★ BUILD CANADIAN CREDIT · FROM ZERO TO MORTGAGE-READY
Your home country credit doesn't transfer. Start the clock.
Canada uses its own credit bureaus (Equifax + TransUnion) that have zero data about your life before arrival. The path from 0 to a 720 score takes 18-24 months of disciplined activity. Here's the playbook.
★ PICK YOUR PATH ★
Your status affects the route
No Canadian credit history. Standard arrival path.
★ 24-MONTH TIMELINE ★
The build sequence
MO0
Arrival
Apply for SIN
Open chequing at Big-5 newcomer program
MO1
First Credit Product
Apply for secured credit card with $500 deposit (Home Trust, Refresh)
OR apply for Big-5 newcomer credit card (no history needed)
EXPECTED SCORENo score yet
MO3
First Reported Activity
Use card for 1-2 small purchases monthly
Pay in FULL before statement closes
EXPECTED SCOREThin file
MO6
First Real Score
Score visible: ~580-650
Add a phone contract / utility in your name (reports to bureau)
Sign up for free Borrowell + KOHO (both bureaus)
EXPECTED SCORE580-650
MO9
Build the Mix
Apply for second credit product (RRSP loan, car loan)
Keeps showing positive utilization across multiple accounts
EXPECTED SCORE630-680
MO12
First Anniversary
Score should be 660-720
Apply for regular (non-secured) credit card
File first tax return (even nil) — unlocks GST/HST credit
EXPECTED SCORE660-720
MO18
Prime Territory
Score climbing to 700+
Eligible for premium rewards cards
Apply for car loan (better rates than 6 mo)
EXPECTED SCORE700-740
MO24
Mortgage Ready
Standard mortgage approval possible
CMHC-insured purchases unlocked
2 yr of on-time history is the bank's magic number
EXPECTED SCORE720-760+
★ STARTER PRODUCTS ★
What to apply for first
Home Trust Secured Visa
Deposit$500-$10k
Annual fee$59
Most reliable approval. Reports monthly to both bureaus.
Refresh Financial Secured Visa
Deposit$200-$10k
Annual fee$0
$0 annual fee. Lower min deposit. Strong for sub-580 starts.
KOHO Credit Building
Deposit$0
Annual fee$10/mo
Not a card · a subscription. Reports installment payments. Newcomer favorite.
RBC ION Visa (newcomer)
Deposit$0
Annual fee$0
Unsecured · no history needed via RBC Newcomer Advantage program.
★ THINGS THAT DON'T WORK ★
Common newcomer mistakes
01
WRONG
"Your home country credit history transfers"
RIGHT
It doesn't. Equifax + TransUnion only show Canadian activity. Your UK / Indian / Chinese credit history is invisible.
02
WRONG
"Pay rent on time → automatic credit"
RIGHT
Most landlords don't report. Use FrontLobby ($5/mo) or pay via a credit card to get rent counted.
03
WRONG
"Buy a car cash → no need for credit"
RIGHT
Paying cash builds nothing. Worth financing a portion just to add an installment loan to your mix.