How to improve your credit score in Canada — before your mortgage.
A higher score can mean a materially lower rate on a $500K+ decision. Here are the five levers that actually move your score — consistent with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada guidance — a realistic timeline, and the mistakes to avoid in the months before you apply.
The 5 levers that move your score
Payment history (35%)
Never miss a payment — even one 30-day late can drop you 60-90 points. Set everything to autopay the minimum.
Utilization (30%)
Keep each card under 30% of its limit (under 10% is ideal). Pay before the statement date, not just the due date.
Credit age (15%)
Don't close your oldest cards — length of history helps. Keep them active with a small recurring charge.
Credit mix (10%)
A healthy mix (a card + a loan/line) helps modestly. Don't open new accounts just for mix.
New inquiries (10%)
Avoid new credit applications in the 3-6 months before your mortgage. Each hard pull dings you a few points.
Don’t do these before applying
- • Don’t apply for new credit cards, car loans, or financing (each hard pull + new debt hurts).
- • Don’t close old cards — it shortens your history and raises utilization.
- • Don’t max out cards then pay at the due date — pay before the statement cuts.
- • Don’t co-sign for anyone right before your mortgage.
6 ways to raise your credit score before applying
The moves that lift your score fastest — and the timeline to expect.
Pay on time, every time
Payment history is ~35% of your score — the single biggest factor. One missed payment can drop you a tier, so set up autopay on at least the minimums before you apply.
Keep balances under 30%
Credit utilization is the second-biggest lever. Carrying under 30% of each card's limit (under 10% is better) can lift your score within a statement cycle or two.
Don't close old cards
Length of credit history helps your score, and closing an old card shrinks your available credit (raising utilization). Keep old accounts open, even unused.
Limit new applications
Each hard inquiry nudges your score down, and several in a short window reads as risk. Avoid new credit in the months before your mortgage.
Check your report for errors
Bureau errors are common and can cost you a tier. Pull your Equifax and TransUnion reports, dispute mistakes, and confirm paid debts show as paid.
Give it a little time
The fastest wins (utilization, fixing errors) show in weeks; history and inquiries heal over months. We tell you which moves matter for your timeline.
Why plan your credit with us
- A ballpark with no bureau pull — see where you stand before the hard inquiry.
- The exact moves that lift your score fastest for your file and timeline.
- Every lender tier shopped — qualify a tier higher where it's worth waiting.
- FSRA #13737 · no judgment · a plan to your best rate.