Tom Markham
Chief Commercial Officer at ClearScore
What is a good credit score in Canada? Credit score ranges explained
27 October 2026
11 min read
Contents
What is a good credit score in Canada?What is a good credit score in Canada?Credit score range Canada: understanding the numbersWhat is a good credit score in Canada?What is a bad credit score?Equifax credit score range vs TransUnion credit score rangeWhat affects your credit score in Canada?How to improve a bad or fair credit scoreHow to check your credit score and credit report for freeHow to protect your credit score and identityDoes your credit score affect loans, credit cards, and car finance?Common questions about good and bad credit scoresKey takeaways: what is a good credit score in Canada?What is a good credit score in Canada?
Understanding where your score sits on the Canadian scale, and how ClearScore can help you track it for free.
Key takeaways
In Canada, credit scores generally range from 300 to 900, and a higher score suggests lower risk to a lender[^2].
Scores of about 660 or higher are often described as good, while scores in the 750 to 900 area are often described as excellent[^1].
"Bad credit score" is a common phrase for a lower score. It describes a point in time, not who you are.
No single score guarantees approval. Lenders also look at your income, debts, payment history and application details.
Paying on time, keeping balances low and limiting new applications are the habits most often linked to stronger credit[^2].
With ClearScore, you can check your TransUnion credit score and full credit report for free, as often as you like, without affecting your score.
Concise summary
In Canada, credit scores usually run from 300 to 900. A score of roughly 660 or above is generally viewed as good, and 750 or above is often called excellent, while lower scores may make some applications harder or lead to less favourable terms[^1]. These ranges are a guide, not a rule, because credit bureaus use different scoring models and every lender sets its own criteria.
What is a good credit score in Canada?
What is a credit score?
Your credit score is a three-digit number based on the information in your credit report. It gives lenders a quick snapshot of how you have managed borrowing in the past.
A credit bureau is a company that collects information about your borrowing and payment history to create your credit report. Canada has two main credit bureaus: Equifax Canada and TransUnion.
How credit scores work in Canada
Canadian scores typically sit between 300 and 900. Higher scores suggest lower lending risk. Scores tend to rise with on-time payments and steady credit use, and fall after missed payments or heavy debt[^2].
Why credit scores matter
A stronger score may make it easier to qualify for a credit card, loan, line of credit, mortgage or rental. A lower score can make approval harder and may lead to higher interest rates[^1].
Equifax and TransUnion: what is the difference?
Both bureaus build a credit report from information supplied by lenders. They do not always hold identical information, and they use different scoring models, so your two scores may not match.
Credit score range Canada: understanding the numbers
Equifax Canada credit score range
Credit score range | General rating |
|---|---|
| Credit score range 300-559 | General rating Poor |
| Credit score range 560-659 | General rating Fair |
| Credit score range 660-724 | General rating Good |
| Credit score range 725-759 | General rating Very good |
| Credit score range 760-900 | General rating Excellent |
Credit score ranges explained
These labels are useful for orientation. They tell you roughly where you sit, not what any particular lender will decide.
Why credit score ranges can vary
Each bureau uses its own model, and lenders may run their own internal scoring too. The same person can be rated differently in different places.
Does a higher credit score always mean better approval odds?
Not automatically. A higher score may help, but affordability matters as well. If your income or existing debt does not support the repayments, a high score alone may not be enough.
What is a good credit score in Canada?
What is considered a good credit score?
As a broad guide, 660 or higher is commonly described as good. Federal guidance has also referred to scores of 600 or higher as good and 750 or higher as excellent, which shows how definitions can shift between sources[^1].
Is 700 a good credit score?
Yes, 700 sits comfortably inside the good range. The FCAC's report on its 2019 Canadian Financial Capability Survey notes that average credit scores range around 650 to 725[^3].
Is 750 a good credit score?
A score of 750 sits in the very good band on the Equifax scale, where excellent begins at 760.
What is an excellent credit score?
Scores from roughly 760 to 900 are usually labelled excellent.
What's a good credit score for a mortgage, car loan, or credit card?
It depends on the lender and the product. Some mortgage lenders have been reported to look for at least 680 for their best rates[^4]. Credit cards and car finance vary widely.
What is a bad credit score?
What is a bad credit score in Canada?
"Bad credit score" is a common way to describe a lower score, often below 560 on the Equifax scale. It does not describe who you are or your ability to improve your habits.
