What Is a Good Credit Score in Canada 2026: Ranges, Lenders, and What You Need to Qualify

A good credit score in Canada in 2026 sits in the 660–724 range on the standard 300–900 scale used by Equifax and TransUnion. That band is enough to get approved for most credit cards, auto loans, and standard mortgages — but it is not the top tier. Knowing exactly where lenders draw the line matters more than ever, because approval thresholds have tightened and scoring models are refreshed more frequently.

The Canadian Credit Score Scale in 2026

Both major bureaus still score on 300–900. The practical breakdown:

- 300–559: poor. Subprime rates, deposits required, many rejections.

- 560–659: fair. Approvals possible but with higher interest.

- 660–724: good. Standard products, competitive rates.

- 725–759: very good. Better pricing, fewer conditions.

- 760–900: excellent. Best rates, premium cards, fast approvals.

So a good credit score in Canada starts at roughly 660. If your file shows 700+, you are comfortably inside the "good" band and most prime lenders will work with you.

Where Lenders Set Their Cutoffs

Mortgage qualifying is the clearest benchmark. Most A-lenders want a minimum of 680 for a standard insured mortgage, while 720+ unlocks the sharpest rates. Alternative lenders accept down to 600, but expect fees and tighter terms.

For credit cards, premium travel and rewards products typically require 700–720. Store cards and secured cards approve from 560 upward. Auto financing is more forgiving: prime rates usually begin around 650, and subprime channels handle anything below that.

One 2026 detail worth noting: employment and income verification now weighs more heavily than a decade ago. A 710 score with unstable income can lose to a 680 with five years of steady employment.

How to Move Your Score Up

Payment history is about 35% of the calculation — never miss a minimum payment. Credit utilization is roughly 30%, so keep balances under 30% of your limits, ideally under 10%. Keep older accounts open to preserve length of history. Limit hard inquiries to one or two per year. Check both Equifax and TransUnion reports annually; errors are common and disputes are free.

Conclusion

A good credit score in Canada in 2026 means 660 or higher, with 700+ putting you in strong territory and 760+ in the top band. The number is not fixed — six to twelve months of clean payments and lower utilization can move you a tier. Know your current score, fix reporting errors, and target the threshold that matches your next financial goal.

Check your score with both Equifax and TransUnion today, then set a 12-month target — if you are below 660, focus on utilization and payment history first. Перейти к подборке →