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Knowing where your credit falls on the credit score range is important. Depending on your scores and ranking, you may receive lower interest rates and may be more likely to be approved for loans and other credit products.

Generally, a credit company or lender will look at both your credit score and your credit report, as well as a variety of other factors (employment status, income, debt levels etc.) to determine your creditworthiness.

You are the only one who can improve your credit scores, this makes understanding your credit that much more important.

Your Credit Score Range is Determined By Two Companies

There are two different credit reporting bureaus in Canada, Equifax and Transunion. Each has its own approach to determining scores.

Of course, you can check your score for free from a lot of third-parties. However, they can calculate your score using their own methods. That means your credit range can shift depending on where you look.

That doesn’t mean that all third-part companies are misleading you. It means that you should get as close to the Equifax or TransUnion scores as you can. You can use Compare Hub, which has the Equifax score and report. You can also pay Equifax or TransUnion to see your real score, range, and report.

Canadian Credit Scores And What They Mean

As we mentioned above, there is no definitive model for what certain credit scores mean to all lenders and creditors. One lender may consider credit scores of 760 to be excellent, while another may consider scores above 780 to be excellent.

It all depends on what scoring model that specific lender uses and how they use it during their approval process. That being said, if you’re interested in knowing what your credit scores mean, here are some general guidelines that can help.

  • Excellent (Scores 760+)
  • Very Good (Scores 759 – 725)
  • Good (Scores 724 – 660)
  • Fair (Scored 659 – 560)
  • Poor (Scores 559 – 300)
Canadian credit score ranges
Free Equifax credit score

What Is A Good Credit Score In Canada?

Good credit scores in Canada are usually 660 or higher. Of course, there are many different types of credit scores and scoring models.

This means that what one lender considers to be a “good” credit score will not be the same for another lender. Furthermore, the credit scores a lender sees are different from those that you might have access to. Additionally, your Equifax credit scores might be different from your TransUnion scores. 

Is 600 A Good Credit Score?

In general, a 600 credit score falls under the “fair” credit score range. With a 600 credit score, you may be able to qualify for a loan with a bank, however, you probably won’t get the most competitive rate.

Borrowers with a 600 credit score may have better luck qualifying for a loan with alternative lenders whose lending criteria are much more lax than banks. 

Is 620 A Good Credit Score?

If you have a 620 credit score, it usually means you have fair credit. While certain lenders may consider your credit score to be risky, keep in mind that credit scores are not the only deciding factor when it comes to loan and credit approval.

Is 750 A Good Credit Score?

A credit score of 750 is considered very good (scores between 725 – 759). In fact, with a credit score of 750, you’re only 10 points away from excellent as credit scores that fall between 760 and 900 are considered excellent.

Is 800 A Good Credit Score?

Credit scores above 759 are considered excellent. Lenders that check credit will be happy to see that you have a high credit score, but ultimately loan approval depends on a variety of factors.

Factors That Can Affect The Calculation Of Your Credit Scores

There are five main factors that can affect the calculation of credit scores. If you’re interested in building your credit, understanding what these factors are can help you create a plan to build healthy credit habits.

Credit Score Calculation

1. Payment History (~35%)

How you manage your payments is one important factor used during the calculation of your credit scores. This includes how many accounts you have open as well as all the positive and negative information about these accounts.

For example, if you make payments on time or late, how often you make late payments, how late the payments were, how much you owe, and whether or not any accounts are delinquent. 

2. Outstanding Debt (~30%)

Sometimes referred to as a credit utilization ratio, many credit scoring models take into account how high your balance is compared to your total available credit limit. Specifically when it comes to revolving credit, for example credit cards and lines of credit. 

3. Length Of Credit History (~15%)

Your credit file includes how old your credit accounts are and will influence the calculation of your credit scores. The importance of this factor will differ depending on the scoring models, but generally speaking, how long your oldest and newest accounts have been open is important.

4. Public Records (~10%)

Public records include bankruptcies, collection issues, liens, lawsuits, etc. Having these types of public records on your credit report may have a negative effect on your credit scores. 

5. Inquires (~10%)

When a creditor or lender checks your credit file (because they are in the process of extending credit to you) it is called an inquiry and is noted in your credit report. These types of credit inquiries (also called hard checks), can impact the calculation of your credit scores. 

