Updated on August 20, 2026 · Published on May 29, 2026 · 3 min read
When working toward your financial goals, it can feel like your entire world—from qualifying for a car loan to finding a place to live—is contingent on that three-digit number. It's easy to want to compare yourself and your number to the average credit score in Canada.
The average credit score in Canada is 679, according to Borrowell's 2026 data. Do a little searching and you may see another number being reported by FICO: 760. The difference comes down to scoring models, not conflicting facts. Below, we break down where yours fits in and what you can do about it.
New to credit scores? Start with our guide to what a credit score is and why it matters—then come back here to see how your number compares to the Canadian average.
What is the average credit score in Canada?
The average credit score in Canada is 679, according to a 2026 study by Borrowell, a credit score monitoring platform used by over three million Canadians.
You may also see 760 cited as the national average. That figure comes from FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation), a credit scoring model used by Equifax and TransUnion®, whose research dates back to 2024. Borrowell's 679 average credit score is the more current, Canada-specific benchmark for most consumers checking their score through Equifax-based apps.
In Canada, scores are generally broken down into five brackets:
| Score range | Bracket | What it means |
|---|---|---|
760 to 900 | Excellent | Top-tier standing. In this bracket, Canadians typically get access to the best rates and products. |
725 to 759 | Very good | A strong, low-risk range that makes you highly eligible for competitive rates. |
660 to 724 | Good | Qualifies for most credit cards and personal loans. Discover what you can and can’t do with a 680 credit score in Canada. |
560 to 659 | Fair | At this range, approvals are still possible, but often come at higher rates or with fewer options. Do you fall within this range? Discover what you can and can’t do with a 650 credit score or 600 credit score. |
300 to 559 | Poor | Below-average standing where traditional approvals limited. Secured cards and rebuilding tools are common starting points. Learn more about what you can and can’t do with a 650 credit score or 600 credit score. |
What is the average credit score in Ontario?
Credit bureaus don't publish official provincial averages, but using Borrowell's 2026 city-level data, Ontario's estimated average credit score is approximately 685—slightly above the national average of 679.
Ontario city averages vary: Markham (714), Vaughan (703), and Ottawa (702) sit at the high end, while Brampton and Hamilton (658) are closer to the national figure. Toronto's average is 693. Treat provincial figures as rough benchmarks, not official bureau statistics.
How does your credit score compare to other Canadians?
| Credit score range | Percentage of the Canadian population |
|---|---|
300 to 499 | 1.5% |
500 to 549 | 3% |
550 to 599 | 4.3% |
600 to 649 | 6.1% |
650 to 699 | 10.4% |
700 to 749 | 15% |
750 to 799 | 18.6% |
800 to 850 | 19.1% |
850 to 900 | 22% |
Source: FICO, 2024
What is a good credit score in Canada?
A good credit score in Canada starts at 660. Scores in this range signal to lenders that you manage credit responsibly, which can improve your approval odds and help you qualify for better interest rates.
What is a bad credit score in Canada?
A bad credit score in Canada is typically anything below 560. Missed payments, collections, or major events like consumer proposals can land you here—but recent positive habits matter more than old marks over time.
Why are my Equifax and TransUnion® credit scores two different numbers?
Seeing two completely different scores on your Equifax and TransUnion® reports? Don’t panic.
Canada’s financial system is fragmented. Not all lenders report your history to both bureaus, so the data behind each score can differ—and so can the number you see. A 2019 CBC Marketplace investigation found that credit bureau reports frequently contain errors (and that those errors can be surprisingly difficult to correct.)
From our sponsor
What are common credit mistakes Canadians make?
When people are anxious to fix their scores quickly, they can fall into traps that throw off the momentum they’ve built. Many well-meaning consumers close unused credit cards to “clean up” their profiles, unaware that they are shortening their credit history. Others might send multiple credit applications at once or completely ignore hidden inaccuracies on their credit files.
Review our list of common credit mistakes you could be making to make sure your credit-building efforts are working in your favour.
How to check your credit score in Canada
Your credit score is a fluid reflection of your choices, not a permanent label. With the right foundations in place—paying off your balances, adjusting your utilization and being mindful of your credit mix and history—you can watch your financial trajectory evolve.
See your credit score and track your progress online with Neo Credit Score Monitoring.¹
The Neo Editors
Neo’s editorial team does the heavy lifting—vetting the facts, stripping away the jargon, and breaking down complex mechanics—to bring you straightforward guides you can use to build credit and chart your financial journey.
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