Credit score in Canada — Equifax, TransUnion, how to build without history (2026)
Credit score in Canada: 300-900, managed by Equifax and TransUnion (2 bureaus, similar to the USA). Good: 660+. Very good: 720+. Excellent: 760+. Required for: loans, mortgages, rentals, some jobs. Polish immigrants start with a null score — key building strategy: secured credit card (deposit $200-500), Canadian bank account, phone plan in their name, regular utility payments (sometimes reported). Impact on score: payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), new credit applications (10%). FREE check: Borrowell, Credit Karma Canada, Equifax monthly tools. Dispute errors online. NEW from PR: Newcomer credit programs from banks (RBC, Scotiabank, TD) — special secured cards + no fees first year + credit building support.