Canadian Credit Score Ranges: 300-900 Fully Explained

Canadian credit scores run from 300 to 900 — a wider range than the US system. Knowing exactly which band your score falls in tells you what products you qualify for and what interest rates to expect from Canadian lenders.

Excellent: 760-900

If your score is 760 or above, you're in the top tier of Canadian borrowers. Lenders compete for your business. You'll receive the lowest available mortgage rates, instant credit card approvals with high limits, and the best terms on car loans and lines of credit.

• Mortgage: Easy approval, lowest insured and conventional rates
• Best 5-year fixed rate: At or near the best available market rate
• Credit card: Instant approval including premium travel cards with large limits
• Car loan: 0-3% promotional financing from many Canadian dealerships

Very Good: 725-759

The 725-759 range puts you well above average. You'll be approved for nearly every mainstream product. The rate difference from Excellent is small — often only 0.1-0.25% on a mortgage — and a few months of disciplined behaviour can push you into Excellent territory.

Good: 660-724

This is the mainstream approval zone for Canadian lenders. Major banks, credit unions, and online lenders approve borrowers in this range for mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. You may not get the absolute best rate, but you'll have plenty of competitive options.

• CMHC minimum score for insured mortgages: 600
• Most banks prefer 660+ for conventional mortgages (20%+ down)

Fair: 560-659

A fair score limits your options significantly. Major banks may decline or offer elevated rates. Alternative lenders — B lenders, credit unions, or monoline lenders — will often approve at rates 2-4% above prime. This is a fixable situation. Most people in this range can reach Good within 12-18 months of focused effort.

• What helps most: paying down revolving balances, zero late payments
• Available products: Secured credit cards, some auto loans, B-lender mortgages

Poor: 300-559

Below 560, mainstream credit is largely unavailable. You'll face high-rate lenders or need a co-signer. Bankruptcy, consumer proposals, or multiple collections are the most common drivers of scores this low. Recovery is possible but takes time: stabilize first, then rebuild with positive data. KOHO Credit Building is one of the fastest entry points.

Average Credit Scores in Canada by Age

How to Move Up a Range

• Fair to Good: Reduce utilization below 30%, make 6-12 months of on-time payments, dispute any errors on your report
• Good to Very Good: Lower utilization below 10%, avoid hard inquiries for 6+ months
• Very Good to Excellent: Perfect payment history, aged accounts, minimal utilization — time is your main tool here