A credit score plays a critical role in an individual’s financial life. In Canada, a credit score of 700 is considered good, making it an attractive option for borrowers. This blog post will explore the meaning of a 700 score, how it’s calculated, what you can get with a 700 score, how to improve it, and much more.
We’ll provide the tips and information you need to make informed decisions about your credit and financial well-being without the need for a credit counselor.
Credit Score of 700: Good Or Bad?
We have good and bad credit scores, many borrowers often have bad credit. However, you may be in good financial standing if you have a score of 700. However, it’s essential to understand that a credit score of 700 doesn’t necessarily guarantee a favourable financial situation, though it’s not bad credit.
In the later part of this, we’ll take a closer look at the credit score system in Canada and what a credit score of 700 means for your finances. We’ll also explore the factors determining whether a point of 700 is considered a good or bad credit score and how it can impact your ability to get loans, credit cards, and other financial products.
What Is A Good Credit Score In Canada?
A credit score is a three-digit number that denotes the likelihood of a consumer paying their debts. It is calculated based on the history of information gathered by reporting agencies and is used by lenders and other organizations to evaluate the risk.
The point ranges from 300 to 900, with higher values indicating lower risk and bad ones indicating higher risk.
In Canada, 720 and above is generally considered good, while anything below 600 is considered poor. The grades available typically include: excellent (750+), good (700-749), fair (650-699), poor (600-649), and very poor (below 600).
Credit Type | FICO Score | VantageScore |
Excellent | In the range of 800-850 | In the range of 781-850 |
Very Good | In the range of 740-799 | In the range of 661-780 |
Good | In the range of 670-739 | In the range of 670-739 |
Fair | In the range of 580-669 | In the range of 580-669 |
Very Poor | In the range of 300-579 | In the range of 300-579 |
The two most common scoring systems used in Canada are VantageScore and FICO. VantageScore was created by the three major reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and ranges from 300 to 850. On the other hand, FICO was created by Fair Isaac Corporation and ranges from 300 to 900.
Both systems use similar factors to calculate, such as payment history, utilization rates (CUR), and length of history.
However, they may produce different scores for an individual as they use different algorithms and data sources to determine creditworthiness.
How Is 700 Credit Score Calculated?
A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, which financial institutions use to determine your eligibility for loans, cards, and other financial products. In Canada, the most widely used scoring system is the FICO score, which ranges from 300 to 900.
A credit score of 700 is considered on the good side of the scale, but it’s essential to understand that this point doesn’t guarantee a favourable financial situation. To calculate your grade, various factors are taken into account, including:
- Payment history: Your payment history is one of the most important factors influencing your credit score. Late payments, missed payments and defaulted loans can hurt your record, while a consistent history of on-time payments can improve your grade.
- Credit utilization: Your utilization, which is the amount you’re using relative to your limit, can also significantly impact your point. High utilization can indicate that you’re over-extended and may be a sign of financial strain, which can lower your reputation.
- Length of credit history: The length of your history can also influence your grade. A long history with a consistent record of on-time payments and low utilization can help to improve your figure.
- Types of credit: The type you have can also impact your grade. A mix of different types of loans, such as a mortgage, car loan, and card, can indicate that you have a responsible approach to managing points and can help to improve your record.
- New applications: Applying for a new loan can temporarily impact your record. Each time you apply, a hard inquiry is made, which can lower your reputation.
In conclusion, a score of 700 is considered good, but it’s important to understand that it’s just one piece of the puzzle regarding your overall finances. It’s crucial to know your grade, so you can create a plan on how to fix credit score and improve your financial reputation.
What 700 Credit Score Gives You?
Anyone with a credit score of 700 in Canada is generally in good financial standing and can enjoy various benefits. Here’s what you can expect with a grade of 700:
- Loan approvals: You’re more likely to be approved for loans, such as a mortgage, personal loan, or car loan, with a point of 700. Financial institutions view a score of 700 as a sign of responsible management, making you a more attractive candidate for loan approvals.
