How to Get Your Credit Score Canada

how to get your credit score canada

If you’ve ever wondered “how to get your credit score Canada”, you’re not alone. Thousands of Canadians check their credit score every month to understand where they stand financially. Your credit score plays a key role in loan approvals, interest rates, rental applications, and even some job opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

What a credit score is in Canada
How to get your credit score (free and paid options)
The difference between your credit report and score
How to get your credit score for free
How to raise your score fast if it’s low
How lenders like SimplePrêt view your credit

What Is a Credit Score in Canada?

A credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 900 that reflects your financial reliability. The score is based on your past borrowing behaviour, repayment history, and overall credit health.

Credit score ranges in Canada:

300–559: Poor
560–659: Fair
660–724: Good
725–759: Very Good
760–900: Excellent

The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for loans with lower interest rates.

Credit Report vs. Credit Score

Many Canadians confuse credit score with credit report. Here’s the difference:

Credit report: A full record of your credit accounts, payment history, and inquiries.
Credit score: A three-digit number calculated from the data in your credit report.

When you check your credit score in Canada, you usually get access to both.

How to Get Your Credit Score in Canada

There are four main ways Canadians can check their credit score:

1. Through Canada’s Credit Bureaus

Canada has two official credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion.

Equifax Canada: Provides free credit reports once a year by mail. Paid subscriptions allow ongoing monitoring.
TransUnion Canada: Offers online access to scores and detailed reports.

Both bureaus allow you to request your credit report for free once a year.

2. Through Your Bank

Several major Canadian banks now provide free credit score access via online banking apps:

RBC
BMO
Scotiabank
CIBC
TD Bank

If you’re already a customer, this is the most convenient way to check.

3. Through Free Apps

Apps like Borrowell, Credit Karma, and Mogo let you monitor your score at no cost.

They use data from Equifax or TransUnion
Updated monthly
Free to use with no impact on your score

4. Through Lenders Like SimplePrêt

When you apply for a loan with SimplePrêt, your credit information is checked as part of the process. The difference? SimplePrêt offers approvals even for people with poor credit, making it an inclusive option for Canadians needing fast loans.

How to Get Your Credit Score for Free in Canada

Most Canadians prefer free ways to check their credit score. Here’s how:

Equifax & TransUnion → One free report each year
Banking apps → Free for customers
Apps (Borrowell, Credit Karma, Mogo) → Unlimited free checks

👉 Important: Checking your own credit score is a soft inquiry. It does not affect your score.

How to Get Your Credit Score Up Fast in Canada

If your score isn’t where you want it to be, don’t panic. There are strategies to improve it:

Pay your bills on time – Payment history is the #1 factor.
Lower your credit utilization ratio – Keep balances below 30% of your available credit.
Avoid frequent applications – Too many hard inquiries lower your score.
Keep old accounts open – A longer credit history improves your rating.
Check for errors – Mistakes on your credit report are more common than you think.

💡 Pro tip: Even small consistent improvements make a big difference over 6–12 months.

Why Your Credit Score Matters

Your credit score affects almost every financial decision in Canada:

Mortgages – Better scores = lower interest rates.
Car loans – Lower scores may mean higher rates or outright rejection.
Credit cards – Premium rewards cards often require scores of 700+.
Rental housing – Landlords often request credit checks.
Employment – Some employers (especially in finance) may review your credit history.

Lenders like SimplePrêt don’t rely solely on credit scores. They also consider your income, repayment ability, and financial stability.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Credit Score in Canada?

Apps and banks → Instant results
Credit bureau requests online → Same day
By mail → 5–15 business days
Loan applications (e.g., SimplePrêt) → Real-time during approval

Common Questions About Getting Your Credit Score

How can I get my credit score instantly?

Use apps like Borrowell, Credit Karma, or your bank’s app for immediate results.

How can I get my credit score for free in Canada?

Through credit bureaus (once a year), banking apps, or free credit apps.

Does checking my own credit score hurt it?

No. Personal credit checks are soft inquiries and have no impact.

What’s a good credit score in Canada?

A score of 660 or higher is generally considered good.

Can I get a loan with a bad credit score?

Yes. Lenders like SimplePrêt specialize in helping Canadians with poor credit access short-term financing.

Loans, Credit, and SimplePrêt

If you discover your credit score is low, you might worry about being denied loans. That’s where SimplePrêt stands out.

Loan amounts: $250 – $1,500
Fast approval (no refusal for most Canadians)
24/7 instant e-Transfers
Bad credit accepted
Fully licensed under Canadian lending laws

For Canadians searching “how to get your credit score Canada,” knowing where you stand is the first step. But even if your score is low, SimplePrêt ensures access to safe and regulated borrowing.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been asking “how to get your credit score Canada”, the good news is it’s easier than ever. You can check instantly through apps, banks, or official bureaus—often for free.

Your credit score plays a crucial role in financial opportunities, but it’s not the only factor. Even if your score isn’t perfect, SimplePrêt ensures Canadians can still access fast, safe, and transparent loans.

Taking control of your credit today means better financial freedom tomorrow.

How to Get Your Credit Score Canada: A Complete Guide