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Canadian credit scores generally run from 300 to 900, and higher is better. But "good" depends on the lender and what you're applying for. Here's how Equifax describes the score bands, what lenders typically look for, and why your habits matter more than a specific number.
Key takeaways
- The range: Canadian scores generally run 300 to 900.
- Equifax bands: 660 to 724 is good, 725 to 759 very good, and 760 to 900 excellent.
- Each lender sets its own criteria, so no score guarantees approval.
- Focus on habits: on-time payments and low utilization matter more than chasing a number.
The range
Canadian scores generally run 300 to 900. The FCAC confirms this range, and checking your own score doesn't affect it.
Good vs excellent
Many sources describe scores in the upper 600s and above as good, and the high 700s and above as very good or excellent, but each lender sets its own criteria.
Equifax score bands
| Score | Equifax rating |
|---|---|
| 300 to 559 | Poor |
| 560 to 659 | Fair |
| 660 to 724 | Good |
| 725 to 759 | Very good |
| 760 to 900 | Excellent |
TransUnion uses its own descriptions, and lenders may use different scoring models.
What a good score can help with
- Better chances of approval for credit cards and loans.
- Access to lower interest rates.
- Easier mortgage and car loan applications.
- Some landlords and employers may check credit with permission.
Focus on habits
On-time payments and low utilization matter more than chasing a specific number.
Step by step: move up a band
- Check your Equifax and TransUnion scores for free through Borrowell and Credit Karma.
- Review your reports for errors and dispute any mistakes.
- Set up automatic payments on every account.
- Keep balances below 35% of your limits, as the FCAC suggests.
- Avoid unnecessary credit applications.
- Recheck in a few months.
See how to improve your credit score in Canada.
Why scores differ between apps
Equifax and TransUnion keep separate files, and lenders may use different scoring models. Your Borrowell score may differ from your Credit Karma score or your bank's score. See Equifax vs TransUnion.
Is a perfect score necessary?
No. Once you're in the higher bands, small increases often make little practical difference. Lenders also consider income, debts and employment.
What can lower your score
- Late or missed payments.
- High balances relative to limits.
- Many recent credit applications.
- Collections or bankruptcy.
Late payments can stay on your report for up to six years. See how long late payments stay.
Newcomers and young adults
If you're new to credit, you may have no score yet. Starting with a secured or newcomer card and paying on time builds a score over months. See how to build credit as a newcomer.
Check regularly
Checking monthly helps you spot errors or fraud early. Free tools make this easy and don't affect your score.
What lenders look at besides your score
Your score is only one part of a lender's decision. Lenders also consider your income, employment, existing debts, the size and type of credit you're asking for, and your history with them. For mortgages, they look at debt service ratios, which compare your housing and other debt costs with your income. A strong score helps, but it can't make up for an income that doesn't support the loan.
What a low score means
A score in the poor or fair bands doesn't mean you can't get credit, but you may face fewer options, lower limits or higher interest rates. A secured card or a smaller loan, paid on time, can help rebuild. Avoid high-cost lenders where possible, and read terms carefully.
Score changes are normal
Your score can move up or down by a few points from week to week as balances change and accounts report. Don't worry about small swings. Look for steady improvement over several months, and investigate sudden large drops, which could signal a late payment, a high balance or an error on your report.
How to read your score
When you check your score, look at the factors listed, such as payment history, utilization and recent inquiries. These show where you can improve. A score alone doesn't tell you why it's high or low.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good credit score in Canada?
Equifax describes 660 to 724 as good, 725 to 759 as very good and 760 to 900 as excellent. Lenders set their own criteria.
What is the credit score range in Canada?
Canadian credit scores generally range from 300 to 900.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage in Canada?
It depends on the lender and type of mortgage. Higher scores generally help with approval and rates, but income and debts also matter.
Does checking my credit score lower it?
No. Checking your own score doesn't affect it, according to the FCAC.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.
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