Is a credit score below 600 bad?
A score below 600 generally falls in the fair or poor bands. TransUnion has treated scores below 650 as potentially problematic for new credit[^4], but many people in this range still borrow successfully.
What happens if you have a bad credit score?
You may face fewer options, smaller limits or higher interest rates. Poor credit can make it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards, leases or mortgages[^1].
Can you get a credit card or loan with bad credit?
It may be possible, though terms may be less favourable and any decision rests on the lender's own checks, including affordability. Secured credit cards and smaller limits are common starting points.
What is the difference between bad credit and no credit?
Bad credit means your report shows difficulties. No credit, sometimes called a thin file, means there is little history to score at all.
Equifax credit score range vs TransUnion credit score range
What is the Equifax Canada credit score range?
Equifax Canada uses the 300 to 900 scale shown in the table above.
What is the TransUnion Canada credit score range?
TransUnion Canada also uses a 300 to 900 scale, but its bands differ:
Credit score range | General rating |
|---|---|
| Credit score range 300-599 | General rating Poor |
| Credit score range 600-649 | General rating Fair |
| Credit score range 650-719 | General rating Good |
| Credit score range 720-799 | General rating Very good |
| Credit score range 800-900 | General rating Excellent |
Why are my Equifax and TransUnion scores different?
Lenders do not always report to both bureaus, and the models differ. CBC documented one case where Equifax showed 526, rated poor, while TransUnion showed 676, rated good, for the same person[^5]. That gap came from a confirmed reporting error rather than from routine differences between the bureaus.
Which credit score do Canadian lenders use?
It varies. Some use one bureau, some use both, and some blend bureau data with their own scoring.
How often do credit scores change?
Your score can change whenever lenders report new information, often monthly.
What affects your credit score in Canada?
Factor | What it looks at | Possible effect |
|---|---|---|
| Factor Payment history | What it looks at Whether you pay on time | Possible effect Often the largest influence |
| Factor Credit utilization | What it looks at How much of your limit you use | Possible effect High balances may lower your score |
| Factor Length of history | What it looks at How long accounts have been open | Possible effect Longer history may help |
| Factor Types of credit | What it looks at Cards, loans, lines of credit | Possible effect A healthy mix may help modestly |
| Factor New applications | What it looks at Recent hard credit checks | Possible effect Several at once may lower it |
| Factor Collections and public records | What it looks at Unpaid debts, bankruptcy | Possible effect Can weigh heavily for years |
Payment history. Paying on time is the habit most consistently linked to stronger scores[^2].
Credit utilization ratio. Credit utilization is how much of your available revolving credit you are using. If you have a $1,000 limit and owe $300, that is 30%.
Length of credit history. Older accounts give lenders more to assess.
Types of credit. Managing different kinds of credit well may support your profile.
New credit applications. Each hard check leaves a mark. Several in a short window may suggest strain.
Public records and accounts in collections. These can stay on your report for years, depending on your province and the type of record.
Why missed payments can affect your score. Missed payments signal repayment risk, which is exactly what a score tries to measure[^2].
How to improve a bad or fair credit score
Progress can happen gradually. Consistent habits matter more than quick fixes.
Pay every bill on time. Set up automatic minimum payments so nothing slips.
Credit utilization. Many people aim to stay well below their limit.
Paying more than the minimum. This reduces balances faster.
Limit hard credit checks. Avoid unnecessary applications, though the FCAC notes that multiple mortgage or car loan inquiries made within a two-week window are usually counted as a single inquiry.
Older accounts. Closing a long-standing card can shorten your history.
Check your credit report for errors. Dispute anything inaccurate with the bureau.
Deal with accounts in collections. Contact the creditor to agree on a plan.
Secured credit cards. A deposit backs the limit, which can help build history. Eligibility and terms depend on the lender.
How long does it take to improve a credit score? There is no set timeline. Changes appear as lenders report updates, and sustained habits tend to matter more than any single month.
How to check your credit score and credit report for free
How to get your credit report in Canada
You can request your report directly from Equifax Canada and TransUnion. The FCAC explains your right to access it[^2].
How to check your credit score without affecting it
Checking your own score is a soft credit check. It does not affect your score.
What is a soft credit check?
A soft check happens when you or certain companies view your report for non-lending purposes. Only hard checks, usually tied to applications, are visible to lenders.
How often should you monitor your credit?
Monthly is a reasonable rhythm for most people. More often is fine if you are watching for fraud.
