How long does it take to build a credit score in Canada?
Most newcomers get a first Canadian credit score about three to six months after their first credit account starts reporting to Equifax and TransUnion. A good score (around 660 or higher) usually takes one to two years of on-time payments. Credit history from another country does not carry over automatically.
Why you start from zero
Canada has two credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion. They only see accounts reported by Canadian lenders, so your history from another country is not on your Canadian file, even if it was excellent. Some banks can use your foreign history through Nova Credit (see our guide on transferring credit history).
The fastest way to build
Get one credit card early, through a bank newcomer program or a secured card.
Pay the full statement balance on time, every month. Payment history matters most.
Keep your balance below about 30% of your limit, ideally lower.
Keep your first card open, because the age of your accounts counts.
Avoid applying for many cards or loans at once: each application is a hard check.
Check your report
You can get your credit report free from both Equifax and TransUnion. Check that your name, address and accounts are right, and dispute any mistakes.
Does paying rent build credit in Canada?
Not on its own. Rent only helps if you use a rent-reporting service that sends your payments to a credit bureau, and not every lender looks at it.
Will checking my own score lower it?
No. Checking your own report or score is a soft check and does not affect your score.
Official sources
Get your first credit card · Use your credit history from abroad · All newcomer & student guides