Is 700 a Good Credit Score in Canada?
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A credit score of 700 sits comfortably in the “good” range in Canada. To benchmark your number, compare it with the Canadian average, what counts as a good score, and the threshold for an excellent score. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, credit card, or personal loan, a 700 credit score opens doors to most financial products with competitive interest rates. But is it good enough to secure the best mortgage rates? And how does it compare to the average Canadian credit score? This guide breaks down exactly what lenders think of a 700 credit score and what it means for your financial goals.
Understanding where you stand on the credit score spectrum helps you make informed decisions about borrowing, saving, and building your financial future.
Ratesopedia’s Take
A 700 credit score is solidly good in Canada. It qualifies you for most credit products from the best credit cards in Canada hub at reasonable rates, though you won’t yet access the absolute best rates reserved for excellent scores (760+). The gap between 700 and 750 can mean thousands of dollars in interest savings on a mortgage. If you’re at 700, you’re doing well, but there’s room to climb.
What Is a Credit Score in Canada?
A credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 900 that represents your creditworthiness. In Canada, two major credit bureaus calculate your score: Equifax and TransUnion. While their formulas differ slightly, both assess the same core factors from your credit history.
Your credit score tells lenders how likely you are to repay borrowed money on time. The higher your score, the lower the risk you represent. This score influences whether you get approved for credit products and what interest rates you receive.
How Credit Scores Are Calculated
Five key factors determine your credit score in Canada:
- Payment History (35%): Whether you pay bills on time. One missed payment can drop your score by 60 to 110 points.
- Credit Utilization (30%): How much of your available credit you’re using. Keep it below 30 percent, ideally under 10 percent.
- Length of Credit History (15%): How long your accounts have been open. Older accounts help your score.
- Credit Mix (10%): Having both revolving credit (cards) and installment credit (loans) strengthens your profile.
- New Credit Inquiries (10%): Multiple hard inquiries in a short period signal risk to lenders.
Canadian Credit Score Ranges
Understanding where your score falls on the spectrum helps you gauge your financial standing. According to Equifax Canada, credit scores are grouped into five categories.
| Score Range | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 760 – 900 | Excellent | Best rates and premium products |
| 725 – 759 | Very Good | Access to most credit products |
| 660 – 724 | Good | Approved for most credit; reasonable rates |
| 560 – 659 | Fair | Higher interest rates; limited options |
| 300 – 559 | Poor | Difficulty getting approved |
A 700 credit score falls in the “good” range, placing you above the Canadian average of approximately 672, according to Borrowell’s 2023 Credit Report. This positions you well for most financial products.
What a 700 Credit Score Gets You
A 700 credit score opens doors to most standard financial products. You’ll likely qualify for mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards with competitive terms. However, you may not access the absolute lowest rates or premium rewards cards reserved for excellent scores.
Mortgage Approval and Rates
Most Canadian lenders prefer a credit score of at least 680 for mortgage approval. At 700, you meet this threshold comfortably. You should qualify for a mortgage with a reasonable interest rate, though the best rates typically go to borrowers with scores above 760.
The difference between a 700 and a 760 score can translate to a rate difference of 0.25 to 0.50 percentage points. On a $400,000 mortgage over 25 years, this could mean thousands of dollars in additional interest payments. Rates and terms may vary by financial institution.
Credit Card Approval
With a 700 credit score, you can qualify for most mid-tier and many premium credit cards. You’ll have access to cards offering cash back, travel rewards, and various benefits. However, some exclusive premium cards with high annual fees may require scores above 720 or 750.
Personal Loans and Lines of Credit
Lenders view a 700 score favorably for personal loans and lines of credit. You should receive approval for standard loan amounts with competitive interest rates. Your rate will typically fall in the mid-range, not the lowest tier reserved for excellent credit.
- Mortgage Qualification: You meet the threshold for most lenders and should receive competitive rates.
- Credit Card Access: You qualify for most mid-tier and many premium rewards cards.
- Loan Approval: Personal loans and lines of credit are accessible with reasonable interest rates.
- Rental Applications: Most landlords prefer tenants with scores of 650 or higher.
- Negotiating Power: You have room to negotiate better terms with some lenders.
- Not the Lowest Rates: The best mortgage and loan rates go to scores above 760.
- Premium Card Limits: Some exclusive cards require higher scores for approval.
- Higher Deposits: Utility companies may require deposits if your score isn’t excellent.
How 700 Compares to Other Scores
Context matters when evaluating your credit score. Comparing a 700 score to other ranges helps you understand where you stand and what improvements might unlock better financial opportunities.
| Score | Rating | Mortgage Rate Range | Credit Card Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760+ | Excellent | Lowest available | All premium cards |
| 700 | Good | Competitive | Most cards |
| 660 | Good | Moderate | Standard cards |
| 620 | Fair | Higher rates | Limited options |
| 580 | Fair | Significantly higher | Secured cards |
The jump from 700 to 760 can reduce your mortgage interest rate by up to 0.50 percentage points. On a $300,000 mortgage over 25 years, this difference could save you $15,000 to $20,000 in total interest. Rates and terms may vary by financial institution.