What to look for on your credit report
Accounts you do not recognize
Balances or limits that look wrong
Payments marked late that you made on time
Outdated personal information
How ClearScore helps you monitor your credit health
ClearScore gives you free access to your TransUnion credit score and full credit report. You can see what shapes your score and track changes over time. ClearScore does not lend money or decide applications, and it cannot change the information lenders report.
How to protect your credit score and identity
Signs of identity theft or credit fraud: accounts, addresses or applications you do not recognize.
How to spot unfamiliar activity: review the inquiries section of your report alongside your account list.
What to do if you suspect identity theft: contact the lender, notify Equifax Canada and TransUnion, consider a fraud alert, and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
How dark web monitoring can help: it may flag if your details appear in a known breach, giving you time to change passwords.
How credit report alerts can help: alerts tell you when something changes, so you can act quickly.
Does your credit score affect loans, credit cards, and car finance?
Lenders weigh your score alongside income, existing debt and repayment history.
Personal loans: score and affordability both influence the rate offered.
Debt consolidation: a lower score may limit options or raise the cost.
Credit cards: premium cards usually expect stronger scores.
Car finance: terms vary by lender, deposit and vehicle.
Comparing offers: eligibility tools typically use soft checks, so browsing need not affect your score.
Pre-approval: an indication based on limited information, not a firm offer, and acceptance still depends on the lender's final checks. A full application still involves a hard check.
Common questions about good and bad credit scores
What is a good credit score? Generally 660 or higher on the 300 to 900 scale[^1].
What is a bad credit score? Usually below 560, often called poor.
Is 700 a good credit score in Canada? Yes, it sits within the good range.
Is 600 a bad credit score? It falls in the fair band. Some lenders may still approve you.
Is 800 a good credit score? It is in the excellent range.
What is the highest credit score in Canada? 900, though very few people reach it.
How long does it take to build good credit? It varies with your history and habits.
Can checking my credit score lower it? No. Checking your own score is a soft check.
Why did my credit score go down? Common reasons include a late payment, a higher balance or a new application[^2].
Can I improve my credit score quickly? There is no shortcut, but consistent payments may help over time.
Do lenders look at my credit report or just my score? Most review both, plus your income and debts.
Is ClearScore free? Yes, ClearScore is free to use in Canada.
Does using ClearScore affect my score? No. Viewing your own report is a soft check.
Which bureau does ClearScore show? Your TransUnion credit score and report.
Key takeaways: what is a good credit score in Canada?
Canadian credit scores run from 300 to 900. Scores of 660 or higher are generally considered good, 760 and above excellent, and below 560 poor[^1][^2]. These bands are a guide, not a verdict, because bureaus and lenders assess information differently.
If your score is lower than you hoped, the things within your control include paying on time, keeping balances low, spacing out applications and checking your report for errors.
Check your TransUnion credit score and full credit report for free with ClearScore, and track your progress over time.
[^1]: Office of Consumer Affairs, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada - https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/office-consumer-affairs/en/money-debt-and-giving/six-steps-get-out-debt
[^2]: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/credit-reports-score/credit-report-score-basics.html
[^3]: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, Canadian Financial Capability Survey 2019 - https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/programs/research/canadian-financial-capability-survey-2019.html
[^4]: CBC News - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/how-to-check-your-credit-report-1.1185975
[^5]: CBC News - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/erroneous-poor-credit-report-equifax-1.6917691
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Individual financial circumstances vary, and you may wish to seek independent advice before making financial decisions. Information is accurate at the time of writing and may change.
Tom Markham
Chief Commercial Officer at ClearScore
27 October 2026
11 min read
Contents
What is a good credit score in Canada?What is a good credit score in Canada?Credit score range Canada: understanding the numbersWhat is a good credit score in Canada?What is a bad credit score?Equifax credit score range vs TransUnion credit score rangeWhat affects your credit score in Canada?How to improve a bad or fair credit scoreHow to check your credit score and credit report for freeHow to protect your credit score and identityDoes your credit score affect loans, credit cards, and car finance?Common questions about good and bad credit scoresKey takeaways: what is a good credit score in Canada?Meet the author
Chief Commercial Officer at ClearScore
Tom Markham
Tom is Chief Commercial Officer at ClearScore, with over 18 years in financial services. He leads partnerships that help millions get access to the right credit, and writes to help you understand your score and find the products that fit.
