What is the average credit score in Canada by age?

Credit Score range plays a crucial role in determining an individual’s financial health and ability to obtain credit. In Canada, the credit score percentile is calculated based on an individual’s credit history, including their payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit used, and recent credit inquiries.

The credit score range in Canada is between 300 and 900, with a higher score indicating a better credit rating.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number representing an individual’s creditworthiness based on their credit history. Credit scores are calculated by credit bureaus, such as Equifax and TransUnion, using a formula that considers various factors, including payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit used, and recent credit inquiries.

Canadian Credit Scores range between 300 and 900, with a higher score indicating a better credit rating. A credit score of 650 or above is generally considered a good credit score, while a score below 600 may make it challenging to obtain credit or loans.

How is Credit Score Calculated?

Credit scores in Canada are calculated based on an individual’s credit history in Canada. The factors that affect credit score calculation include:

Payment history –

It refers to the individual’s record of making payments on time. Late payments can negatively impact credit scores.

Credit utilization –

This is the amount of credit an individual uses compared to their total available credit. High credit utilization can negatively impact credit scores.

Length of credit history –

It means how long an individual has had credit. A longer credit history can positively impact credit scores.

Types of credit used –

It identifies the different types of credit an individual has, such as credit cards, loans, or a mortgage.

Recent credit inquiries –

It defines the number of times an individual has applied for credit recently. Multiple credit inquiries can negatively impact credit scores.

The weightage of each factor varies, with payment history and credit utilization having the most significant impact on credit scores. You can also use the online credit score calculator to know your score.

What is the average credit score in Canada?

As of 2021, the average credit score in Canada was around 650-680, depending on the credit reporting agency. However, it is important to note that different credit bureaus may use slightly different scoring models, resulting in variations in the reported average score.

Canadian Credit Score Range	Credit Type
300-560	Poor
560-660	Fair
660-725	Good
725-760	Very Good
760-900	Excellent

Credit Score by age group in Canada

According to recent data from credit bureaus, credit scores in Canada can vary significantly depending on the age group. Here is a breakdown of credit scores by age group:

Ages 18-25: Average credit score of around 650
Ages 26-35: Average credit score of around 660-680
Ages 36-45: Average credit score of around 680-700
Ages 46-55: Average credit score of around 700-720
Ages 56 and older: Average credit score of around 720-740

It is important to note that these averages can vary depending on the credit bureau and scoring model used.

One possible reason for the increase in credit scores with age is that as people get older, they may have had more time to establish a credit history and build a positive payment record. Additionally, older individuals may have more stable employment and financial situations, contributing to higher credit scores.

Factors affecting credit scores for each age group in Canada

There are several factors that can impact credit scores, which can vary depending on the age group. Here are some factors that may affect credit scores for different age groups in Canada, along with some tips for maintaining a good credit score:

Ages 18-25:

Limited credit history: Since many young adults are just starting to establish credit, they may have a limited credit history, which can impact their credit score.
Tips: To build a credit history, consider getting a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. Make sure to make payments on time and keep credit card balances low.

Ages 26-35:

Increased credit usage: This age group may use credit more frequently, such as for mortgages or car loans, which can impact their credit utilization ratio.
Tips: Keep credit card balances low and make payments on time. Consider setting up automatic payments or reminders to avoid missed payments.

Ages 36-45:

Balancing debt and savings: This age group may be balancing debt to credit ratio, such as mortgages and student loans, with saving for retirement and other expenses.
Tips: Make sure to make payments on time and keep credit card balances low. Prioritize paying off high-interest debt, and consider speaking with a financial advisor to develop a long-term savings and debt repayment plan.

Ages 46-55:

Maintaining a good credit mix: This age group may have a mix of different credit types, such as mortgages, car loans, and credit cards, which can impact their credit score.
Tips: Continue making timely payments and keeping credit card balances low. Consider diversifying credit types and avoiding opening too many new credit accounts at once.

Ages 56 and older:

Preparing for retirement: This age group may be preparing for retirement and may have different financial priorities.

Tips: Continue to make payments on time and keep credit card balances low. Consider reviewing and adjusting credit limits as needed, and avoid opening too many new credit accounts.

Conclusion:

In Canada, lenders use the credit score percentile extensively to assess an individual’s creditworthiness. Different age groups may have different credit management behaviors and levels of financial literacy, which can impact their credit scores.

Younger Canadians may be more prone to making credit mistakes due to limited experience, while older Canadians may face challenges maintaining good credit scores due to changes in financial circumstances.

FAQ

What is considered a good credit score in Canada?

A good credit score in Canada typically falls between 660 and 900. However, different lenders and credit bureaus may define what constitutes a good credit score.

What if my credit score is lower than my age group?

If your credit score is lower than your age group’s average in Canada, it may indicate that you have a less favorable credit history or credit utilization than your peers. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as missed or late payments, high credit card balances, collections, or bankruptcies.

Which age group has the highest credit score?

According to a 2021 report by the credit bureau TransUnion, Canadians between the ages of 56-65 had the highest average credit score of 744. This group was followed closely by those aged 66 and older, with an average score of 743.

How can I increase my credit score?

To increase your credit score in Canada, pay bills on time, keep credit utilization low, avoid applying for too much credit at once, check your credit report regularly, maintain a good credit history, and keep old credit accounts open. Consistent effort over time can help improve your credit score.

What credit score should a 25-year-old have?

There is no specific credit score that a 25-year-old should have in Canada. Credit scores can vary widely based on an individual’s credit history, payment behavior, and other factors. That being said, a good credit score generally falls in the range of 660 to 724 or higher in Canada.

Is credit score affected by age?

In Canada, age itself is not a direct factor that affects your credit score. However, your credit history, which includes factors such as your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and types of credit accounts you have, can be influenced by your age and can ultimately affect your credit score.