What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in Canada? (2026)

There's no single magic number, but your credit score decides which lenders will work with you and at what rate. Here's the credit score you actually need to buy a house in Canada in 2026 — and what to do if you're not there yet. See first-time buyer options.

The short answer

For the best rates from a bank (an A lender), aim for a credit score of 680 or higher. You can still get an insured mortgage with a score as low as 600 at many lenders, and below that, alternative (B) and private lenders approve based more on equity and income than score. So the honest answer: 680+ is ideal, 600 is workable, and below 600 there are still real options — just at a higher cost.

What the score tiers mean for your mortgage

• 720+ — excellent. Full access to the lowest advertised rates and every lender.
• 680–719 — good. Comfortably qualifies for A-lender pricing.
• 600–679 — fair. Insured mortgages are still possible; rates may be slightly higher and lenders look harder at the rest of your file.
• Below 600 — alternative or private lenders, where equity and income matter more than the number (bad-credit mortgage options).

Score is necessary, not sufficient

Even a perfect score won't get you approved on its own. Lenders also need provable income, a down payment, and a file that passes the stress test. Conversely, a strong down payment and stable income can offset a middling score. Credit is one of several levers — see the full picture in how a mortgage works in Canada.

How Canadian credit scores work

Canada uses scores from 300 to 900, calculated mainly from your payment history, how much of your available credit you use (your utilization), the age of your accounts, recent applications, and your mix of credit. Payment history and utilization are the two heaviest factors — and the two you can move fastest.

How to raise your score before you apply

• Pay every bill on time — one missed payment can drop a good score sharply. Set up automatic minimums.
• Get utilization under 30% — owing $300 on a $1,000 card looks far better than $900. Pay down balances before the statement date.
• Don't close old cards — length of history helps; keep your oldest account open.
• Limit new applications — each hard check can ding your score temporarily, so avoid opening new credit right before a mortgage.
• Check your report for errors — disputing a wrong late payment or a debt that isn't yours can lift your score quickly.

For a longer rebuild after collections, a proposal, or bankruptcy, see how to rebuild credit for a mortgage.

What if my score is too low right now?

You have two paths. First, delay 6–12 months and rebuild — often the cheapest option if you're close. Second, buy now through an alternative or private lender and refinance to a bank once your score recovers. A broker can run both scenarios and show you the real cost of waiting versus paying a little more today. Newcomers with no Canadian history have their own route — see newcomer mortgages.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a house with a 600 credit score in Canada?

Yes. Many insured-mortgage lenders approve from a score of 600, especially with stable income and a solid down payment. The rate may be slightly higher than for a 680+ borrower, but homeownership is achievable.

What credit score do I need for the best mortgage rate?

Generally 680 or higher gets you A-lender pricing, and 720+ gives you access to every lender's lowest rates. Below 680, expect to pay a bit more or use an alternative lender.

Does checking my own credit score lower it?

No. Checking your own score is a "soft" inquiry and never affects it. Only lender "hard" inquiries when you apply for credit can cause a small, temporary dip.

How long does it take to improve a credit score?

Lowering utilization can help within a month or two. Recovering from missed payments, collections, or bankruptcy takes longer — often 12 to 24 months of consistent, on-time history.

Not sure where your credit stands? We'll review your report, tell you which lenders fit today, and map the fastest path to a better rate. Start with first-time buyer options or read the first-time buyer guide.