7%. Let’s compare their monthly payments and total interest:

Taylor’s monthly payment may only be $39 higher than Cameron’s, but Taylor pays $1,866 more in interest over 48 months. That’s $1,866 Taylor could have used to pay the balance on their favorite credit card, cover the cost of their auto insurance for one year, or save for a rainy day.

Protect your score

Perfect credit scores don’t just “happen.” You’ve probably worked very hard to get it where it is today. Now that you’ve achieved a perfect score, take steps to protect it.

Here are some of the easiest ways to keep your score healthy:

• Continue to pay bills on time.
• Don’t let debt pile up. Any time you take on new debt, devise a plan to pay it down as quickly as possible.
• Apply for new credit sparingly.
• Keep credit accounts open, even when there’s no balance.
• Review your credit reports regularly. You can order a free copy of your report from the three major credit reporting agencies by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Think twice before cosigning a loan or allowing someone else to become an authorized user on one of your credit accounts.

Whether your credit score has already hit 850 or you’re working to raise your score, congratulations! You’re taking steps to make your financial life a little easier. You may just be surprised by how many doors a strong credit score can open.

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Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.