Money Talks / Credit
How to check and improve your credit score in Canada (free)
You can check your credit score free through Borrowell (Equifax), Credit Karma Canada (TransUnion), and many bank apps — checking your own score never hurts it. Canadian scores run 300–900: roughly 660+ is good, 725+ very good, 760+ excellent. The fastest ways to raise it: pay on time, keep your card balances under ~30% of the limit, and don't apply for lots of credit at once.
Your credit score quietly decides what you pay to borrow — mortgage rates, card approvals, even some rentals and phone plans. Here's how to see yours for free and move it up.
How to check it free
- Borrowell — free Equifax score, updated regularly.
- Credit Karma Canada — free TransUnion score.
- Your bank / card app — many now show a free score built in.
All of these are soft checks — they don't affect your score. Check both bureaus if you can; lenders may pull either Equifax or TransUnion, and the numbers can differ.
What the number means
| Range | Rating |
|---|---|
| 760–900 | Excellent |
| 725–759 | Very good |
| 660–724 | Good |
| 560–659 | Fair |
| 300–559 | Poor |
6 proven ways to improve it
- Pay on time, every time. Payment history is the biggest factor — even one missed payment stings. Set autopay for at least the minimum.
- Keep utilization under ~30%. Owing $900 on a $1,000 limit hurts; owing $200 helps. Pay down balances or ask for a limit increase.
- Don't close your oldest card. Length of credit history matters — keep old accounts open even if unused.
- Limit hard inquiries. Each credit application can ding you a few points. Don't apply for several at once.
- Mix helps a little. A card + an installment loan shows you can handle different credit — but don't take on debt just for this.
- Dispute errors. Check your report for accounts or late marks that aren't yours and dispute them with the bureau.
A good score saves you thousands — so does not overpaying
A better score gets you better rates. But the other half of the equation is what your bank quietly charges you day to day. Looni is being built to catch that — fees, junk rates, forgotten subscriptions — and show you the one move to make. Canadian, and we only win when you keep more.
Important: Score ranges and providers are general, as of June 2026, and can vary by bureau and product. This is general information, not financial advice. Check your official report at Equifax and TransUnion.