Creditors primarily look at FICO Scores, especially industry-specific versions (Auto Score, Bankcard Score) for auto/card loans, and often use the middle score from all three bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) for mortgages. They use various score models, including updated versions like FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0, but FICO remains dominant, with over 90% of lenders relying on it.
A FICO score is a type of credit score created by a specific algorithm used by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). It's one of the most widely used credit scoring models by lenders to assess risk.
In some cases, lenders may look at your scores from all three credit bureaus and take the median score. If they only look at two of the three bureaus, they'll likely take the lower of the two scores. If you're co-borrowing a loan, lenders will take the lowest median of the two borrowers.
Yes, you can likely get a $50,000 loan with a 700 credit score, as this falls into the "good" credit range (670-739) that unlocks better rates, but approval also hinges on your income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio (ideally below 36%), and overall credit history, with lenders looking for stability and repayment ability, so prequalifying with multiple lenders helps compare terms.
It's partly true: most negative items like late payments and collections are removed from your credit report after about seven years, but the underlying debt often still exists, and bankruptcies (Chapter 7) last 10 years, so your credit isn't entirely "clear" but mostly refreshed from old negatives. The 7-year clock starts from the date of the original delinquency, not when you paid it off or sent to collections, and the debt itself can still be pursued by collectors.
An 800 credit score is considered "exceptional" and, while not extremely common, it's achieved by a significant minority: roughly 23-24% of U.S. consumers have scores of 800 or higher, meaning nearly one in four people falls into this top tier, though far fewer (around 1.5-2%) hit a perfect 850. This level of credit is excellent for securing the best loan rates, requiring consistent on-time payments, very low credit utilization, and a long credit history.
Anytime you apply for credit, the lender will evaluate your creditworthiness in a process known as underwriting. Part of the process typically involves pulling one or more of your credit reports to assess your past and current financial behavior, such as payment history and balances on loans and credit cards.
No single credit score is the most accurate, as different lenders use different models. FICO scores are the most widely used for lending decisions, but Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian each generate their own scores based on available data. Accuracy depends on which score a lender considers most relevant.
The Most Commonly Used Credit Bureau in Canada
Based on the different banks and lenders we looked at above, TransUnion seems to be the most popular credit bureau from which a lender pulls your credit score. That said, many lenders still use Equifax. You may not know this, but there's a third credit bureau as well.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Credit
The majority of credit providers appear to use a single credit bureau and most often that bureau is Equifax. The ACCC also found that even where the large credit providers contract with multiple bureaux, some see Equifax as the primary bureau and utilise Experian and illion as a secondary data source.
It's very possible to make significant increases to your FICO score in 30 days or less. That being said, you will need to drill down on items that impact your credit score and take proactive measures.
While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850.
How does my income affect my credit score? Your income doesn't directly impact your credit score, though how much money you make affects your ability to pay off your loans and debts, which in turn affects your credit score. "Creditworthiness" is often shown through a credit score.
It is rare to have an 850 credit score, but not impossible, and may be useful when applying for credit opportunities. Achieving and maintaining an 850 credit score can be difficult as it takes time, diligence and commitment to manage your credit effectively.
Yes, you can likely get a $50,000 loan with a 700 credit score, as this falls into the "good" credit range (670-739) that unlocks better rates, but approval also hinges on your income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio (ideally below 36%), and overall credit history, with lenders looking for stability and repayment ability, so prequalifying with multiple lenders helps compare terms.
The golden rule of credit cards is to pay your statement balance in full every single month. This practice is crucial for maintaining a good credit score and avoiding costly interest charges.