- Competitive interest rates: With a good figure like 700, you may secure more favourable interest rates on loans and cards. This can mean lower monthly payments and more manageable debt.
- Access to loans: 700 on the scoring system can also give you more options for loans. You may be eligible for a wider range of cards, including premium cards with more generous rewards and benefits.
- Lower insurance premiums: A good score can help you save on insurance premiums.
- Increased financial stability: Maintaining a good point can also help you build a stronger financial foundation.
How Much Can I Borrow With a 700 Credit Score?
With a 700 score, you can expect good borrowing potential for various loans in Canada. You may be approved for a mortgage, personal loan, car loan, or a range of cards. The amount you can borrow will depend on income, debt-to-income ratio, and lender policies.
Expect favourable interest rates and increased access to options with a 700 score, unlike having bad credit. Maintaining a good record can help secure loans when needed and improve financial stability. That’s why it’s best to avoid bad credit scores.
How Long Does It Take To Get A 700 Credit Score?
Unsure how to fix credit score? Well, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to achieve a 700 score, depending on various factors such as your starting figure, payment history, and utilization (CUR). Building a good figure requires consistent effort and responsible management with a good credit counselor, but it is relatively easy to achieve.
To improve your grade and avoid a bad reputation, make all payments on time, keep card balances low, limit new applications, monitor your report, and seek help from a credit counselor if needed. With consistent effort and smart money management, you can reach a 700 score and maintain a healthy history.
How To Find Out What Credit Score You Have
You can obtain your grade in Canada from Equifax and TransUnion, the two automatic credit counselor agencies. You are entitled to one free report per year from each agency. To access your account report online, you must provide personal information and answer security questions.
You can also request your report by mail. Additionally, many financial institutions and card companies offer free checks or access to their customers. To find your current figure, request your report from one of the reporting agencies or check with your financial institution or card company.
By regularly monitoring your report and point, you can stay informed about your account standing and take steps to improve it if necessary.
Can I Check My Credit Score For Free?
Certainly, in Canada, you are entitled to a free report once a year from each of the two reporting agencies: Equifax and TransUnion. You can request your account report online or by mail. To access your report online, you must provide your personal information and answer some security questions.
The report will show your credit history, including payment history and outstanding debt, which are used to calculate your creditworthiness. Checking your report regularly, if possible, with a credit counselor can help you identify any errors or fraudulent activity and allow you to take steps to address them promptly.
How to Build Up Your Credit Score
A good grade is vital for your financial stability and to access favourable loan and repayment terms. Here are some tips on how to fix credit score and improve your overall record:
- Make all payments on time: Late or missed payments can harm your creditworthiness, so make all payments on time.
- Keep card balances low: High account balances can indicate that you’re over-extended, so keep them low and pay them off in full each month.
- Limit new applications: Every time you apply, it shows up on your report and can hurt your record. Limit new applications and only apply when necessary.
- Monitor your report: Regularly monitor your account report to catch any errors or fraudulent activity and address them promptly.
- Seek assistance if needed: If you’re struggling with debt, consider seeking assistance from a credit counselor or financial advisor. They can help you develop a plan to pay down debt and improve your record.
Conclusion
A 700 score is considered good in Canada and opens up many borrowing opportunities. However, it’s crucial to understand how the figures are calculated, how to fix credit score and how to maintain a good record.
Regularly checking your score, consulting a credit counselor, paying bills on time, keeping card balances low, and limiting new applications can help improve and maintain your grade.
FAQs
How to get a 700 credit score fast?
To get a 700 grade fast, focus on paying all bills on time, keeping card balances low, limiting new applications, monitoring your report, and seeking a credit counselor’s assistance if needed.
Is 700 credit score good by FICO?
A 700 score is considered good by FICO and indicates a solid history. It’s not a bad figure at all, especially if you intend to apply for loans.
Why may I need a 700 credit score?
You may need 700 to access favourable loan and credit terms, as well as for financial stability and improved borrowing potential.
Is it good to have a 700 credit score?
Yes, it is good to have a 700 score as it indicates that you have a solid credit history and can help you access favourable loans and terms.