How To Read Your Credit Report

Your credit reports contain both personal information and financial information. Your credit reports illustrate who you are as a borrower, both the good and the bad. Checking it allows you to keep an eye on your accounts, make sure there are no errors, and even potentially prevent the damaging effects of fraud. Understanding how to read your credit report can help you take control of your credit and be prepared for any of your future credit needs. 

What Information Appears On Your Credit Reports?

Depending on which credit report you check, from Equifax or TransUnion, you may see any combination of the following information. 

Personal Information

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Current and previous address(s)
  • Current and previous phone number(s) 
  • Social insurance number (SIN)
  • Driver’s licence information
  • Passport number 
  • Current and previous employer(s)

Credit Information

  • Credit accounts and their transaction, including credit cards (retail as well), personal loans, car loans, lines of credit
  • Cell phone and internet accounts
  • Credit requests from creditors, lenders, landlords or employers
  • Bankruptcy, consumer proposals, consolidation, and debt management programs
  • Legal judgements
  • Liens 
  • Credit accounts in collections
  • Closed accounts because of fraud committed by the account holder
  • Fraud alerts
  • Identity verification

Each of your credit accounts will be given a rating that includes a letter and a number.

Letters 

Installment (I)Accounts that receive an “I” are installment-style accounts that are paid off in predetermined fixed amounts. For example, a car loan. 
Open (O)Accounts that receive an “O” are open, meaning you have an open credit account. An example is a credit card bill that you pay at the end of the month.
Revolving (R)Accounts that receive an “R” are considered revolving credit because your payments change based on how much of your limit you borrow. A credit card may receive an “R”.
Mortgage(M)Depending on the credit bureau you pull your report from, your mortgage may or may not show up. If it does, it may be represented by an “M” or potentially an “I” for installment.
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Numbers 

0Account is too new to rate
1Account has been paid off as agreed 
2Late by 31-59 days
3Late by 60-89 days 
4Late by 90-119 days 
5Late by more than 120 days 
6This number is not assigned a value
7Account is associated with consolidation, consumer proposal, or debt management program
8Account associated with a repossession
9Account is in collections or bankruptcy

Credit Improvement

The good news is that the health of your credit is completely in your hands and you have the power to improve it simply through the way you manage your credit products. Responsible use of your credit cards and loans, over time, may improve your credit score and therefore allow you to qualify for other larger loans, for example, a mortgage, in the future.

Credit Score Range FAQs

What is a bad credit score in Canada? 

In Canada, your credit scores can range from 300 to 900. If you have a credit score below 560, it means you have poor credit in the eyes of some lenders and creditors. While a bad credit score may affect your ability to access affordable credit products, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. You can work on building your credit scores by reducing your credit utilization ratio and by paying your bills on time. 

Can I get a free credit score in Canada?

In Canada, consumers can get their credit scores for free from a number of different companies. Equifax offers free credit scores across Canada and TransUnion offers them in Quebec. Many of the major banks offer their clients free credit scores. If your bank does not, you can get your score for free from a third-party provider like Compare Hub, Mogo, Borrowell, or Credit Karma. 

How can I improve my credit score in Canada?

All credit scores react differently. What helps improve your score may not work for someone else. It’s important to build healthy credit habits by always making your payments on time, and keeping your credit utilization ratio low by paying off your credit cards twice a month or by increasing your available limit.

What credit score do I need to get a mortgage?

In order to get approved for a mortgage from a major financial institution in Canada, you should aim to have a credit score of at least 660. If your credit score is lower, you may want to consider waiting to improve your credit or applying for a mortgage from an alternative lender. 

Is 700 a good credit score? 

Yes, a credit score of 700 falls under the “good” credit score range. Remember that lenders and creditors view credit scores ranges differently. Good credit means different things to different creditors.
Caitlin Wood avatar on Loans Canada
Caitlin Wood

Caitlin Wood is the Editor-in-Chief at Loans Canada and specializes in personal finance. She is a graduate of Dawson College and Concordia University and has been working in the personal finance industry for over eight years. Caitlin has covered various subjects such as debt, credit, and loans. Her work has been published on Zoocasa, GoDaddy, and deBanked. She believes that education and knowledge are the two most important factors in the creation of healthy financial habits. She also believes that openly discussing money and credit, and the responsibilities that come with them can lead to better decisions and a greater sense of financial security.

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