Which of the following is NOT a benefit of having a high credit score?

A high credit score is indeed associated with numerous benefits that can greatly affect an individual's financial wellbeing. These benefits generally include easier loan approvals, lower interest rates on mortgages, and better terms on credit cards. Each of these is a direct advantage stemming from a high credit score, as lenders view individuals with higher scores as less risky borrowers.

In contrast, indicating that more than 40% of income is being spent on debt payments does not reflect a benefit of having a high credit score. Rather, such a high debt-to-income ratio can be a red flag for lenders, suggesting that an individual may be overextended financially, which indicates potential trouble in meeting future obligations. Therefore, while a high credit score might suggest an individual's responsible management of debt, a figure indicating high debt relative to income would likely contrast this positive attribute. Recognizing a debt payment level above 40% as a characteristic tied to a high credit score misinterprets the health of one’s financial habits.