What is a good credit score in Canada? Credit score ranges explained
Tom Markham
Chief Commercial Officer at ClearScore
27 October 2026
11 min read
Contents
What is a good credit score in Canada?What is a good credit score in Canada?Credit score range Canada: understanding the numbersWhat is a good credit score in Canada?What is a bad credit score?Equifax credit score range vs TransUnion credit score rangeWhat affects your credit score in Canada?How to improve a bad or fair credit scoreHow to check your credit score and credit report for freeHow to protect your credit score and identityDoes your credit score affect loans, credit cards, and car finance?Common questions about good and bad credit scoresKey takeaways: what is a good credit score in Canada?What is a good credit score in Canada?
Understanding where your score sits on the Canadian scale, and how ClearScore can help you track it for free.
Key takeaways
In Canada, credit scores generally range from 300 to 900, and a higher score suggests lower risk to a lender[^2].
Scores of about 660 or higher are often described as good, while scores in the 750 to 900 area are often described as excellent[^1].
"Bad credit score" is a common phrase for a lower score. It describes a point in time, not who you are.
No single score guarantees approval. Lenders also look at your income, debts, payment history and application details.
Paying on time, keeping balances low and limiting new applications are the habits most often linked to stronger credit[^2].
With ClearScore, you can check your TransUnion credit score and full credit report for free, as often as you like, without affecting your score.
Concise summary
In Canada, credit scores usually run from 300 to 900. A score of roughly 660 or above is generally viewed as good, and 750 or above is often called excellent, while lower scores may make some applications harder or lead to less favourable terms[^1]. These ranges are a guide, not a rule, because credit bureaus use different scoring models and every lender sets its own criteria.
What is a good credit score in Canada?
What is a credit score?
Your credit score is a three-digit number based on the information in your credit report. It gives lenders a quick snapshot of how you have managed borrowing in the past.
A credit bureau is a company that collects information about your borrowing and payment history to create your credit report. Canada has two main credit bureaus: Equifax Canada and TransUnion.
How credit scores work in Canada
Canadian scores typically sit between 300 and 900. Higher scores suggest lower lending risk. Scores tend to rise with on-time payments and steady credit use, and fall after missed payments or heavy debt[^2].
Why credit scores matter
A stronger score may make it easier to qualify for a credit card, loan, line of credit, mortgage or rental. A lower score can make approval harder and may lead to higher interest rates[^1].
Equifax and TransUnion: what is the difference?
Both bureaus build a credit report from information supplied by lenders. They do not always hold identical information, and they use different scoring models, so your two scores may not match.
Credit score range Canada: understanding the numbers
Equifax Canada credit score range
Credit score range | General rating |
|---|---|
| Credit score range 300-559 | General rating Poor |
| Credit score range 560-659 | General rating Fair |
| Credit score range 660-724 | General rating Good |
| Credit score range 725-759 | General rating Very good |
| Credit score range 760-900 | General rating Excellent |
Credit score ranges explained
These labels are useful for orientation. They tell you roughly where you sit, not what any particular lender will decide.
Why credit score ranges can vary
Each bureau uses its own model, and lenders may run their own internal scoring too. The same person can be rated differently in different places.
Does a higher credit score always mean better approval odds?
Not automatically. A higher score may help, but affordability matters as well. If your income or existing debt does not support the repayments, a high score alone may not be enough.
What is a good credit score in Canada?
What is considered a good credit score?
As a broad guide, 660 or higher is commonly described as good. Federal guidance has also referred to scores of 600 or higher as good and 750 or higher as excellent, which shows how definitions can shift between sources[^1].
Is 700 a good credit score?
Yes, 700 sits comfortably inside the good range. The FCAC's report on its 2019 Canadian Financial Capability Survey notes that average credit scores range around 650 to 725[^3].
Is 750 a good credit score?
A score of 750 sits in the very good band on the Equifax scale, where excellent begins at 760.
What is an excellent credit score?
Scores from roughly 760 to 900 are usually labelled excellent.
What's a good credit score for a mortgage, car loan, or credit card?
It depends on the lender and the product. Some mortgage lenders have been reported to look for at least 680 for their best rates[^4]. Credit cards and car finance vary widely.
What is a bad credit score?
What is a bad credit score in Canada?
"Bad credit score" is a common way to describe a lower score, often below 560 on the Equifax scale. It does not describe who you are or your ability to improve your habits.
