Credit Score 600-649

What a 600-649 Score Means for Your Loan

A 600-649 credit score sits within the middle of Equifax's Fair band (560-659). 600-649 is comfortably inside Equifax's Fair range — a score most Canadians pass through on the way to Good. Personal loan approval is generally straightforward at this level, with a wide range of lenders willing to work with Fair-credit borrowers. See our full credit score ranges guide to compare against other tiers.

What Lenders See at This Score

• A track record of mostly on-time payments over the past 1-2 years
• Utilization that's improved from what it may have been previously
• A mix of credit types viewed favourably
• Income stability weighed alongside, not instead of, your score

Typical Rates & Approval Odds

This is often the range where approval odds jump noticeably compared to sub-580 scores, while rates are still somewhat above what Good-tier borrowers see. Most lenders in our network are comfortable working within this band.

Eligibility Requirements

• 18 years or older (19 in BC, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, and YT)
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Active bank account in your name
• A regular source of income

Tips to Improve Your Score

• Paying more than the minimum on revolving balances accelerates utilization improvement, which matters most at this score level.
• Avoid carrying a balance close to your credit limit even if you pay it off monthly — issuers often report the statement balance, not what you paid.
• A secured loan or line of credit can help build a positive payment record if your credit mix is thin.

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