Improving a 700 Credit Score
Moving from a good score to a very good or excellent score requires consistent habits over time. The following strategies can help you climb from 700 to 750 or higher within 12 to 18 months.
Pay Every Bill on Time
Payment history accounts for 35 percent of your score. Set up automatic payments for all credit cards, loans, and recurring bills. Even one missed payment can drop your score by 60 to 100 points and remain on your credit report for six years.
Lower Your Credit Utilization
Keep your credit card balances below 30 percent of your limit, ideally under 10 percent. If you have a $5,000 limit, try to maintain a balance below $500 when your statement closes. Paying down existing balances has an immediate positive impact on your score.
Request Credit Limit Increases
A higher credit limit lowers your utilization ratio if you maintain the same spending level. Contact your card issuers every six to twelve months to request an increase. This strategy works best if you avoid increasing your spending when your limit rises.
Avoid New Hard Inquiries
Each credit application triggers a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Space out applications for new credit cards or loans by at least six months. Multiple inquiries in a short period signal risk to lenders.
Maintain Old Credit Accounts
The length of your credit history contributes 15 percent to your score. Keep your oldest credit card open and active, even if you rarely use it. Closing old accounts shortens your average credit age and can lower your score.
- Automate Payments: Set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date.
- Monitor Your Reports: Check your Equifax and TransUnion reports regularly for errors or fraudulent activity.
- Diversify Credit Types: A mix of revolving and installment credit strengthens your profile over time.
- Pay More Than Minimums: Reducing balances faster improves utilization and saves on interest charges.
Common Credit Score Myths
Several misconceptions about credit scores persist in Canada. Understanding the facts helps you make better financial decisions and avoid unnecessary worry.
Checking Your Score Hurts It
Checking your own credit score through free services like Borrowell or Credit Karma is a soft inquiry and does not affect your score. Only hard inquiries from lenders applying for credit on your behalf impact your score.
Closing Cards Helps Your Score
Closing a credit card often hurts your score by reducing your total available credit and shortening your credit history. Unless the card has a high annual fee you can’t justify, keep it open and use it occasionally to maintain activity.
Carrying a Balance Builds Credit
You do not need to carry a balance or pay interest to build credit. Paying your statement balance in full each month builds credit just as effectively while saving you money on interest charges.
When to Check Your Credit Score
Regular monitoring helps you track progress and catch errors early. You should check your credit score at least once every three months, and more frequently if you’re actively working to improve it.
Free tools like Borrowell provide your Equifax score, while Credit Karma offers your TransUnion score. Both bureaus calculate scores slightly differently, so monitoring both gives you a complete picture. Compare credit card options once you know where you stand.
Bottom Line
A 700 credit score is good in Canada and qualifies you for most financial products with competitive terms. You sit above the national average and can access mortgages, credit cards, and loans without significant barriers. However, the gap between good and excellent credit represents thousands of dollars in potential savings over the life of a mortgage or loan.
If you’re at 700, focus on consistent payment habits, low credit utilization, and avoiding unnecessary hard inquiries. These strategies can push you into the very good or excellent range within 12 to 18 months. The financial benefits of reaching 760 or higher make this effort worthwhile, particularly if you’re planning a major purchase or loan application in the near future.
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Is 700 a Good Credit Score – FAQ
Is a 700 credit score considered good in Canada?
Yes, a 700 credit score falls in the “good” range according to Equifax Canada, which classifies 660 to 724 as good. You qualify for most credit products with competitive rates, though the best rates are reserved for scores above 760.
Can I get a mortgage with a 700 credit score?
Yes, most Canadian lenders approve mortgages for borrowers with scores of 680 or higher. At 700, you meet this threshold and should receive competitive interest rates, though not necessarily the lowest rates available to borrowers with excellent credit.
How does a 700 credit score compare to the Canadian average?
A 700 credit score sits above the Canadian average of approximately 672, according to Borrowell’s 2023 Credit Report. This places you in a stronger position than more than half of Canadian borrowers.
What credit cards can I get with a 700 credit score?
With a 700 score, you qualify for most mid-tier and many premium credit cards offering cash back, travel rewards, and benefits. Some exclusive cards with high annual fees may require scores above 720 or 750.
How long does it take to improve a 700 credit score?
With consistent on-time payments, low credit utilization (under 30 percent), and no new hard inquiries, you can move from 700 to 750 or higher within 12 to 18 months. Significant improvements typically show within six months of adopting better habits.
Will I get the best mortgage rates with a 700 credit score?
Not necessarily. While you’ll receive competitive rates, the absolute best mortgage rates typically go to borrowers with scores above 760. The difference can be 0.25 to 0.50 percentage points, which translates to thousands in savings over a mortgage term.
What is considered an excellent credit score in Canada?
In Canada, a credit score of 760 or higher is considered excellent by both Equifax and TransUnion. Borrowers in this range access the best interest rates and premium financial products with the most favorable terms.
Does checking my credit score hurt my 700 score?
No, checking your own credit score through services like Borrowell or Credit Karma is a soft inquiry and does not affect your score. Only hard inquiries from lenders when you apply for credit can temporarily lower your score.
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