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Mortgage & Finance · Credit Score
Canada Credit Score Complete Guide
20–100 Points in 30 Days
The first hurdle of mortgage approval is your credit score. Two bureaus, six factors, and a surprising amount you can change in 30 days.
Credit ScoreEquifaxTransUnionMortgage Prep
How does the Canadian credit score work? What’s a passing number?
Canada has two major credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion, both using a 300–900 range. Per Equifax (2026): 660–724 is good, 725–759 is very good, 760+ is excellent. The two scores typically differ by 10–40 points because lenders report on different cycles. The two biggest score drivers: payment history (35%) and credit utilization (30%). A single 30-day late payment can drop your score by 60–110 points.
Five must-do habits to maintain credit
1
Pay on time, in full, every month — never miss
Payment history is 35% of your score. One 30-day late can cost 60–110 points. Set a pre-authorized payment for at least the minimum so you’re never marked late. Even if you can only manage the minimum during a tight month, paying it on time beats a missed payment.
2
Keep utilization under 30% (ideally 10%)
Utilization is 30%. With a $10,000 limit and $3,500 owing (35%), your score takes a hit. Drop the balance to $1,000 (10% utilization) and your score typically jumps 20–50 points. The fastest short-term fix in mortgage prep is paying down credit-card balances.
3
Keep a healthy credit mix: revolving + installment
Mix is 10%. Holding both revolving credit (credit cards, lines of credit) and installment loans (auto, mortgage, student loans) demonstrates breadth. Newcomers with only credit cards can benefit from a small installment loan to diversify.
4
Keep old accounts open — length matters
Length of history is 15%. Your oldest account anchors your average age. Don’t close old credit cards casually. Keep them with one small annual purchase to stay active. Closing a 5-year card with $0 balance shortens average age and lowers the score.
5
Limit hard inquiries — under 2 in 6 months
Each hard inquiry (credit-card application, loan, mortgage pre-approval) can cost 5–10 points and is a risk flag if frequent. Avoid new card applications in the 6 months before a mortgage application. Soft inquiries (self-checks, employer screens) don’t affect your score.
Three real-world score-recovery scenarios
Past late payments: dispute + pay off
Submit written dispute to both bureaus. Items not verified within 30 days must be removed. Pay outstanding balances. 20–50 point gain typical within 30 days.
Maxed-out cards: emergency utilization fix
Drop balances from 80% to under 10% — typically a 20–60 point gain in 1–2 billing cycles. Use savings to fund the paydown. Fastest known mortgage-prep boost.
Newcomer / no credit: 6–12 month build
Apply for a secured credit card, pay in full and on time, add a small line of credit. Score climbs from 0 to 650+ in 6 months, 720+ in 12 months. Patience compounds.
Five rules I share with mortgage-bound clients
- Start preparing 6 months before mortgage application—score improvement needs time.
- Check both Equifax and TransUnion—Borrowell is free for Equifax, Credit Karma for TransUnion.
- Utilization is the fastest lever—1–2 cycles can deliver 20–60 points.
- Disputes must be in writing—verbal complaints don’t trigger the 30-day verification clock.
- Never close old accounts—use them once a year to keep them active.
Five common credit-score mistakes
- Sticking to minimum payments long-term—interest piles up, utilization stays high.
- Frequent new applications—multiple hard inquiries in a short window are a red flag.
- Closing unused old cards—shortens average history, immediate point hit.
- Ignoring small bills—a $30 phone bill in collections can cost 100+ points.
- Trusting credit-repair companies—they do what you can do for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bureau’s score is more accurate, Equifax or TransUnion?
Both use similar algorithms but pull data on different cycles, so scores typically differ by 10–40 points. GTA mortgage lenders generally favor Equifax. Insurance and online lenders may use TransUnion. Best practice: monitor both.
Does checking my own score lower it?
No. Self-checks are soft inquiries with zero score impact. Borrowell (Equifax) and Credit Karma (TransUnion) offer free monthly checks. Monthly review is enough — daily isn’t necessary.
How long does it take to reach 720 from zero?
Newcomers following best practices: 650+ in 6 months (foundation), 720+ in 12 months (good lender threshold), 760+ in 18–24 months (best rate access). Consistent on-time payments and low utilization compound.
Can a 30-day late payment be fixed?
It stays on your report for 6 years. It can’t be erased, but its impact fades — heaviest in the first 6 months, much milder after 18 months. Continued on-time payments are the only real cure.
Can I get a fast score boost before mortgage approval?
Two reliable methods: (1) drop all card balances under 10% utilization (1–2 cycles, +20–60 points), (2) dispute incorrect items (30-day removal window). Start 2–3 months ahead for safety.
Contact Arthur Zhao
Buying soon but credit isn’t where you want it?
My partner mortgage brokers run a full credit diagnostic plus a step-by-step improvement plan. Start 6–12 months ahead — your pre-approval score may differ by 50+ points.
📞 416-888-6161
🌐 arthurzhao.realtor · ✉️ arthurzhaorealtor@gmail.com
Arthur Zhao · Real Estate Broker · FRI · ABR · SRS · PSA · MCNE · E-PRO · GUILD Elite
VP & Branch Manager, Bay Street Group Inc.
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