Is a credit score below 600 bad?
A score below 600 generally falls in the fair or poor bands. TransUnion has treated scores below 650 as potentially problematic for new credit[^4], but many people in this range still borrow successfully.
What happens if you have a bad credit score?
You may face fewer options, smaller limits or higher interest rates. Poor credit can make it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards, leases or mortgages[^1].
Can you get a credit card or loan with bad credit?
It may be possible, though terms may be less favourable and any decision rests on the lender's own checks, including affordability. Secured credit cards and smaller limits are common starting points.
What is the difference between bad credit and no credit?
Bad credit means your report shows difficulties. No credit, sometimes called a thin file, means there is little history to score at all.
Equifax credit score range vs TransUnion credit score range
What is the Equifax Canada credit score range?
Equifax Canada uses the 300 to 900 scale shown in the table above.
What is the TransUnion Canada credit score range?
TransUnion Canada also uses a 300 to 900 scale, but its bands differ:
Credit score range | General rating |
|---|---|
| Credit score range 300-599 | General rating Poor |
| Credit score range 600-649 | General rating Fair |
| Credit score range 650-719 | General rating Good |
| Credit score range 720-799 | General rating Very good |
| Credit score range 800-900 | General rating Excellent |
Why are my Equifax and TransUnion scores different?
Lenders do not always report to both bureaus, and the models differ. CBC documented one case where Equifax showed 526, rated poor, while TransUnion showed 676, rated good, for the same person[^5]. That gap came from a confirmed reporting error rather than from routine differences between the bureaus.
Which credit score do Canadian lenders use?
It varies. Some use one bureau, some use both, and some blend bureau data with their own scoring.
How often do credit scores change?
Your score can change whenever lenders report new information, often monthly.
What affects your credit score in Canada?
Factor | What it looks at | Possible effect |
|---|---|---|
| Factor Payment history | What it looks at Whether you pay on time | Possible effect Often the largest influence |
| Factor Credit utilization | What it looks at How much of your limit you use | Possible effect High balances may lower your score |
| Factor Length of history | What it looks at How long accounts have been open | Possible effect Longer history may help |
| Factor Types of credit | What it looks at Cards, loans, lines of credit | Possible effect A healthy mix may help modestly |
| Factor New applications | What it looks at Recent hard credit checks | Possible effect Several at once may lower it |
| Factor Collections and public records | What it looks at Unpaid debts, bankruptcy | Possible effect Can weigh heavily for years |
Payment history. Paying on time is the habit most consistently linked to stronger scores[^2].
Credit utilization ratio. Credit utilization is how much of your available revolving credit you are using. If you have a $1,000 limit and owe $300, that is 30%.
Length of credit history. Older accounts give lenders more to assess.
Types of credit. Managing different kinds of credit well may support your profile.
New credit applications. Each hard check leaves a mark. Several in a short window may suggest strain.
Public records and accounts in collections. These can stay on your report for years, depending on your province and the type of record.
Why missed payments can affect your score. Missed payments signal repayment risk, which is exactly what a score tries to measure[^2].
How to improve a bad or fair credit score
Progress can happen gradually. Consistent habits matter more than quick fixes.
Pay every bill on time. Set up automatic minimum payments so nothing slips.
Credit utilization. Many people aim to stay well below their limit.
Paying more than the minimum. This reduces balances faster.
Limit hard credit checks. Avoid unnecessary applications, though the FCAC notes that multiple mortgage or car loan inquiries made within a two-week window are usually counted as a single inquiry.
Older accounts. Closing a long-standing card can shorten your history.
Check your credit report for errors. Dispute anything inaccurate with the bureau.
Deal with accounts in collections. Contact the creditor to agree on a plan.
Secured credit cards. A deposit backs the limit, which can help build history. Eligibility and terms depend on the lender.
How long does it take to improve a credit score? There is no set timeline. Changes appear as lenders report updates, and sustained habits tend to matter more than any single month.
How to check your credit score and credit report for free
How to get your credit report in Canada
You can request your report directly from Equifax Canada and TransUnion. The FCAC explains your right to access it[^2].
How to check your credit score without affecting it
Checking your own score is a soft credit check. It does not affect your score.
What is a soft credit check?
A soft check happens when you or certain companies view your report for non-lending purposes. Only hard checks, usually tied to applications, are visible to lenders.
How often should you monitor your credit?
Monthly is a reasonable rhythm for most people. More often is fine if you are watching for fraud.
