The average credit score in Canada depends on which scoring model you ask. According to FICO’s most recent figures, the average Canadian FICO Score sits at 760. According to a February 2026 Borrowell study of 3 million members using the Equifax Risk Score 2.0 model, the average is 679.
Both numbers are useful. They measure different things, on different scales, across different populations. This article explains the gap, breaks down the data by age and by province, and shows where you sit on the Canadian score range.
The Canadian credit score range: 300 to 900
In Canada, Equifax and TransUnion consumer credit scores commonly use a 300 to 900 scale. Higher means lower risk to lenders. Per Equifax Canada’s published bands, the ranges break down like this:
| Score range | Band | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| 300 – 559 | Poor | Many lenders may decline; secured products may be more realistic |
| 560 – 659 | Fair | Approval may be possible, often at higher rates |
| 660 – 724 | Good | A common benchmark for acceptable credit risk |
| 725 – 759 | Very Good | May help with better rates and higher limits |
| 760 – 900 | Excellent | Often enough for strong rates and offers |
The 660 line is a useful benchmark, not a universal rule. Different lenders use different score versions, income checks, debt ratios, and underwriting rules. Still, moving from the fair range into the good range can materially improve your odds of approval.
Why FICO and Equifax averages differ so much
The 81-point gap between FICO’s 760 and Borrowell’s 679 looks surprising until you see what is being measured.
- Different scoring models. FICO and the Equifax Risk Score 2.0 weight payment history, utilization, and credit mix differently. Two models looking at the same credit file can produce different scores.
- Different populations. FICO’s reported average covers all credit-active Canadians in its dataset. Borrowell’s average is drawn from its 3 million members, who may skew toward people actively monitoring or rebuilding credit. That selection effect can pull the Borrowell average down.
- Different reporting cadence. FICO publishes infrequently (the 760 figure is from late 2024). Borrowell’s 679 is from February 2026, so it is more current but on a different scoring model.
Practical takeaway: if you check your score through Borrowell, Credit Karma, or your bank app, you are usually seeing an Equifax or TransUnion-style consumer score, not necessarily the same FICO Score a lender may use internally. Compare your number to the score bands above, not only to the 760 FICO average.
Average credit score in Canada by age
From the February 2026 Borrowell study, average Equifax Risk Score 2.0 by generation:
| Generation | Age range | Average score |
|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | 18 – 28 | 659 |
| Millennials | 29 – 44 | 673 |
| Gen X | 45 – 60 | 676 |
| Baby Boomers | 61 – 79 | 718 |
| Silent Generation | 80+ | 769 |
Scores climb sharply at retirement age and again past 80. The likely reason is not that older Canadians are automatically better with money. Older borrowers tend to have longer credit histories, older accounts, more established payment records, and in many cases lower utilization after mortgages or other debts are paid down. Younger Canadians usually have shorter files and higher relative balances.
Average credit score in Canada by province
Provincial averages from the most recent Borrowell data set covering 2 million members:
| Province | Average score |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | 694 |
| Ontario | 686 |
| Quebec | 678 |
| Nova Scotia | 664 |
| Manitoba | 661 |
| Alberta | 658 |
| Saskatchewan | 658 |
| New Brunswick | 649 |
The provincial spread is roughly 45 points from top to bottom. Treat this as a broad benchmark, not a judgment on any province. Differences can reflect income, debt levels, age mix, urban versus rural populations, housing costs, and Borrowell’s own member base in each province.
What counts as a good credit score in Canada?
Three useful thresholds:
- 660 is a common benchmark for moving into the good range. Below this, you may face higher interest, lower limits, or co-signer requirements.
- 725 often helps with better credit cards, lower-rate auto loans, and more competitive borrowing offers.
- 760 is commonly considered excellent. Past this level, extra points may matter less than your income, debt load, and the lender’s specific criteria.
If your score is above 760 on an Equifax or TransUnion scale, you have likely cleared the score range that matters most for many borrowing decisions. Improving from 780 to 820 can still feel good, but it may not change offers as much as paying down debt, increasing income, or reducing missed-payment risk.
For homebuyers, credit score is only one part of the borrowing picture. Income, debt payments, down payment, and mortgage rate matter too. If you are comparing scenarios, use our Canadian mortgage payment calculator to estimate the payment side of the decision.
If you are below the average, what to do
The biggest score gains come from a small number of high-leverage habits. In rough order of impact:
- Pay every bill on time, every month. Payment history is one of the largest factors. One late payment can hurt a good score quickly.
- Keep credit utilization under 30%. If your card limit is $10,000, try to keep the balance below $3,000 at statement close. Under 10% is better.
- Do not close your oldest card without a reason. Length of history matters. Keeping an old no-fee card open and using it occasionally can help.
- Space out hard inquiries. Each application can lower your score a little. Several applications at once can look like financial stress.
- Check your report for errors. Both Equifax and TransUnion provide consumer credit reports. Errors can happen and can usually be disputed.
For a fuller breakdown of what works and what does not, see our guide on how to increase your credit score in Canada. If high-interest debt is the gating issue, our take on investing vs paying off debt covers when to attack debt first.
Affiliate disclosure: WealthRadiant may earn a commission from KOHO if you sign up through links on this page. This does not change our editorial view.
If you are looking at credit-building tools, KOHO is one option some Canadians compare because it pairs a prepaid spending account with optional credit-building features. It is not a guaranteed score fix, so review the terms first. You can check the current KOHO offer here, or read our guide to whether KOHO is safe and legit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average credit score in Canada?
The average Canadian FICO Score is 760, per FICO’s most recent published figure. The average Equifax Risk Score 2.0 is 679, per Borrowell’s February 2026 study of 3 million members. Both are useful, but they use different scoring models and different populations.
Why are FICO and Equifax averages so different?
FICO and Equifax use different scoring algorithms and weight factors differently. They also draw from different population samples. Most consumer-facing Canadian apps show an Equifax or TransUnion-style score, not necessarily the same FICO Score a lender may use internally.
What is a good credit score in Canada?
A score around 660 is commonly considered the start of the good range. Around 725 is very good, and 760 or higher is often excellent. Exact approval rules vary by lender, product, income, debt load, and credit history.
What is the average credit score by age in Canada?
Per Borrowell’s February 2026 data: Gen Z (18 to 28) averages 659, Millennials (29 to 44) average 673, Gen X (45 to 60) averages 676, Baby Boomers (61 to 79) average 718, and the Silent Generation (80+) averages 769.
Which province has the highest average credit score?
In Borrowell’s provincial data, British Columbia leads at 694, followed by Ontario at 686 and Quebec at 678. New Brunswick is lowest in the listed data at 649. Treat these as broad benchmarks because the sample comes from Borrowell members.
How fast can I improve my credit score?
Lower utilization can sometimes show up within one or two statement cycles. Building a longer history of on-time payments takes longer. Recovering from missed payments, collections, bankruptcy, or a consumer proposal can take months or years, depending on the file.
