Data from Fair Isaac Co.–the company behind the formula for determining the typical 300-850 FICO score–indicates that only about 20 percent of Americans have a credit score above 800. Far lower, however, is the percentage of people who have achieved a flawless score of 850: a mere one percent. But those who have yet to attain the ideal credit rating need not worry; doing so is simpler than many might expect. The following are a few strategies that anyone can use to maintain responsible borrowing habits and optimize credit scores.