What to look for on your credit report
Accounts you do not recognize
Balances or limits that look wrong
Payments marked late that you made on time
Outdated personal information
How ClearScore helps you monitor your credit health
ClearScore gives you free access to your TransUnion credit score and full credit report. You can see what shapes your score and track changes over time. ClearScore does not lend money or decide applications, and it cannot change the information lenders report.
How to protect your credit score and identity
Signs of identity theft or credit fraud: accounts, addresses or applications you do not recognize.
How to spot unfamiliar activity: review the inquiries section of your report alongside your account list.
What to do if you suspect identity theft: contact the lender, notify Equifax Canada and TransUnion, consider a fraud alert, and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
How dark web monitoring can help: it may flag if your details appear in a known breach, giving you time to change passwords.
How credit report alerts can help: alerts tell you when something changes, so you can act quickly.
Does your credit score affect loans, credit cards, and car finance?
Lenders weigh your score alongside income, existing debt and repayment history.
Personal loans: score and affordability both influence the rate offered.
Debt consolidation: a lower score may limit options or raise the cost.
Credit cards: premium cards usually expect stronger scores.
Car finance: terms vary by lender, deposit and vehicle.
Comparing offers: eligibility tools typically use soft checks, so browsing need not affect your score.
Pre-approval: an indication based on limited information, not a firm offer, and acceptance still depends on the lender's final checks. A full application still involves a hard check.
Common questions about good and bad credit scores
What is a good credit score? Generally 660 or higher on the 300 to 900 scale[^1].
What is a bad credit score? Usually below 560, often called poor.
Is 700 a good credit score in Canada? Yes, it sits within the good range.
Is 600 a bad credit score? It falls in the fair band. Some lenders may still approve you.
Is 800 a good credit score? It is in the excellent range.
What is the highest credit score in Canada? 900, though very few people reach it.
How long does it take to build good credit? It varies with your history and habits.
Can checking my credit score lower it? No. Checking your own score is a soft check.
Why did my credit score go down? Common reasons include a late payment, a higher balance or a new application[^2].
Can I improve my credit score quickly? There is no shortcut, but consistent payments may help over time.
Do lenders look at my credit report or just my score? Most review both, plus your income and debts.
Is ClearScore free? Yes, ClearScore is free to use in Canada.
Does using ClearScore affect my score? No. Viewing your own report is a soft check.
Which bureau does ClearScore show? Your TransUnion credit score and report.
Key takeaways: what is a good credit score in Canada?
Canadian credit scores run from 300 to 900. Scores of 660 or higher are generally considered good, 760 and above excellent, and below 560 poor[^1][^2]. These bands are a guide, not a verdict, because bureaus and lenders assess information differently.
If your score is lower than you hoped, the things within your control include paying on time, keeping balances low, spacing out applications and checking your report for errors.
Check your TransUnion credit score and full credit report for free with ClearScore, and track your progress over time.
[^1]: Office of Consumer Affairs, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada - https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/office-consumer-affairs/en/money-debt-and-giving/six-steps-get-out-debt
[^2]: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/credit-reports-score/credit-report-score-basics.html
[^3]: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, Canadian Financial Capability Survey 2019 - https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/programs/research/canadian-financial-capability-survey-2019.html
[^4]: CBC News - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/how-to-check-your-credit-report-1.1185975
[^5]: CBC News - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/erroneous-poor-credit-report-equifax-1.6917691
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Individual financial circumstances vary, and you may wish to seek independent advice before making financial decisions. Information is accurate at the time of writing and may change.
Tom Markham
Chief Commercial Officer at ClearScore
27 October 2026
11 min read
Contents
What is a good credit score in Canada?What is a good credit score in Canada?Credit score range Canada: understanding the numbersWhat is a good credit score in Canada?What is a bad credit score?Equifax credit score range vs TransUnion credit score rangeWhat affects your credit score in Canada?How to improve a bad or fair credit scoreHow to check your credit score and credit report for freeHow to protect your credit score and identityDoes your credit score affect loans, credit cards, and car finance?Common questions about good and bad credit scoresKey takeaways: what is a good credit score in Canada?Meet the author
Chief Commercial Officer at ClearScore
Tom Markham
Tom is Chief Commercial Officer at ClearScore, with over 18 years in financial services. He leads partnerships that help millions get access to the right credit, and writes to help you understand your score and find the products that fit.