What credit score do I need for a personal loan in Canada?

Canadian credit scores run from 300 to 900 at Equifax and TransUnion.

• 760+ — best advertised rates, widest lender choice.
• 660–759 — approved by most banks and credit unions.
• 560–659 — approvals usually come from alternative lenders, often 19%–35% APR.
• Below 560 — expect secured loans, a co-signer requirement, or declines.

Score is only part of the decision. Lenders also test your Total Debt Service ratio (all monthly debt payments divided by gross income, generally capped near 44%), how long you have been employed, and whether your income is verifiable. Improving utilization below 30% and clearing collections usually moves a score faster than anything else.