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Plain-language guides to credit, lending, and the markets, written by working credit professionals and reviewed for accuracy.

74 articles

Credit ScoringCanada

What is a decent credit score?

A decent credit score in Canada is roughly 660 to 724 on the 300-900 scale. See where it sits versus the average, what it unlocks, and what it costs you.

Credit ScoringCanada

What is Canada's credit rating?

Canada holds a AAA sovereign rating from Moody's, S&P and DBRS, and AA+ from Fitch. Here is what that means and how it differs from your personal credit rating.

Credit ScoringCanada

How to better your credit score in Canada

Better your credit score in Canada with a 90-day plan: pay on time, cut reported utilization below 30%, and avoid the three myths that quietly slow you down.

Interest & RatesUnited States

Are interest rates expected to go down?

The Fed's own projections show rates easing only slowly: the June 2026 median sees end-2026 near today's level, then a gradual drift toward 3.1%.

Interest & RatesCanada

Are interest rates going down in Canada?

No. As of 2026 the Bank of Canada is holding at 2.25% and no major forecaster expects a cut. Here's why rates stopped falling and what it means for you.

Credit ScoringCanada

Can medical bills affect your credit rating in Canada?

In Canada, a medical bill only affects your credit rating if it goes unpaid and is sent to a collection agency. Here is how that works and how to prevent it.

Credit ScoringCanada

What credit rating do you need for a mortgage in Canada?

You need about 600 for a CMHC-insured mortgage and 680 for the best bank rates in Canada. See the score by path, the R-scale, and what a low rating costs.

Credit ScoringCanada

Does a student loan affect your credit rating?

In Canada, a student loan affects your credit rating through payment history. See how on-time payments help, what default costs, and government vs private.

Credit ScoringCanada

How to build your credit rating in Canada

Building credit from zero in Canada takes time, not tricks. A plain guide to secured cards, credit-builder loans and rent reporting, plus a realistic timeline.

Credit ScoringCanada

What is the highest credit score?

The highest credit score in Canada is 900 on the Equifax and TransUnion scales. Here is how rare a 900 is, why 850 also appears, and if it is worth chasing.

Interest & RatesCanada

How do interest rate hikes affect your mortgage?

A rate hike raises variable mortgage payments right away and fixed payments at renewal. See the mechanism, worked numbers, and what it means for you in Canada.

Credit ScoringUnited States

What is the highest credit score possible?

The highest credit score possible is 850 on FICO and VantageScore, and 900 on industry FICO scores. See how rare a perfect score is and who reaches it.