The average credit score in Canada was 760 in November 2024, according to the Fair Issac Corporation, or FICO, a company that calculates credit scores for many credit reporting agencies around the world.
Knowing your credit score and how close it is to the average can help you be more prepared to apply for financial products.
When it comes to your credit score, most Canadians have one big question in mind – is my score good? With credit scores ranging between 300 and 900, it can be tricky to determine where your score falls on the spectrum. In this article, we’ll break down what makes a credit score “good” in Canada and specifically look at whether 746 is considered a good credit score in the Great White North.
What is a Credit Score?
First, let’s start with the basics – what exactly is a credit score? Your credit score is a three-digit number that gives lenders a picture of your creditworthiness. It’s calculated based on the information in your credit report, including your payment history, credit utilization ratio, credit history length, credit mix, and new credit applications.
Credit scores range from 300 to 900. The higher your score, the lower your perceived risk to lenders. Those with excellent credit tend to get approved for loans and credit cards with better terms like lower interest rates. On the other hand, those with lower scores may face challenges getting approved or end up with less favorable loan terms.
Credit Score Ranges
Credit scores fall into different ranges, generally:
- 800-900: Exceptional
- 740-799: Very Good
- 670-739: Good
- 580-669: Fair
- 300-579: Poor
As you can see, the ranges give a good indication of where your credit stands. If you’re in the “very good” or “exceptional” ranges, you’re doing well. “Fair” or “poor” scores suggest there may be some work to do improve your credit.
Is 746 a Good Credit Score in Canada?
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s get back to the main question – is 746 a good credit score in Canada?
The short answer is yes. Based on the score ranges above, a 746 credit score is considered “very good” by Canadian standards.
Specifically, a 746 falls into the range of 740-799, putting it on the higher end of “very good” According to Equifax, one of the country’s two major credit bureaus (organizations that issue credit scores), a 746 credit score falls within the range generally called “very good”.
While not quite in the “exceptional” range, a 746 score demonstrates responsible credit management. Having a 746 score suggests you make payments on time, keep credit card balances low, and have established length of credit history.
What Does a 746 Credit Score Get You?
A 746 credit score qualifies you for some of the best rates and loan terms from lenders. With a very good score, you can expect:
- High likelihood of approval for loans and credit cards
- Access to prime and super prime lending rates
- Opportunities to qualify for lower interest rates
- Better terms on mortgages, auto loans, and lines of credit
While not a guarantee, having a score in the 740s gives you an edge when applying for financing. Lenders have more confidence in applicants with very good credit, translating to better offers.
How to Maintain or Improve Your 746 Credit Score
If you currently have a 746 credit score, congrats! Your credit is in great shape. Here are some tips to maintain or try to improve your score even more:
- Always pay bills on time
- Keep credit card balances low (below 30% of limit)
- Limit new credit applications
- Check credit reports regularly and dispute errors
- Consider adding new types of credit if your history is limited
By practicing good credit habits, you can keep your 746 score going strong or potentially inch it up higher over time But with a very good score already, you’re in an ideal position when it comes to borrowing and getting approved
The Takeaway
A 746 credit score is considered very good and well above average in Canada. This strong score means better approval odds and access to top-tier interest rates from lenders. While aiming for improvement is great, be sure to celebrate reaching this credit score milestone! With responsible financial habits, you can keep your 746 score in the very good range for years to come.
Average Credit Score by Age in Canada
Knowing average credit scores across different age groups can provide valuable insights into financial behaviors and creditworthiness. As an example, here are some average scores by age reported by Equifax in 2018.
According to this data, scores tend to be higher for older Canadians. This makes sense, as younger Canadians typically don’t have as much credit history or experience paying back debt, which is an important factor in calculating a credit score.
- Young Adults (18-25): 692
- Adults (26-35): 697
- Middle-Aged Adults (36-45): 710
- Pre-Retirement Age (46-65): 718
- Seniors (65+): 750
Average Credit Score by Province in Canada
Here are some of the average scores for some of Canada’s provinces and major cities, based on data collected by Borrowell in 2022.
- Ontario: 686
- Toronto: 696
- British Columbia: 694
- Vancouver: 705
- Alberta: 658
- Calgary: 667
- Quebec: 678
- Montreal: 687
- Other Provinces:
- New Brunswick: 649
- Nova Scotia: 664
- Saskatchewan: 658
- Manitoba: 661
What is a good credit score in Canada and how to maintain a good credit score?
FAQ
What can I do with a 746 credit score?
Credit Rating: 746 is a good credit score. Borrowing Options: Most borrowing options are available, and the terms are likely to be attractive. For example, you might be able to qualify for the best credit cards and some of the best personal loans.
How many Canadians have a credit score above 800?
People with scores in this range often find it easier to secure loans because they’re seen as low-risk borrowers. In fact, 42% of Canadians have credit scores of 800 and above, which shows that achieving this level of creditworthiness is possible for close to 1 in 2 Canadians.
Is 746 an excellent credit score?
A 746 credit score is Very Good, but it can be even better. If you can elevate your score into the Exceptional range (800-850), you could become eligible for the very best lending terms, including the lowest interest rates and fees, and the most enticing credit-card rewards programs.
How long does it take to go from a 650 credit score to 700?
While following these guidelines is crucial, it’s important to remember that the length of time it takes to reach a 700 credit score varies from person to person. Some individuals may see significant improvements within a few months, while others may take a year or more to achieve their desired score.