What credit score do
you need for a mortgage
in Canada?
680+ for the best A-lender rates, 600 for an insured mortgage, B-lenders into the 500s — there's a path at almost every score.
In Canada, 680+ unlocks the best A-lender mortgage rates and the full insured product shelf. Between 600–679 you qualify for insured purchases with a shorter history or alternative documentation. Below 600, B-lenders like Home Trust and Equitable Bank approve at higher rates; below 500, private lenders lend on equity. A broker positions your full file — income, LTV, recent history — not just the score alone.
There's a path at
almost every score.
Your score is one input — income, LTV, and recent payment history move the outcome just as much.
Every tier shopped for you
A-lenders, B-lenders, and private capital — all on one application. We find the lowest rate your score and file qualify for across 100+ lender partners.
Check before you pull
A soft inquiry gives you a ballpark with no impact on your score. You only take the hard inquiry when you're genuinely ready to apply — and after you know it's worth it.
Bruised credit has an exit
We place B or private now and map the route back to A-pricing in 12–24 months. Re-establish two clean tradelines, keep payments current, and you're back in prime.
Your file matters as much as the number
A strong file — low loan-to-value, stable income, clean recent history — can pull a 600s score up a tier. We package the whole file, not just the score.
How we find
your best tier.
Score first, full file second, right lender third.
That order matters.
Check your score — no bureau pull
Get a ballpark before any hard inquiry. A soft check costs nothing and shows you where you stand so you apply to the right tier from the start.
We package your full file
Score is one input. We also weigh income stability, down payment, loan-to-value, and debt ratios — then position your file to qualify at the best tier available.
Approved at the best tier — with a plan for the next
We fund you now and map the route to the next tier: the specific moves that lift your score fastest so you can refinance to better pricing in 12–24 months.
We can help
at every score.
Tap your situation below to see how we approach it.
If your score is…Your score is 760 or higher
Your score is 760 or higher
You have access to the lowest advertised rates. Lenders compete hardest for you. We shop 100+ lenders to make sure you're getting the sharpest pricing on the market.
Lock my rateIf your score is…Your score is between 680 and 759
Your score is between 680 and 759
Full A-lender access. You qualify for conventional and insured programs. The difference between 680 and 760 shows up in rate pricing, not eligibility — we negotiate hard for you.
Start my applicationIf your score is…Your score is between 600 and 679
Your score is between 600 and 679
You meet the 600 insured minimum. With a strong file — low LTV or stable income — we target an A-lender first. A B-lender is the fallback at a slightly higher rate with a clear exit plan.
See my optionsIf your score is…Your score is below 600
Your score is below 600
B-lenders and private equity-based options can fund you now. The rate is higher, but so is the opportunity: we build the plan to get you back to A-pricing within 24 months.
Explore bad-credit optionsIf your score is…You haven't checked your score and don't want a hard inquiry
You haven't checked your score and don't want a hard inquiry
Start with a soft inquiry — no bureau pull, no impact. You'll know your tier before you apply, so your credit doesn't take a hit until you're ready to move.
Check without a bureau pullIf your score is…You have bruised credit but steady income and equity
You have bruised credit but steady income and equity
Income and equity offset score in a way most borrowers don't know. A low-LTV file with stable income can qualify one tier higher than the score alone would suggest — often at an A-lender.
Package my fileCredit score by
lender tier.
Every 80-point band can mean a different rate — and a different lender. Here's what each tier looks like.
The lowest advertised rates. Lenders compete hardest for you.
Full access to prime lenders and insured/conventional programs.
Meets the 600 insured minimum. Strong files reach A; others go B with an exit plan.
Equity-based options fund you now, with a mapped exit to A-pricing.
Illustrative only — rates change daily and your exact payment depends on amortization, balance, and lender. We run the real numbers for your file.
Common questions,
clear answers.
Score minimums, bureau pulls, bad-credit paths, and how to improve — answered plainly.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage in Canada?
For the best rates at an A-lender, aim for 680+ (760+ unlocks the very best pricing). For an insured mortgage (under 20% down), at least one borrower needs 600+ (CMHC). B-lenders commonly work into the 500s with about 20% down, and private/equity-based lenders can fund with little or no score if you have enough equity. There's a path at almost every score.
Can I get a mortgage with a 600 credit score?
Yes — usually through a B-lender (alt-A) with a slightly higher rate, or an A-lender if the rest of your file is strong (low LTV, stable income). We'll show you both paths and a plan to graduate to A-pricing in 12–24 months.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit (under 600)?
Often yes, via a B-lender or a private mortgage that's equity-based rather than score-based. The rate is higher and you'll want an exit strategy, but it gets you in. See our bad-credit mortgage options.
Does getting a mortgage pre-approval hurt my credit score?
A formal pre-approval involves one credit pull (a 'hard inquiry') that usually lowers your score only slightly, and the effect fades within months, although the inquiry stays listed on your report for about three years with Equifax (FCAC). We can give you a ballpark with no bureau pull first, so you only get pulled when you're ready.
Which credit bureau do mortgage lenders use?
Canadian lenders pull Equifax and/or TransUnion. Scores can differ between them. See our guide on Equifax vs TransUnion.
How can I raise my score before applying?
Keep balances under 30% of limits, never miss a payment, don't close old cards, and avoid new applications right before your mortgage. See how to improve your credit score.
We’ll try to beat your rate.
If we can’t, we pay you $500.¹
¹ Rate Beat: eligible Big-6 bank written offers only · same product, term & amount · $500 paid to you or your nominated charity at closing · conditions apply
Mortgage brokers across Ontario
Whether your credit score is 600 or 800, Mortgage Squad advisors across Ontario help you find the right lender.