The credit score you need to get a mortgage in Canada in 2022

What credit score do you need to get approved for a mortgage? 

While there are a number of factors that impact your mortgage approval, in 2022, to get approved for a mortgage in Canada, it’s important to know that you’ll need a credit score of at least 680. Although it’s possible to get a mortgage with a score of 600 to 680, the higher your score, the better your chances of a lower interest rate:

• 741 or more: Excellent! You can qualify for the best mortgage rates.
• 713 to 740: Good! You can qualify for a very good interest rate on your mortgage and have various options.
• 660 to 712: Fair! Try to stay in the higher end of this range as 660 is often viewed as average.
• 575 to 659: Below-average. A score below 640 might make it a little harder to get a mortgage from a major bank.
• 300 to 574: Poor. Work on increasing your credit score. At this range you may be viewed as a high risk borrower.

What if your credit score is below the recommended number? 

Getting a mortgage in Canada is one of the largest loans you’ll be getting in your life, but even if your credit score isn’t exactly where you want it to be, that doesn’t mean there aren’t workarounds.

1. Take the time to work on improving your credit score 

A credit score is only one factor when it comes to securing a mortgage. Generally, if you also have a high income and only a little debt, there’s a chance you’ll be approved for a mortgage with a score between 600 to 680. 

However, if you’re willing to wait–in order to get approved and to receive the best possible interest rate–you can take the time now to increase your credit score. 

The best way to do that is to:

Pay off your current debts 

One of the easiest and best ways to improve your credit score is to pay off any outstanding debt you have left. This is great, because the less debt you have means the more debt you’re able to take on, which makes lenders feel much more confident in your ability to contribute to your payments on time. 

Try to also have a credit utilization ratio of 30%. This is a great way to stay in good standing with any lender and to increase your credit score. For example, if your credit card has a limit of $10,000 and your line of credit has a limit of $5,000, only use $3,000 on your credit card and $1,500 on your line of credit. 

Pay your bills on time

Did you know that paying your bills consistently and on time makes up 35% of your credit score? When you’re late on a payment, or miss one altogether, you put yourself at risk of decreasing your credit score–even by 150 points. 

From student loans to car loans, from credit card statements to utility bills, phone bills, internet bills, and insurance premiums, it’s important to stay on top of all your bill payments. One of the best ways to start is to set up automatic payments or even noting the payment due dates on your calendar. 

2. Offer up a larger down payment 

While you usually only need a down payment of 5% to 20% of the home’s cost, if possible, consider giving a down payment larger than 20%. By doing this, you have the chance to lower your monthly mortgage payments, making it much easier to manage in the long run. 

Having a larger down payment can also prove to lenders that you are fiscally responsible, with the ability to budget, save, and that you may also have a larger income. 

3. Get a co-signer or co-borrower

If time is of the essence, but you don’t have at least a 20% down payment, consider purchasing a home with a co-borrower or co-signer, to help you qualify. 

With a co-borrower, they also own and have equal rights to the property. A co-signer is someone who promises that if you are unable to make your mortgage payments, they’ll do so for you. For the latter, you’ll definitely want a co-signer who isn’t just willing, but who also has good credit, a good income, and not a lot of debt. 

In some situations, co-borrowers or co-signers are usually a parent or partner. 

4. Use a mortgage provider that isn’t a bank

Although you may turn to your bank to help you secure a mortgage, you’ll generally need to have a credit score above 600 to be approved. If you feel your credit score may put a wrench in those plans, you can consider alternative lenders like a credit union, private lender, or a mortgage company like Pine to help provide you with options. 

While it might be disheartening if your score is below the recommended amount, it doesn’t mean you can’t land your dream home.

Credit is a huge part of the underwriting process that, at Pine, we’ve created different mortgage programs if you have a bruised credit. Just fill out the short application and one of our agents will be happy to see what we can do for you.